Chesterbrook Woods, McLean

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP:

I lived in CHesterbrook Woods from 2005-2011, and then we bough another (larger) house off Georgetown Pike in the Langley area. You can't really go wrong with either one. It's an easy drive into DC from either side of McLean. The people generally seem the same, although our experience has been that our neighbors were friendlier in the Langley area. But I suspect that just had more to do with us being more along the same age/stage of life here than we were in Chesterbrook Woods. I'd suggest you just buy whatever house you like on either side.

FWIW, we sold our house in Chesterbrook Woods in under 10 days in 2011--it wasn't exactly a 'hot' market, and the one we bought had been on the market for 4 months.

Recommend you call JD Callender (Callandar?), she specializes in Chesterbrook Woods and might be able to help you find homes there not listed yet.


Plenty of people here send there kids to private, even though the schools are great. We do. Ignore the haters on the board, and the crazy Arlington posters. We came from Arlington, and really like Arlington. McLean just works better for us now.

OK, first of all, Langley is not a close or easy drive into DC. That's why people choose close-in suburbs like Chesterbook Woods. Second of all, Langley is far wealthier than Chesterbrook Woods, so they're not really similar neighborhoods. Finally, what "haters" have been part of this thread? It's been extremely civil. What a strange retort. To 10:29: CC Hills is actually directly across Glebe Road from Chesterbook Woods (although I suppose that technically, Arlington starts on Chesterbrook Road, where you can tell no difference between the old '50s style homes in either county), and it's certainly more affluent. I don't understand at all how you are defining neighborhood boundaries. Look at Arlington County property records to see the official boundaries. In any case, I completely agree that there are no hipsters in either neighborhood. The only thing walkable from that part of Arlington is McLean. And there's nothing walkable in Chesterbrook Woods either. Not exactly a cool scene. Both McLean and Arlington have many different neighborhoods that can't really be generalized, despite posters' attempts to do so. Not all of Arlington is walkable, cool, close to the metro, and full of restaurants. And not all of McLean is Langley/ super wealthy.

Turkey RUn is in Langley. According to Google maps, it's 6.4 miles from there to GU Hospital. Laburnum St. is in Chestervrook Woods. Again ccording to Google Maps, it's 4.8 miles. Sure, it's closer. Turkey Run is a whole mile and a half farther away. Yes, Langley is generally wealthier. But OP has up to $2m, enough to buy in either section.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is the best chesterbrook house ever! Check out the living room size shower

http://www.redfin.com/VA/Mclean/6010-Chesterbrook-Rd-22101/home/9415457

It's been sitting forever - likely because it is right on Chesterbrook, a fairly busy road. OP also consider Chesterbrook Farms which abuts Chesterbrook Woods.

[Anonymous]

It is sold.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OK, first of all, Langley is not a close or easy drive into DC. That's why people choose close-in suburbs like Chesterbook Woods. Second of all, Langley is far wealthier than Chesterbrook Woods, so they're not really similar neighborhoods. Finally, what "haters" have been part of this thread? It's been extremely civil. What a strange retort.

To 10:29: CC Hills is actually directly across Glebe Road from Chesterbook Woods (although I suppose that technically, Arlington starts on Chesterbrook Road, where you can tell no difference between the old '50s style homes in either county), and it's certainly more affluent. I don't understand at all how you are defining neighborhood boundaries. Look at Arlington County property records to see the official boundaries. In any case, I completely agree that there are no hipsters in either neighborhood. The only thing walkable from that part of Arlington is McLean. And there's nothing walkable in Chesterbrook Woods either. Not exactly a cool scene. Both McLean and Arlington have many different neighborhoods that can't really be generalized, despite posters' attempts to do so. Not all of Arlington is walkable, cool, close to the metro, and full of restaurants. And not all of McLean is Langley/ super wealthy.

What exactly is "Langley"? It could refer to Langley Oaks (close to DC and less expensive than many homes in Chesterbrook Woods), Langley Forest (further from DC and more expensive than Chesterbrook Woods), or the Langley HS area (which stretches across the entire northern part of Fairfax County and includes many neighborhoods).

CC Hills is very nice. The more expensive homes in Chesterbrook Woods and CC Hills are very similar, both in style and price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OK, first of all, Langley is not a close or easy drive into DC. That's why people choose close-in suburbs like Chesterbook Woods. Second of all, Langley is far wealthier than Chesterbrook Woods, so they're not really similar neighborhoods. Finally, what "haters" have been part of this thread? It's been extremely civil. What a strange retort.

