Living in Centreville, Chantilly, Burke... need real insight

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok for all the dumping on restaurants; there is actually decent asian and other ethnic food 'out there'. We live in NW DC and actually have a fondness for a couple dumpy looking strip mall joints near Dulles. Honestly, just ask them to make you something they like to eat and you'll get a great meal. Plus there seems to be a decent amount of greenery around. I'm not sure why there is so much ill will to the area (unless you are commuting to foggy bottom daily).

people are snobs.

I begrudge no one living where they want to live for whatever reasons they have to live there. We don't need to live in the city or close in because our jobs aren't there. This makes the suburbs a logical choice for us. Actually, right now, we probably should move south on 95 as that is where my husband works, but our eldest is in HS and we don't want to uproot her at this point, but I digress...just laughing because that would be even MORE hated in DCUM-land

I have lived in several closer-in areas of NoVA over the years, but when we married, we moved out to Western Fairfax and that is where we have been for 17 years (first in Reston in a tiny TH near North Point and now right near Chantilly HS). We are quite happy with our suburban life - close enough to the city, but also close to all the essentials of family life. We sought out areas where we could walk to some amenities, and these would be something I would want wherever we moved - walkable to schools, library, parks and a few stores and eateries. I live my normal suburban existence and I would probably live this same existence basically anywhere else because I am a parent - I am involved in the PTA, I've been a Girl Scout leader, etc. etc. If you think that isn't good enough for you, so be it. We are happy with it and don't need the "perfect address" to make us feel better about ourselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a a nothing “central” about Centreville. It is the next
Annandale. Stay away.

This is helpful.

The problem with Annandale is?

one if my best friends lives in Annandale in Canterbury Woods. Lovely little neighborhood. They track to Woodson.

Are you just talking about the Koreatown aspect? I don't view that as a bad thing.

Annandale inside the beltway and Annandale outside the beltway are two very different animals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a a nothing “central” about Centreville. It is the next
Annandale. Stay away.

This is helpful.

The problem with Annandale is?

one if my best friends lives in Annandale in Canterbury Woods. Lovely little neighborhood. They track to Woodson.

Are you just talking about the Koreatown aspect? I don't view that as a bad thing.

Annandale inside the beltway and Annandale outside the beltway are two very different animals.

Canterbury Woods is a very under appreciated area.

Great schools, houses are well kept, tons of pools.

You get some of the Burke heavy military officer aspects, which to me is good but I guess others see that negatively. Multiple express buses and VRE stops near by to get downtown for work.

Whole Foods, Wegmans, Trader Joe’s and a nice Giant close by.

Close to downtown Fairfax, Mosaic, inside the beltway Annandale (Korean / Latin) for restaurants. Dc / Arlington / Alexandria around 30 minutes on the weekend for day trips with the kids, nights out with the spouse.

Lake Accotink, Burke Lake, Long Branch Park all near by. Plus they are redoing the Audrey Moore REC center soon.

[Anonymous]

Lol - hello to my Burke neighbors. I like Burke too! To the OP - we have a 4 bedroom house with a nice yard. We couldn’t afford that closer in like Arlington & Centreville / Chantilly was too far out (for us) for one of us having a commute to DC. So here we are.

Prior to the pandemic & virtual learning - I had no complaints about the public schools. I feel lucky to have found so many friends in my neighborhood and a place where the kids can play outside & ride bikes etc.

I like to run at Burke Lake Park once a week.

My parents actually moved here before I did, and when DH and I were DINKs in DC we thought it was a boring place. Now we like it as a place to raise kids and we have plenty going on & are not bored haha.

We wish there were better restaurants too haha but we seem to be managing ok these days. Any good ideas for weekend take out this weekend?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a a nothing “central” about Centreville. It is the next
Annandale. Stay away.

This is helpful.

The problem with Annandale is?

one if my best friends lives in Annandale in Canterbury Woods. Lovely little neighborhood. They track to Woodson.

Are you just talking about the Koreatown aspect? I don't view that as a bad thing.

Annandale inside the beltway and Annandale outside the beltway are two very different animals.

Kind of like Fairfax Chantilly vs Loudoun Chantilly (better known as South Riding)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a a nothing “central” about Centreville. It is the next
Annandale. Stay away.

This is helpful.

The problem with Annandale is?

one if my best friends lives in Annandale in Canterbury Woods. Lovely little neighborhood. They track to Woodson.

Are you just talking about the Koreatown aspect? I don't view that as a bad thing.

Annandale inside the beltway and Annandale outside the beltway are two very different animals.

Kind of like Fairfax Chantilly vs Loudoun Chantilly (better known as South Riding)

I grew up in Fairfax Chantilly before Loudon Chantilly was there.

You would think it would be impossible to create a Chantilly with worse traffic and less charm then the Fairfax one, but god damn did they ever do that in South Riding.

