Moving to Falls Church

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of moving to falls church. We're looking for family friendly neighborhoods and good schools. I'd love to hear from folks who live there about what they like the most. Thanks

[Anonymous]

be careful of the Falls Church City tax-maybe you should think about Vienna--just like Falls Church but without that tax.

[Anonymous]

Vienna has a tax too! - at least on food.

The Dollar Menu at McDonalds will cost you a $1.09!

Fairfax City also has a "double tax" - county and city tax.

[ipsabio]

There's a "but" to Falls Church City ... sure taxes are higher but the schools are top notch, the neighborhoods safe and there are lots of community activities within walking distance for folks. I'd wouldn't live in Falls Church unless it was Falls Church City. There are some very sketchy neighborhoods in the outskirts. Check out the neighborhoods off of Great Falls ... lots of kids and families.

[Anonymous]

you're not moving me--Vienna has the same thing and the houses are in the same range and it's only a town over.

[Anonymous]

But in Vienna your main routes are 123 and 66...which both STINK. At least in Falls Church you can escape thruogh backroads, 7, toll road, 495 and 123. It's further in and much more convenient. And the schools are WAY better than Vienna.

[Anonymous]

OP here... I love Vienna and have a good friend that lives there but they complain about the commute quite a bit. Even though it's just one town over, Falls Church seems a lot closer in. I did get the feeling that Falls Church had some good neighborhoods and sketchy ones... any further advice about what parts to live in would be great. Does anyone know what exactly the tax rate is in falls church city?

[Anonymous]

You should check out the Sleepy Hollow Manor or Buffalo Hills area.

[Anonymous]

We are also thinking of moving to Falls Church....what are the "sketchy" neighborhoods?

[Anonymous]

I would try to live in the city of Falls Church itself, because the schools are very good. I think that most of the city itself is fine, but there are probably blocks that are not so good and you will probably be able to tell when you look at the house. I also like the area that is Falls Church but in Fairfax County but attends McLean High School.

[Anonymous]

There are some sketchy parts of Falls Church. Try the zip 22046...it's Falls Church, but feeds into Mclean HS and is closer "in".

I in no way would compare it to Vienna. You have to fight 123 or 66...couldn't pay me enough to move out there!

[Anonymous]

As someone who lives near Merrifield, between Falls Church and Vienna.... go for Falls Church if you can. You definitely feel the difference in the commute! (There are sketchy parts of Vienna too.) The only non-housing upside to living near/in Vienna is that if you metro to DC, you almost always get a seat on metro and parking fills up a wee bit later.

(I'd move closer in, but can't afford it on my income.)

[Anonymous]

what are the sketchy parts of Falls Church? We are looking in the Sleepy Hollow area, but want to get a sense of what that neighborhood is like.

[Anonymous]

Seriously, what mailing address doesn't have "sketchy" areas?! Falls Church is large with a few zip codes. Falls Church City itself is great with great schools. The Sleepy Hollow and Lake Barcroft areas of Falls Church are also very nice and come with a great commute if you have to go to DC.

[Anonymous]

22046, as far as I know (and it's my zip!), is the City of Falls Church and feeds into George Mason High School. It's a great school, as are the two elementary and one middle school that feed into it.

We love living in the City of Falls Church. There are tons of playgrounds, a cute library, and an active community center (with a preschool and lots of classes for young kids). It's also a very walkable community, and it's right in between two metro stops. There are good restaurants of all ethnic backgrounds, several coffee shops, and it's close to a Giant, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. There are two good pediatricians nearby. It's also a quick drive down to Tysons.

As far as sketchy areas, the City is pretty safe, though it's always important to be careful, no matter where you live. I'm not as familiar with the Sleepy Hollow area, though the neighborhoods near Congressional seem nice.