Falls Church, Alexandria or Arlington Schools?
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Anonymous
I completely disagree. Go to most any old suburb of any US city and you will find similarly sized and attractive homes that appeal to the buyers that like older communities. So no, 90% of North Arlington homes are not tear downs when compared to similar suburbs of the same age anywhere in the US. For people genuinely attracted to Arlington, I'd say that about 30% of the homes are tear downs, and new construction can complement the existing neighborhoods. You see this a lot in neighborhoods like Lyon Park. The newer homes are custom designed to fit in with the neighborhood, but often include 5+ bedrooms and a two car garage. And firms like Morris Day build quality additions to existing homes that might have 3 bedrooms and a small kitchen. Just because a home is old and has 3-4 bedrooms, does not mean it's automatically a tear down. That's silly. And it's unwise to compare Arlington to new subdivisions in far-flung suburbs and infill projects where the market has favored larger 5+ bedroom homes with two if not three car garages at various price points depending on the quality/type of construction. Today, no one builds neighborhoods like those in Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rosemont/Del Ray/Beverly Hills in Alexandria, Spring Valley, Takoma Park etc, because it's not financially or logistically feasible. The quality of construction for some of these old homes are impeccable, and people move there because of the character of those neighborhoods. The OP is interested in non of this, but there are plenty of new, larger homes and attractive Mcmansions in Falls Church and Alexandria, in addition to building on a lot in Arlington if the OP is willing to spend a little more. |
Anonymous
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you can also check out the housing info from
www.franklymls.com good luck. |
Anonymous
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OP, do you need all-new construction, or would a thorough remodel work for you?
Also, one reason that people in Arlington tend to remodel/add on is that there are restrictions as far setbacks, etc, and remodels can be a way of working around them. Also, you won't end up with something that looks like http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/images/Gallery/Gallery3.jpg |
Anonymous
haha! Someone posted that photo earlier in the thread as an example of an attractive mcmansion, and an example of an attractive N Arlington home. too funny. People actually do spend top dollar for an old house, because they are better built than most new homes today. That house in the link above is probably built with cheap new growth pine that will not stand the test of time. If you do build a new house, spend wisely: I see BCN and Tradition Homes signs all over town. And there are probably better builders. Or hire an architect. And buy top quality wood. |
Anonymous
| City of Falls Church is a great place - walkable, family friendly, great schools. I bought my house last year for $750K and is very nice sized (5 bedroom, 4 FB, 3000 sq ft), great yard. Definitely need to keep your eyes peeled and act quickly (I had alerts set up on RedFin for FC, Mclean, and Arlington area) and put the offer in the day after it went on the market. I love it here! |
Anonymous
Its all a mater of opinion. I would take that NDI home over a tiny North Arlington in the same neighborhood in a 1 second. look at the great layout and room. From an investor's standpoint new construction is ALWAYS a better ROI and you get modern layouts.  Also look below and you can see they build quality items. The renovators and "custom home" construction contractors have been RIPPING OFF the DC area for years. Go up north and you can get brand new 3000 sqrft homes for 200k and this is including land.
http://www.ndimd.com/home_detail.php?id=27 This house is designed for lots that require a home with a 31.5 feet maximum width. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths it is much larger than it appears. The 2,860 sq. ft. includes a master suite with a large master bath and his and hers walk in closets, as well as a study and large family room with a fireplace. Home Specifications •Square Footage: 2860 •Bedrooms: 4 •Bathrooms: 3.5 •Price: $Contact For Pricing Home Features •31.5 feet wide •Master suite with a walk-in closet •3 additional bedrooms and 2.5 baths •Family room with wood burning fireplace •Large kitchen with breakfast nook •Formal dining room •Study •2-car garage ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED Computer Generated Energy Modeling from a RESNET Certified Company Home Energy Rating (HERS) Certificate from RESNET Certified Inspector Air Duct Leakage Test & Blower Door Test (proves minimal air leaks) R-38 Insulation in Attic R-15 Wall Insulation R-11 Basement Wall Insulation Air Seal Package (seals gaps & penetrations in exterior walls) House Wrap (acts as air & moisture barrier to protect home from mold) Energy Star Rated, Double Hung, LoE Glass Windows (windows are Jeld-Wen) Stainless Steel, Energy Star Rated GE Appliances ADDITIONAL ENERGY SAVING FEATURES Energy Efficient Dual Zone Heating & Air Conditioning Energy Efficient Water Heater Gas Rough In for Optional Gas Fixtures 2 or 3 Car Garage with Wayne-Dalton Insulated Garage Door with Automatic Opener HEALTHY HOME BUILDING MATERIALS Resource Efficient Design including Engineered Floor System Moisture Resistant AdvanTech Engineered Sub-flooring (#1 brand for engineered products) Moisture Resistant Engineered OSB Wall & Roof Sheathing Moisture Resistant Backer Board behind Tubs & Showers Full, Unfinished Basement