To 10:29: CC Hills is actually directly across Glebe Road from Chesterbook Woods (although I suppose that technically, Arlington starts on Chesterbrook Road, where you can tell no difference between the old '50s style homes in either county), and it's certainly more affluent. I don't understand at all how you are defining neighborhood boundaries. Look at Arlington County property records to see the official boundaries. In any case, I completely agree that there are no hipsters in either neighborhood. The only thing walkable from that part of Arlington is McLean. And there's nothing walkable in Chesterbrook Woods either. Not exactly a cool scene. Both McLean and Arlington have many different neighborhoods that can't really be generalized, despite posters' attempts to do so. Not all of Arlington is walkable, cool, close to the metro, and full of restaurants. And not all of McLean is Langley/ super wealthy.

What exactly is "Langley"? It could refer to Langley Oaks (close to DC and less expensive than many homes in Chesterbrook Woods), Langley Forest (further from DC and more expensive than Chesterbrook Woods), or the Langley HS area (which stretches across the entire northern part of Fairfax County and includes many neighborhoods).

CC Hills is very nice. The more expensive homes in Chesterbrook Woods and CC Hills are very similar, both in style and price.

Three is a premium on Langley zoned high schools over McLean. I am talking about adjacent neighborhoods not counting farther out and great falls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OK, first of all, Langley is not a close or easy drive into DC. That's why people choose close-in suburbs like Chesterbook Woods. Second of all, Langley is far wealthier than Chesterbrook Woods, so they're not really similar neighborhoods. Finally, what "haters" have been part of this thread? It's been extremely civil. What a strange retort.

To 10:29: CC Hills is actually directly across Glebe Road from Chesterbook Woods (although I suppose that technically, Arlington starts on Chesterbrook Road, where you can tell no difference between the old '50s style homes in either county), and it's certainly more affluent. I don't understand at all how you are defining neighborhood boundaries. Look at Arlington County property records to see the official boundaries. In any case, I completely agree that there are no hipsters in either neighborhood. The only thing walkable from that part of Arlington is McLean. And there's nothing walkable in Chesterbrook Woods either. Not exactly a cool scene. Both McLean and Arlington have many different neighborhoods that can't really be generalized, despite posters' attempts to do so. Not all of Arlington is walkable, cool, close to the metro, and full of restaurants. And not all of McLean is Langley/ super wealthy.

What exactly is "Langley"? It could refer to Langley Oaks (close to DC and less expensive than many homes in Chesterbrook Woods), Langley Forest (further from DC and more expensive than Chesterbrook Woods), or the Langley HS area (which stretches across the entire northern part of Fairfax County and includes many neighborhoods).

CC Hills is very nice. The more expensive homes in Chesterbrook Woods and CC Hills are very similar, both in style and price.

Three is a premium on Langley zoned high schools over McLean. I am talking about adjacent neighborhoods not counting farther out and great falls.

There not Three

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am surprised people think 22207 and 22101 are so different. I understand thinking that about 22201 and 22102, but not the part of Arlington and McLean that border each other. I honestly am not sure where one stops and the other starts.

If you are that close I would chose McLean for the superior schools and the name.

Having a McLean address is much more sought after. I would rather have McLean after my families name on letters than arlington.

When you are in arlington you have to explain "North Arlington" "The Good school district" "Near McLean", with McLean everyone knows it's good.

I live in McLean and I think this is very strange.

Heck - I grew up in McLean (in 22101, went to Langley) and I think this is strange... of course, even though we could've chosen otherwise, we chose Arlington (22207 FWIW) when we decided to buy our "home to raise our family in" so I guess we have different priorities than just what city goes after our name on letters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OK, first of all, Langley is not a close or easy drive into DC. That's why people choose close-in suburbs like Chesterbook Woods. Second of all, Langley is far wealthier than Chesterbrook Woods, so they're not really similar neighborhoods. Finally, what "haters" have been part of this thread? It's been extremely civil. What a strange retort.

To 10:29: CC Hills is actually directly across Glebe Road from Chesterbook Woods (although I suppose that technically, Arlington starts on Chesterbrook Road, where you can tell no difference between the old '50s style homes in either county), and it's certainly more affluent. I don't understand at all how you are defining neighborhood boundaries. Look at Arlington County property records to see the official boundaries. In any case, I completely agree that there are no hipsters in either neighborhood. The only thing walkable from that part of Arlington is McLean. And there's nothing walkable in Chesterbrook Woods either. Not exactly a cool scene. Both McLean and Arlington have many different neighborhoods that can't really be generalized, despite posters' attempts to do so. Not all of Arlington is walkable, cool, close to the metro, and full of restaurants. And not all of McLean is Langley/ super wealthy.

