Shocked how ugly the City of Falls Church is

[Anonymous]

We have been thinking about moving to the City of Falls Church (mainly because of the great schools) and today we visited it for the first time. We were stunned how ugly the area is: mostly run-down shoe boxes with very few newish homes. Can anyone explain to me how this town could become the richest in the country?

"In 2011, Falls Church was named the richest county in the United States with median annual household income of $113,313" Wikipedia

Truly depressing. And the school situation is quite bizarre, with the kids being shipped to four schools, three of which are not within the city boundaries. Only the school for the grades 2-4 is within walking distance to homes within the city boundary.

I'm sorry, I do not mean to insult the inhabitants, I'm just amazed why this area is supposed to be so appealing. The two metro stations are not really walkable, either.

[Anonymous]

Well that's depressing. We have been thinking maybe Falls Church is an option for us.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a hit-and-run to me. Maybe the OP is one of those folks who don't like the water bills they get from FCC.

[Anonymous]

Not sure where you are getting your info, OP, but Falls Church is a city, not a county. Maybe you are confusing it with Fairfax County? Also, "ugly" is in the eye of the beholder. I, for instance, consider the new construction, cookie-cutter McMansion filled subdivisions ugly and depressing. To each their own.

[Anonymous]

I don't think Falls Church City is especially "ugly" in the way you describe it, which makes me wonder if you actually wandered into parts of Fairfax or Arlington. The issue with FCC as far as I'm concerned is it's basically an island in a traffic nightmare and trying to go anywhere guarantees a hassle.

[Anonymous]

I agree, op! I live in the Fairfax County area with a FC address so I know FCC well but have no vested interest (although I do get their outrageous water bills!).

There are some cute old houses in FCC and some new tear downs. The rest are pretty ugly, though. "Downtown" FCC is relatively walkable and there is a decent farmer's market, but otherwise, nothing to write home about. The schools are supposed to be very good and a lot of people like the elementary school model. I hear it gets really small feeling by high school, though, but the high school is very highly rated (and I'm a little jealous of that).

I think FCC is a little overpriced for what you get, but if I found the right thing at the right price, I'd be happy there.

[Anonymous]

OP you are right on. I had the same feeling the first time I saw it. I still wonder what all the hullaballoo is about....if you take out the (supposedly) superior schools there's not much to it. And to the PP who mentioned McMansions - have you seen some of the McMansions that have gone up in FCC?? Truly gaudy

[Anonymous]

Did you look in Broadmont? Virginina Forest? Poplar Heights? There are some really lovely, woodsy area of FCC with a great mix of old and new homes. Tons and tons of new builds, if that's what you're seeking. Lots of the homes on the main streets aren't very appealing, but if you drive into some of the neighborhoods south of Broad or before you hit the main "downtown" area, I think you'll see some homes you'll like. That being said, none of those homes were for sale when we were looking! There is very little turnover in FCC, so you have to be prepared to wait for the right home to list or settle for something that may not be your dream.

[Anonymous]

Turns out the county is going to give the city the land on which Henderson and Mason reside as part of a deal to buy the FCC-owned water utility:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/fairfax-county-falls-church-halt-water-war-with-tentative-40-million-sale-of-utility/2012/11/20/9f91bb72-3357-11e2-bfd5-e202b6d7b501_story.html

I agree FCC is kind of ugly, but at least it will have more control over its schools.

[Anonymous]

We were also unimpressed with the City of Falls Church. We ended up buying a place in Vienna and have been very happy. most schools in Vienna are also excellent.

[Anonymous]

I agree that FCC is an aesthetic disappointment. We looked here a year ago and couldn't believe the prices in relation to what was being offered for the money. I think in any metro area other than DC FCC would be lmiddle class and nothing special. Around here, however, the lack of true towns with their own schools and a community feel make it highly sought after. Many suburbs of NY or Boston are nicer and cheaper than FCC.

[Anonymous]

What's the deal with water in FCC?

[Anonymous]

Aren't there new homes near 66, right up near the road?

[Anonymous]

OP, look in Falls Church, but Fairfax County. Nicer areas.

[Anonymous]

Most of NoVa is ugly. Falls Church is no exception.