with Waterproof Foundation Wall Barrier Interior & Exterior Foundation Drain with Sump Pump Moisture Resistant Drywall used in Optional Finished Basement Areas Window & Door Flashing Air Supplies Covered During Construction Low VOC Materials & Finishes (improves indoor air quality) Carpet Pad made with Recycled Material QUALITY CONTSTRUCTION METHODS Sub-flooring Glued, Nailed & Screwed Drywall Glued, Screwed & Nailed Engineered Exterior & Interior Foundation Drainage System Low Maintenance Exteriors MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES $5000 Architectural Allowance Excavation/Backfill/Final Grade/Seed/Straw Onsite Dumpster & Porta-John QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS Pre Construction Meeting Onsite Foundation Walk Through Meeting Onsite Framing Walk Through Meeting Onsite Pre-Drywall Walk Through Meeting Onsite Cabinet Walk Through Meeting Onsite Pre-Settlement Walk Through Meeting Onsite 30 Day Post Settlement Walk Through Meeting Onsite 11 Month Post Settlement Walk Through Meeting 2 Year Mechanical Warranty 10 Year Structural Warranty (Mechanical & Structural Warranty backed by the exclusive Quality Builders Warranty Corporation) Builder reserves the right to make changes without notice LIMITED GEOGRAPHIC AREA Updated January 2011 Legacy Series Standard Features HIGH QUALITY EXTERIOR FEATURES Brick or Stone (per design) Low Maintenance, Beaded Vinyl Siding 30 Year Architectural Style Roof Shingles Double Hung, LoE Glass Windows by Jeld-Wen Insulated Exterior Entry Door Garage Interior Finished Walkout Basement Exit with Sliding Glass Door HIGH QUALITY INTERIOR FEATURES 2.25” Wide Hardwood in Foyer & Powder Room Choice of 2.25” Hardwood or 12x12 Ceramic Tile in Kitchen & Nook 12x12 Ceramic Tile in Laundry Room Designer Carpet & Upgraded Carpet Pad Direct Vent Gas Fireplace with Colonial Wood Mantle & Slate Surround 2 Piece Crown Molding in Living Room, Dining Room, Foyer & 2nd Floor Hallway Shadow Box Trim in Foyer & Dining Room Chair Rail in Living Room, Foyer & Dining Room Colonial Window & Door Trim & 4.5” Base Trim Throughout 2 Panel Interior Doors with Choice of Brushed Nickel or Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Hardware Ventilated Pantry and Closet Shelving 2 Tone Interior Paint 9’ Walls on Main Level 8’ Basement Walls with Reinforced Concrete & Triple Plate (yields 8’-1/2” net ceiling height) GOURMET KITCHEN FEATURES Designer Maple Cabinets by KraftMaid Includes dovetail drawer construction, under mount drawer glides, soft close drawer feature & more! Granite Countertops with Excalibur Double Bowl Under Mount Sink and Moen Extensa Faucet Stainless Steel, Energy Star Rated GE Appliances Includes 2 year GE warranty. Choice of Designer Cabinet Knobs MASTER BATHROOM FEATURES Designer Maple Vanities by KraftMaid with Cultured Marble Countertops 12x12 Ceramic Tile Floor, Shower & Soaking Tub Surround Moen Faucets in Brushed Nickel Elongated Commode by American Standard SECONDARY BATHROOM FEATURES Designer Oak Vanities by KraftMaid with Cultured Marble Countertops 6x6 Ceramic Tile Floor & Tub Surround Moen Faucets in Brushed Nickel Elongated Commode by American Standard POWDER ROOM FEATURES Pedestal Sink Moen Faucets in Brushed Nickel Elongated Commode by American Standard ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING FEATURES 400 AMP Electrical Service Basement Bathroom Rough In 2 Exterior Garden Hose Bibs (Front & Rear) Kitchen Garbage Disposal Washer & Dryer Hookups Security System with Exterior Door Contacts & Glass Break Deterrent System Structured Wiring System Ceiling Fan Pre-wire in Family Room Recessed Lights in Kitchen, Full Baths & Hallways |
Anonymous
We have time on our side. Our oldest is 3 years old. I just want to buy a home by the time he starts kindergarten in 2 years. I was overwhelmed with the number of choices so I was trying to narrow it down to elementary schools and zip codes. I find it easy to find the good high schools. It's hard to differentiate between the elementary schools. DH should be making significantly more money in the future. Even if I don't get my dream house now, I'd like to be in the right neighborhood. Then eventually we can upgrade the house and still be in the same neigborhood. I love architecture and can appreciate the cozy homes in some older neighborhoods. It is just not my preference of home. I grew up in one of those older neighborhoods. My parents have been renovating their home for the past 20 years. They are constantly remodeling and upgrading their old home. |
Anonymous
That sounds like exactly what I want. I'm just trying to do preliminary research on schools before wasting the time of a realtor. |
Anonymous
| 15:05, I wasn't trying to insult your house or crap on your achievement of being able to afford a house you love. I'm sorry if it came across that way. |
Anonymous
That's cool you found a home/builder you like. That builder is more affordable than the high-end ones that are doing brisk business in Arlington, McLean and Bethesda, but many of its homes use cheaper materials (90s-era vinyl siding except for a brick front elevation), the exterior detailing is sparse, and the design is uninspired, poorly proportioned and does not relate well to the context of Arlington's older neighborhoods. Overall the house looks "cheap." You might think the high end builders are ripping people off, but their designs, materials, and the interior appliances and detailing are better than those of the home you quoted. The high-end designs are more expensive because those builders often have actual licensed architects and materials experts as part of the design team. The lower-end builders usually design without consulting an architect and use