Moving-Easy Commute to Ft. Belvoir-Springfield/Burke?

[Anonymous]

Right now I am living in Loudoun county and LOVE it. I commute to Tysons (with flex hours 30min each way) and DH commutes to Herndon (15min each way). However, in the next 2 yrs DH is going to probably have to spend most of his time rotating between Bethesda, Tysons, and Belvior with the bulk of his time at Belvior. Belvior is a treacherous commute from Loudoun County and is not something we will consider doing. We pretty much have to move, because the bulk of my husband’s future work will revolve around Belvior with the BRAC realignment.

I'm very sad to leave Loudoun. I have a home with a big yard, big trees, and a tiny mortgage. I have met wonderful people out here who are really down to earth. Frankly after reading this site, I'm a bit take aback and really don't want to move closer in, given the attitudes of people who I see posting on DCUM, presumably living closer in. Hopefully some of the most venomous posters are few and far between.

Anyways, with a commute between Tysons and Belvior, I was thinking of checking out neighborhoods in West Springfield and Burke. I understand that W. Springfield is a good high school. What about elementary schools in Springfield, any recommendations? Also, I know nothing about Burke. Is there one high school that feeds Burk? What about the elementary schools?

Both of those areas appeal to me because of the old trees and the older neighborhoods. A realtor told me also that Springfield has the most parks of any other region in NoVA. My upper price limit is 500K and I don't think we will have a hard time with that, given the current market conditions. We are also not looking to move until next summer at the earliest, so I suppose prices will come down even more between now and then. However, I do think both areas will be a great investment. With ALL of the thousands of workers that will now be pouring into Belvior, the rental and resale market in that area will only go up with the high demand for housing that is sure to come.

Any neighborhood suggestions?

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I live in West Springfield and honestly don't think you'll find it "mean DCUMish" here. I would suggest looking in some of the neighborhoods off Sydenstricker between the Parkway and Old Keene Mill. The elementary schools are great, and depending on the house, also walkable. The houses should be in your price range and many have lovely established trees.

[Anonymous]

Burke feeds into both Robinson and Lake Braddock SS, depending on the area in Burke where you live. I live in Burke, we really like it. Burke Centre is a HUGE neighborhood with pools and playgrounds throughout. Depending on what section you live in depends on the style of house. There are other neighborhoods that aren't Burke Centre that are nice also. The schools are good throughout.

[Anonymous]

To the PP-useful information about Burke. We've thought about living in Burke because it feels so family-friendly but there seems to be a very limited number of restaurants and shops but perhaps we're unfamiliar with the area. Is this true? Springfield seems to have a lot more restaurants, shops, mall, doctors' offices, etc.

[Anonymous]

You're right about the restaurants, there are not a ton. But you're close to Fairfax City and Springfield, where there are more options. It hasn't bothered us much, when we go out with the kids there are plenty of family friendly places in Burke. When it's H and me alone we tend to venture farther anyway. Our dentist and kids' dentist in within a couple of minuted and the pediatrician is 10 minutes. I usually go to Fair Oaks for mall shopping when necessary.