Aldie sucks too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville and Chantilly are really diverse.

in terms of chain restaurants?

I’m really so confused by people insisting these areas are mostly chain restaurants. Are you just trolling? Maybe you haven’t actually been there? There are so many non-chain restaurants - drive around for 5 minutes and you’d see what I mean just in Korean ones alone.

The people talking about chain restaurants are looking for "fancy" restaurants, the kind that white people go too. They wouldn't dare step into an "ethnic" or "mom and pop" restaurant. They want Lyon Hall, Liberty Tavern, Bar Taco, Earl's, etc...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville and Chantilly are really diverse.

in terms of chain restaurants?

I’m really so confused by people insisting these areas are mostly chain restaurants. Are you just trolling? Maybe you haven’t actually been there? There are so many non-chain restaurants - drive around for 5 minutes and you’d see what I mean just in Korean ones alone.

The people talking about chain restaurants are looking for "fancy" restaurants, the kind that white people go too. They wouldn't dare step into an "ethnic" or "mom and pop" restaurant. They want Lyon Hall, Liberty Tavern, Bar Taco, Earl's, etc...

+1
True. There is a fair amount of good ethnic food options in Burke (not all types but a lot and yummy) but they are all semi hole in the wall spots in strip malls so lack ambiance. The food that kind of sucks is the American food since it is deli / diner style instead of Lyon Hall style.

[Anonymous]

There is a Bartaco in Reston Town Center. So good.

We have several of the Great American Restaurants out this direction. I think they are quite good. My favorite is Coastal Flats at Fairfax Corner, although Jackson’s in RTC is also great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville and Chantilly are really diverse.

in terms of chain restaurants?

I’m really so confused by people insisting these areas are mostly chain restaurants. Are you just trolling? Maybe you haven’t actually been there? There are so many non-chain restaurants - drive around for 5 minutes and you’d see what I mean just in Korean ones alone.

The people talking about chain restaurants are looking for "fancy" restaurants, the kind that white people go too. They wouldn't dare step into an "ethnic" or "mom and pop" restaurant. They want Lyon Hall, Liberty Tavern, Bar Taco, Earl's, etc...

+1
True. There is a fair amount of good ethnic food options in Burke (not all types but a lot and yummy) but they are all semi hole in the wall spots in strip malls so lack ambiance. The food that kind of sucks is the American food since it is deli / diner style instead of Lyon Hall style.

I love a good dive, but we are from NY/NJ - we miss good pizza and bagels. I would take a great hummus place like Mamoun’s too.

[Anonymous]

For takeout, venture out to the West Springfield Shopping Center for some Yindee Thai or Village Chicken.

Also love Afghan Kabob, kitty corner to that shopping center off rolling road. Be sure to ask for military discount, if that applies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a a nothing “central” about Centreville. It is the next
Annandale. Stay away.

This is helpful.

The problem with Annandale is?

one if my best friends lives in Annandale in Canterbury Woods. Lovely little neighborhood. They track to Woodson.

Are you just talking about the Koreatown aspect? I don't view that as a bad thing.

Annandale inside the beltway and Annandale outside the beltway are two very different animals.

Kind of like Fairfax Chantilly vs Loudoun Chantilly (better known as South Riding)

More like 20170 Herndon (town of Herndon) vs 20171 Herndon (Oak Hill)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centreville and Chantilly are really diverse.

in terms of chain restaurants?

I’m really so confused by people insisting these areas are mostly chain restaurants. Are you just trolling? Maybe you haven’t actually been there? There are so many non-chain restaurants - drive around for 5 minutes and you’d see what I mean just in Korean ones alone.

The people talking about chain restaurants are looking for "fancy" restaurants, the kind that white people go too. They wouldn't dare step into an "ethnic" or "mom and pop" restaurant. They want Lyon Hall, Liberty Tavern, Bar Taco, Earl's, etc...

+1
True. There is a fair amount of good ethnic food options in Burke (not all types but a lot and yummy) but they are all semi hole in the wall spots in strip malls so lack ambiance. The food that kind of sucks is the American food since it is deli / diner style instead of Lyon Hall style.

I love a good dive, but we are from NY/NJ - we miss good pizza and bagels. I would take a great hummus place like Mamoun’s too.

I'm from NJ and Pomodoro in Fairfax Town Center is the closest good pizza I've found. If you've had it and don't like it, I don't think you'll get better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people still prefer the schools, parks, restaurants, charn of Arlington to Centreville, Burke, etc.

Arlington isn’t particularly charming

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a Bartaco in Reston Town Center. So good.

We have several of the Great American Restaurants out this direction. I think they are quite good. My favorite is Coastal Flats at Fairfax Corner, although Jackson’s in RTC is also great.

There it is folks!