House budget of $450k. Looking for good schools. Where to buy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pimmit Hills? Not recommended at any price range.

What's better than a house guaranteed to skyrocket in value, a 1/4 to 1/2 acre yard, and the choice between Marshall (IB) or McLean(AP) for HS?

I don't believe any houses in PH are zoned for McLean HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I think Edison offers as many opportunities as Marshall. Maybe not Robinson. But compare a neighborhood like Wilton Woods or Kingstowne with Pimmit Hills. Really nice homes compared to, well, there's been enough written already about how awful Pimmit Hills is and it's true.

You'd have to get to HS first. What about ES/MS options in the Edison pyramid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pimmit Hills? Not recommended at any price range.

What's better than a house guaranteed to skyrocket in value, a 1/4 to 1/2 acre yard, and the choice between Marshall (IB) or McLean(AP) for HS?

I don't believe any houses in PH are zoned for McLean HS.

There are one or two streets in the back that are, but anyone in pimmit hills can transfer to McLean if they prefer AP over IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm gping to get a lot of hater responses, but pimmit hills is in your budget and the schools are great, they were 9/10's until this past year when the SOL testing was computerized and the scores sank because some FARMS kids arent computer literate enough.

we had the same budget a year ago and PH made the most sense for us. we were also looking in burke, but we wouldve had a TH rather than a SFH, and the commute wouldve been longer. on the plus side, their schools are fantastic and the TH wouldve had more sq ft.

Ugly neighborhood full of chain-link fences and little shacks that have gotten expensive because they aren't far from better areas.

Aren't far? You mean being in Tyson's basically. And not far from where? DC? Mclean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When is this area going to DO something about all the ESL / FARMS? It's costing a fortune and enough is enough.

Yes, when are those lower income and folks with fewer advantages going to move out of the neighborhood so they can become full of bigots like you?

Not soon I hope. Get over yourself. Some of my kids' best pals fall in these categories (which don't define them btw) and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you don't feel you're getting enough and begrudge poorer people, please move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pimmit Hills? Not recommended at any price range.

What's better than a house guaranteed to skyrocket in value, a 1/4 to 1/2 acre yard, and the choice between Marshall (IB) or McLean(AP) for HS?

I don't believe any houses in PH are zoned for McLean HS.

There are one or two streets in the back that are, but anyone in pimmit hills can transfer to McLean if they prefer AP over IB.

I did not know that. Thank you for this tip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I think Edison offers as many opportunities as Marshall. Maybe not Robinson. But compare a neighborhood like Wilton Woods or Kingstowne with Pimmit Hills. Really nice homes compared to, well, there's been enough written already about how awful Pimmit Hills is and it's true.

You'd have to get to HS first. What about ES/MS options in the Edison pyramid?

Bush Hill and Claremont (sp?) are relatively small elementary schools that many kids walk to, though there are buses too. Rose Hill is bigger and I think has a Spanish Immersion option.

Twain MS is said to be fine, but I don't have a kid there, so don't know that first hand.

Parts of Wilton woods are lovely, but I don't think there's much in the $450,000 range. Rose Hill is considerably less expensive, but also smaller houses. Near Highland Park pool, which is pleasant and family friendly. Public rec center and library too.
Brookland houses aren't as nice, but the lots are big, the streets are wide and shady, and people are starting to build bigger houses on the lots. Very convenient commute. I think it's a great bargain for close in housing. But, you have to be willing to work with older, relatively plain brick houses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I think Edison offers as many opportunities as Marshall. Maybe not Robinson. But compare a neighborhood like Wilton Woods or Kingstowne with Pimmit Hills. Really nice homes compared to, well, there's been enough written already about how awful Pimmit Hills is and it's true.

You'd have to get to HS first. What about ES/MS options in the Edison pyramid?

Bush Hill and Claremont (sp?) are relatively small elementary schools that many kids walk to, though there are buses too. Rose Hill is bigger and I think has a Spanish Immersion option.

Twain MS is said to be fine, but I don't have a kid there, so don't know that first hand.

Parts of Wilton woods are lovely, but I don't think there's much in the $450,000 range. Rose Hill is considerably less expensive, but also smaller houses. Near Highland Park pool, which is pleasant and family friendly. Public rec center and library too.
Brookland houses aren't as nice, but the lots are big, the streets are wide and shady, and people are starting to build bigger houses on the lots. Very convenient commute. I think it's a great bargain for close in housing. But, you have to be willing to work with older, relatively plain brick houses.

I think you mean Clermont. Very nice school and area and I'd be happy with ES, MS and HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pimmit Hills? Not recommended at any price range.

What's better than a house guaranteed to skyrocket in value, a 1/4 to 1/2 acre yard, and the choice between Marshall (IB) or McLean(AP) for HS?

I don't believe any houses in PH are zoned for McLean HS.

There are one or two streets in the back that are, but anyone in pimmit hills can transfer to McLean if they prefer AP over IB.

It is also true for other neighborhoods in Marshall's district that are closer to McLean HS than any other FCPS HS with AP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I think Edison offers as many opportunities as Marshall. Maybe not Robinson. But compare a neighborhood like Wilton Woods or Kingstowne with Pimmit Hills. Really nice homes compared to, well, there's been enough written already about how awful Pimmit Hills is and it's true.

You'd have to get to HS first. What about ES/MS options in the Edison pyramid?

Bush Hill and Claremont (sp?) are relatively small elementary schools that many kids walk to, though there are buses too. Rose Hill is bigger and I think has a Spanish Immersion option.

Twain MS is said to be fine, but I don't have a kid there, so don't know that first hand.

