Areas around Dunn Loring/Vienna Metros

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a house in the $550K - $600K range around the Vienna or Dunn Loring Metros. Are there any areas that would be advisable to avoid or preferable to look in?

I've never heard anything about the area that concerned me, but who knows unless you live there. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Just an FYI... there is some crime (mostly minor) near both of these stops (not "bad" like SE Washington, but comparatively bad). Merrifield has some more noticeable gang activity and associated crime (car vandalism, drug sales, etc.). It's mostly minor, and it mostly is confined to certain people in certain places... so just pick a nice neighborhood. Parts of Fairfax city also have some similar crime, and there is some low income housing near Fairfax Circle. But...

Near Dunn Loring, there is a great little neighborhood just north of the station off Gallows road called "Dunn Loring Woods". Really cute.

Near the Fairfax station, there is "Vienna Woods" and "Mosby Woods". Both are very nice, safe, little neighborhoods.

Both of those neighborhoods should have lots of options in that price range...

[Anonymous]

I've lived there for three years, closer to Vienna metro. Some good stuff, very close to major roads (66, 495), very convenient). Like the quick commute to Tysons down Cedar Lane. I have not noticed any crime in my neighborhood (Briarwood Farms). The older homes are in your range. We did put in a security system when we moved in as people mentioned petty crime/gangs but I have not noticed either. There is a homeless shelter at Fairfax Circle and noticed in nicer months a homeless person or two sleeping in the woods near Villa Lee Park.

My neighborhood has two tot lots we can walk to within 1/2 mile...one brand new. The neighbors are really nice.

Also, Merrifield Town Center has been approved and already am seeing some new restaurants. Panera just moved in and Four Sisters in Eden Center is moving there.

Only thing I miss from living in Falls Church is proximity to more shopping. No Target, Kohls, Wal-Mart etc really convenient.

[Anonymous]

Most of the crime is happening in the Lee Highway corridor east of Gallows. Several robberies at the Video Warehouse in the 7000 region of Lee Hwy. Once or twice with a gun, another with a knife. Several muggings along there. Also the gangs are heavy in that Falls Church part of Lee Hwy. Before I moved closer to Vienna Metro, my car in garden condos near Jaguar Trail was vandalized twice, police said it was likely a big Asian gang based on the inscriptions they found keyed in my car.

[Anonymous]

There are pockets of not-so-good areas, but these areas are getting cleaned up. In fact, Merrifield is going under a huge facelift and they just built a high rise of condos with a Panera and some fitness center underneath.

There is also Metro West which is spitting distance from Vienna metro. I think those go for $500+. It is still being built though (not sure how soon you are looking to move).

Circle Towers is pretty dumpy and rather crime ridden (car break-ins, assault, etc.).

I've lived here for 8 years now and it looks like the previous posters have pretty much summarized what I would've said.

Happy house hunting.

[Anonymous]

I live in Dunn Loring Woods. We haven't experienced any crime and feel really safe walking around the neighborhood. My husband walks home from the metro often before sunrise and after dark and hasn't had any issues. A lot of older people live in the neighborhood...they are very nice, friendly, courteous. There should be lots of homes in your price range.