cheaper materials. According to the specs, your home does not have hardwood floors in every room (just in a portion of the first level), there is no mention of the type of wood used in construction, and everything else on that list is nothing special. Cheaper materials is one reason why many newer homes require more maintenance than older more robustly built homes. Moreover, the specs by themselves don't tell the whole story. You might love the design and spacious floor plans, but I would suspect that most, especially those that buy in Arlington, would not. For many buyers in older suburbs, new trends like open floor plans, open kitchens, etc hold little appeal. And those that do want to update their home or want a larger home tend to choose a high-end builder to renovate or rebuild. A beautiful Tudor in Lyon Village is currently under renovation/expansion, and it relates well to the neighboring homes. It will very likely have those granite countertops and an open floor plan that is all the rage these days. And the house, originally built in the 1930s, will probably be assessed at three times the value of the brand new NDI home. So, I also disagree that newer construction is always better from an investment standpoint. The assessments of the homes in DC's older suburbs have held their value quite well. And not everyone likes brand new construction; people who buy an old Victorian in Takoma Park or Maywood are indeed making a very good investment. Style is a matter of opinion (as you implied), and we'll agree to disagree, but like I said before, I don't think that the house you like, as designed, would have much appeal in Arlington or Bethesda, etc... It will sell, but it won't be loved by the neighbors who would prefer the higher-end, more contextually appropriate designs that are currently very popular. And if that makes them style snobs,... so what. |
Anonymous
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Is there a reason you're not looking into the Falls Church part of Fairfax County? The area around the West Falls Church metro has great schools. (Falls Church, 22043)
There are some enclaves of brand new homes going in right now along Shreve Rd. Here's a link to one... http://www.skhomes.com/communities/Falls%20Place/ (The street and surrounding neighborhood that this enclave is on is absolutely full of kids. If I had it to do all over again, it is the kind of neighborhood I would have wanted. ) Much of this 22043 is either zoned for Shrevewood Elementary/Kilmer Middle/Marshall High or Haycock Elementary/Longfellow Middle/McLean High I have had kids at both Shrevewood and Haycock and I would highly recommend both. Shrevewood has a new principal who is absolutely wonderful and is very community oriented. |
Anonymous
So you are saying these homes look less dumpy? 
So you would pick the above homes over these and you think these look cheap?? http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=508 http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=600 http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=503 http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=513 http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=D32 http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=509 |
Anonymous
For some reason, I thought the Fairfax County Falls Church was not good. Maybe I was misinformed. I was told there are some sketchy parts of Falls Church. When we first started the house search (just 1 week ago), we put in Falls Church on realtor.com and found several wonderful homes. I was disappointed when I found out they were on the wrong side of Falls Church. Perhaps I should investigate Falls Church further. Falls Church (City or Fairfax) seems ideal when looking at a map. |
Anonymous
Thanks for postings the links. Those are better ndi homes than the ones I've seen, and would blend in much better! For people that can't afford a luxury home builder with all the bells and whistles, ndi might just be a decent option. Concerning the pics of older homes: For people that like to restore old craftsmans, the top home could be a good project depending on the state of the interior. As it is, it needs work, and the new owners would probably remove the cheap siding added in the 60s or 70s to reveal the original wood slats. And if they wanted a thorough renovation/rebuild, most builders would keep at least some elements of the older home in the new much larger one, such as the foundation with the vintage concrete blocks, or a fireplace and stained railings/moldings. So yes it looks a bit dumpy right now, but it's not a lost cause. The bottom house in Lyon Village is quite beautiful, although some of the slate roof tiles look a little discolored in the photo. You should see it in person; that street and the adjacent ones are some of the most appealing in Arlington. Rows of 1930s-era Colonial Revivals and other diverse styles help to make this a beautiful neighborhood. The house itself has a large master bedroom suite constructed in an addition that integrates well with the original 4 bedroom house. The addition also has a large media room. The attic is finished, and could be an additional bedroom. The construction of those old homes (especially the pre 1950s brick ones) are very solid. I realize not everyone wants an old home, and that's fine. New construction, even 3-4,000 sf homes, can blend in. The old ramblers in Broyhill Forest are nothing special however (to most people), which is why there are a lot of complete rebuilds in that area. The 1950s Broyhill homes throughout Northern Va were always very simple and small. Not ugly, but not appealing by today's standards. |
Anonymous
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