Any scoop on Great Falls, Va?

[Anonymous]

Growing up in this area, I knew a random kid or two who lived there. Yes, they had a big house with lots of land but they didn't have any neighbors to play with when younger and when we were in high school we didn't want to hang out there either. Nothing to do, long drive from hang out places, too far from other friends and several parents didn't like the drive to get to their homes in the dark- winding roads, no lights, hidden entrances/exits.

I think it's a nice area but I think more of retired people or those with much older kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Growing up in this area, I knew a random kid or two who lived there. Yes, they had a big house with lots of land but they didn't have any neighbors to play with when younger and when we were in high school we didn't want to hang out there either. Nothing to do, long drive from hang out places, too far from other friends and several parents didn't like the drive to get to their homes in the dark- winding roads, no lights, hidden entrances/exits.

I think it's a nice area but I think more of retired people or those with much older kids.

Neighborhoods go through cycles. There was a time when Great Falls was full of kids and FCPS had to build new schools (such as Colvin Run ES, which opened in 2003) to accommodate them. Now the population is older and the schools are under-enrolled, but some people might prefer that to the overcrowded schools in Arlington or near Tysons. At some point the homes will turn over and there will be more younger families.

[Anonymous]

No opinion on GF, but I grew up in another part of the country in an area where lots were multi-acre each with their own septic and well water. To that end, neither was gross. I personally didn't care for the taste of well water compared to city water, but that's a personal preference. We never once had a septic issue, and my parents had that house for almost 30yrs.

One drawback, and I can't speak for GF, but again for living in a similar environment is that it can be tough on young kids. Until I had my own license my ability to have playdates or hang out with other kids was really dependent on moms willing to drive. There wasn't the easy meet up that you find in more traditional suburban neighborhoods. My parents loved the space. I hated it. Now I realize it was a lovely home in a lovely area, but at the time felt very isolated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Growing up in this area, I knew a random kid or two who lived there. Yes, they had a big house with lots of land but they didn't have any neighbors to play with when younger and when we were in high school we didn't want to hang out there either. Nothing to do, long drive from hang out places, too far from other friends and several parents didn't like the drive to get to their homes in the dark- winding roads, no lights, hidden entrances/exits.

I think it's a nice area but I think more of retired people or those with much older kids.

We used to live in Vienna and our kids went to a preschool with some kids who lived in Great Falls. Our kids loved to visit the kids who lived in Great Falls. Many of the homes had swimming pools and tennis courts and there was so much room to run around. I guess it was further from the mall or a nightclub where teenagers try to sneak in underage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Growing up in this area, I knew a random kid or two who lived there. Yes, they had a big house with lots of land but they didn't have any neighbors to play with when younger and when we were in high school we didn't want to hang out there either. Nothing to do, long drive from hang out places, too far from other friends and several parents didn't like the drive to get to their homes in the dark- winding roads, no lights, hidden entrances/exits.

I think it's a nice area but I think more of retired people or those with much older kids.

We used to live in Vienna and our kids went to a preschool with some kids who lived in Great Falls. Our kids loved to visit the kids who lived in Great Falls. Many of the homes had swimming pools and tennis courts and there was so much room to run around. I guess it was further from the mall or a nightclub where teenagers try to sneak in underage.

Really because Vienna has plenty of neighborhood homes with enough land to run around and plenty of wooded type areas.

Pools and tennis courts weren't any big deal though for us growing up because every neighborhood had them and everyone belonged to their local swim/tennis club. As teens, we wanted to go to the pool to see and be seen and also to "lie out" . Hanging out in someone's shaded backyard wasn't quite the same as going to the pool where you knew your crush was lifeguarding.

Again, nothing wrong with the area but I think anyone looking to purchase there needs to consider lifestyle choices and be realistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Growing up in this area, I knew a random kid or two who lived there. Yes, they had a big house with lots of land but they didn't have any neighbors to play with when younger and when we were in high school we didn't want to hang out there either. Nothing to do, long drive from hang out places, too far from other friends and several parents didn't like the drive to get to their homes in the dark- winding roads, no lights, hidden entrances/exits.

I think it's a nice area but I think more of retired people or those with much older kids.

We used to live in Vienna and our kids went to a preschool with some kids who lived in Great Falls. Our kids loved to visit the kids who lived in Great Falls. Many of the homes had swimming pools and tennis courts and there was so much room to run around. I guess it was further from the mall or a nightclub where teenagers try to sneak in underage.

Really because Vienna has plenty of neighborhood homes with enough land to run around and plenty of wooded type areas.

Pools and tennis courts weren't any big deal though for us growing up because every neighborhood had them and everyone belonged to their local swim/tennis club. As teens, we wanted to go to the pool to see and be seen and also to "lie out" . Hanging out in someone's shaded backyard wasn't quite the same as going to the pool where you knew your crush was lifeguarding.

Again, nothing wrong with the area but I think anyone looking to purchase there needs to consider lifestyle choices and be realistic.

You don't need to tell me about Vienna. Just saying that Great Falls had a different, more rural feel. Big lots in Vienna (outside the town) are usually about an acre. In Great Falls they might be several acres.

Different teens have different priorities. Some might prefer going to a neighborhood pool. Others might consider the neighborhood pool as a place where tweens hang out and prefer inviting friends to a pool at their own house.

I'd expect that anyone considering Great Falls is smart enough to be realistic about the lifestyle choice they are making.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great falls was a little too rural for us, but it certainly is a very pretty and affluent area. We settled for western McLean outside of the beltway that's closer to Tysons.

This is us

[Anonymous]

Versus Vienna, McLean and Fairfax with all those crazy nightclubs to sneak into. HAHAHA.

Great Falls is nice, but there are also some negatives as pp's have mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Versus Vienna, McLean and Fairfax with all those crazy nightclubs to sneak into. HAHAHA.

Great Falls is nice, but there are also some negatives as pp's have mentioned.

Every place has some negatives, including but certainly not limited to Vienna, McLean and Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

We are strongly considering Great Falls. Could anyone comment on how long the drive on Georgetown Pike is from Walker Rd to the Beltway around 6:30 in the morning? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Great falls real estate values are falling a slow death. People aren't valuing the distance and space anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow- ok. We live in GF and wouldn't live anywhere else. It's a small town feel with beautiful homes and friendly people. Great public schools with close access to private schools like Potomac, Langley, Nysmith. Easy drive to Reston, Mclean and Tysons.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great falls real estate values are falling a slow death. People aren't valuing the distance and space anymore.

It's the most expensive zip code in the entire DC region, measured by both values and median sale prices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great falls real estate values are falling a slow death. People aren't valuing the distance and space anymore.

No, no, no. McLean person, you can calm down. No one is trying to undermine you personally.

IMO, I would take GF over McLean in a heartbeat. If you value space and privacy, GF is for you, OP. Don't listen to the know it all know nothing, who tries to tell you what you want or need. If the market tanks in McLean, it will tank in GF. Which is to say, it will not. It's okay McLean, don't worry your pretty little head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are strongly considering Great Falls. Could anyone comment on how long the drive on Georgetown Pike is from Walker Rd to the Beltway around 6:30 in the morning? Thanks!

From there, at 6:30 - 15 mins, 20 mins max.