What exactly is "Langley"? It could refer to Langley Oaks (close to DC and less expensive than many homes in Chesterbrook Woods), Langley Forest (further from DC and more expensive than Chesterbrook Woods), or the Langley HS area (which stretches across the entire northern part of Fairfax County and includes many neighborhoods).

CC Hills is very nice. The more expensive homes in Chesterbrook Woods and CC Hills are very similar, both in style and price.

Three is a premium on Langley zoned high schools over McLean. I am talking about adjacent neighborhoods not counting farther out and great falls.

Could be; easier to assert than demonstrate.

On the bright side, there's not a 23-page thread on DCUM about whether McLean (or Yorktown) HS is a "good culture" for kids, at least not yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am surprised people think 22207 and 22101 are so different. I understand thinking that about 22201 and 22102, but not the part of Arlington and McLean that border each other. I honestly am not sure where one stops and the other starts.

If you are that close I would chose McLean for the superior schools and the name.

Having a McLean address is much more sought after. I would rather have McLean after my families name on letters than arlington.

When you are in arlington you have to explain "North Arlington" "The Good school district" "Near McLean", with McLean everyone knows it's good.

Good grief, what pretentious, self absorbed twaddle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am surprised people think 22207 and 22101 are so different. I understand thinking that about 22201 and 22102, but not the part of Arlington and McLean that border each other. I honestly am not sure where one stops and the other starts.

If you are that close I would chose McLean for the superior schools and the name.

Having a McLean address is much more sought after. I would rather have McLean after my families name on letters than arlington.

When you are in arlington you have to explain "North Arlington" "The Good school district" "Near McLean", with McLean everyone knows it's good.

Good grief, what pretentious, self absorbed twaddle.

I think it's just a caricature, or abject trolling. Let's have a virtual beer, or Chardonnay instead, and call it a day.

[Anonymous]

Damn, I live in 22207 Arlington, and always feel a little embarrassed when I have to say "North Arlington, off spout run" to differentiate from Clarendon or South Arlington. Guess I have not made it yet, at least in my mind.

Tear downs here go for 700-1million now, probably because we are closer than McLean to DC, and have easier access to shopping restaurants. But I am lacking an "ARL" magnet, unless you count the baseball and soccer stuff for the kids.

And damn, here I thought the high schools were all pretty much similar in this area. My poor kids....

It's been fun to read this thread. OP's neighborhood choice is great. One of the annoying parts of living here is all the great neighborhoods in these super zips that kind of run together. Better VA than MD though. Just cannot get into MD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am surprised people think 22207 and 22101 are so different. I understand thinking that about 22201 and 22102, but not the part of Arlington and McLean that border each other. I honestly am not sure where one stops and the other starts.

If you are that close I would chose McLean for the superior schools and the name.

Having a McLean address is much more sought after. I would rather have McLean after my families name on letters than arlington.

When you are in arlington you have to explain "North Arlington" "The Good school district" "Near McLean", with McLean everyone knows it's good.

I live in McLean and I think this is very strange.

There is great prestige with having a McLean address. It basically says "You Made it". Same with Potomac, Great Falls or Bethesda (to a lesser extent)

Not so. I know people who are from much nicer areas of the country, and they have to suck it up and say they live in VA now. To friends at home, this means backwoods or worse. Think Deliverance. Again, this is in comparison to where they are from. VA is definitely a step down. I would not be too proud, nor assume that VA (including McLean and/or Arlington) is a step up for everyone. I understand there are people "from everywhere", including flyover states, but this is not everyone.

[Anonymous]

Madame, you have insulted Virginia one too many times. I demand an immediate apology or you shall hear banjos playing on your front lawn!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Madame, you have insulted Virginia one too many times. I demand an immediate apology or you shall hear banjos playing on your front lawn!!

Yup, I can imagine all of the people from the "much nicer" areas being horrified at the multi-million dollar mansions, old trees, hilly roads, and country clubs. So backwoods out here!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Madame, you have insulted Virginia one too many times. I demand an immediate apology or you shall hear banjos playing on your front lawn!!

Yup, I can imagine all of the people from the "much nicer" areas being horrified at the multi-million dollar mansions, old trees, hilly roads, and country clubs. So backwoods out here!

Not really. I kind of feel bad for those who think this is the be all and end all, and are so defensive about it. Its the same people who have nothing constructive to say about it but "maybe its you." You are correct, it is. When you are accustomed to nicer, VA can (!) be a step down to some. It amazes me that there are those who don't realize this, and think most others are from "fly over hell". They are not. You need to get out more. Or are you the kind that try to bash those who live in "McMansions" (your favorite word).

There are places more expensive that this area, where you get less for more. So what is your point?