Parts of Wilton woods are lovely, but I don't think there's much in the $450,000 range. Rose Hill is considerably less expensive, but also smaller houses. Near Highland Park pool, which is pleasant and family friendly. Public rec center and library too.
Brookland houses aren't as nice, but the lots are big, the streets are wide and shady, and people are starting to build bigger houses on the lots. Very convenient commute. I think it's a great bargain for close in housing. But, you have to be willing to work with older, relatively plain brick houses.

We bought a very nice house in the Edison pyramid and am concerned with the reputation. I know it is not deemed great on these boards and on rankings. However, we know many young families buying and living in nice homes. We have doctors, lawyers and tons of government professionals in our neighborhoods of newer townhouse communities (500-600k) and beautiful single family homes (700-900k). My kids are still in preschool but I am hoping the numbers for Edison change as our young children grow up and attend the high school. I believe the Kingstowne area and newer surrounding developments are relatively new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I think Edison offers as many opportunities as Marshall. Maybe not Robinson. But compare a neighborhood like Wilton Woods or Kingstowne with Pimmit Hills. Really nice homes compared to, well, there's been enough written already about how awful Pimmit Hills is and it's true.

You'd have to get to HS first. What about ES/MS options in the Edison pyramid?

Bush Hill and Claremont (sp?) are relatively small elementary schools that many kids walk to, though there are buses too. Rose Hill is bigger and I think has a Spanish Immersion option.

Twain MS is said to be fine, but I don't have a kid there, so don't know that first hand.

Parts of Wilton woods are lovely, but I don't think there's much in the $450,000 range. Rose Hill is considerably less expensive, but also smaller houses. Near Highland Park pool, which is pleasant and family friendly. Public rec center and library too.
Brookland houses aren't as nice, but the lots are big, the streets are wide and shady, and people are starting to build bigger houses on the lots. Very convenient commute. I think it's a great bargain for close in housing. But, you have to be willing to work with older, relatively plain brick houses.

We bought a very nice house in the Edison pyramid and am concerned with the reputation. I know it is not deemed great on these boards and on rankings. However, we know many young families buying and living in nice homes. We have doctors, lawyers and tons of government professionals in our neighborhoods of newer townhouse communities (500-600k) and beautiful single family homes (700-900k). My kids are still in preschool but I am hoping the numbers for Edison change as our young children grow up and attend the high school. I believe the Kingstowne area and newer surrounding developments are relatively new.

If you can get over a rating on greatschools, the 22310/22315 area is great. Lee Rec Center has two brand new playgrounds and a spray park. Springfield Town Center is being redone and opening later this year. You are super close to 395/95/495 and easy commutes to DC/Arlington. I think many people remember FFX Alexandria from years ago and have not been back to the area in years. They may be surprised what a great area it has become.


http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6206-Clara-Edward-Ter-Alexandria-VA-22310/51946315_zpid/

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5585-Governors-Pond-Cir-Alexandria-VA-22310/52840885_zpid/

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4712-Poplar-Dr-Alexandria-VA-22310/51919786_zpid/

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6031-Sumner-Rd-Alexandria-VA-22310/51919736_zpid/

[Anonymous]

Edison is one of the worst in the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Edison is one of the worst in the country.

Hardly.

NO FCPS high school is one of the worst "in the country."

[Anonymous]

OP -- don't fret over the overall rating on Great Schools. It's a composite. Schools that have more brown and black kids from poorer homes are going to have lower composite scores. Big deal. My kid can go to school in the same building with lower performing kids and it won't hurt him/her. My kids are going to do their own thing. It's not like they will be the only kids who care about academics. It's so funny how the people who go to schools with very low numbers of black, hispanic (poorer) kids like to claim that their schools are so freakin' fantastic. Ummm.... sure, Oakton with it's 3% black kids and 9% hispanic kids (only 11% getting free or reduced meals) -- they can claim their scores are so great. Well... guess what? If you look at the SOL passrate for white kids at Hayfield, it's as good as the overall pass rate for Oakton or Yorktown or Lake Braddock. Yes -- we DO have lower income kids. We have almost 50% of the kids who are black and hispanic (and 28% getting free meals). Try comparing apples to apples. It doesn't take a statistical genius to figure out that schools with far fewer minorities and far fewer poor kids are going to have higher over all scores.

The white, asian, and not poor (of any race) kids at almost any school in Fairfax County out perform their black, hispanic, and poorer peers. If you have higher populations in one group or the other, it's going to have a big effect on the "overall" rating/scores. And given the very diverse population at schools like Edison and Hayfield, you can't expect that the overall scores are going to rival the predominantly wealthy and predominantly white schools in other parts of the county. It's not b/c the teaching at diverse schools (like Edison and Hayfield) is bad. Frankly, I think schools like Edison and Hayfield and Herndon and South Lakes are doing a pretty darn good job. Their composite passrates (for all groups, all grades, all classes) are still better than the average public high school in Va.!

If you want a school that has all high performing kids -- then you really need to stop wishing for a change in Edison or Hayfield or South Lakes or Herndon and just move to Vienna or Great Falls. If you want your kids to go to school with only wealthy kids, then you have to be wealthy enough to pay the entrance fee (which is high cost housing). If you want to pay a lower entrance fee, then you're going to be around other people who want a similarly low entrance fee (i.e. lower housing costs). Don't blame your neighbors for being as low-income (or cost-conscious) as you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Friends of mine really love the Westlawn and Sleepy Hollow Elementary area. Great walking communities. FARMS rates are high, but the class sizes are lower.

Sleepy hollow ES is fine, but the middle school and high school are not.

Do you speak from experience? I live in that area and the people I know who send their kids to Glasgow and Stuart are happy with them.

The Valley Brook part of 22042 (near sleepy hollow road, feeds into Glasgow/Stuart, with a Level IV elementary school (Beech Tree) is also nice with good neighbors/schools.