OP here, thanks all for your insights, very helpful. Burke was just an idea. All good things to consider since I really dont know just how awful the traffic is there. Bus ride seemed like a good idea since its one transition and no shuffling on and off metro. Anybody know anything about Potomac Falls area and schools there? I think they also have a catholic school. thanks again, this is really helpful.

Anonymous wrote:Burke? That makes no sense. Why should both couples have a crappy commute?

I think we're getting sidetracked by Burke. It was just one suggestion. You could get more for your money and still decent schools.

I honestly think somewhere in the middle between Ashburn and DC is the answer. OP, your budget will not buy you much in Vienna/Tysons area, but I honestly believe it is your best option for quality of life.

Now if someone is willing to take a commuter bus downtown and doesn't mind at least an hour commute, that might open up more areas. I really just can't imagine a downtown commute from Ashburn. Reston would be stretching my limits.

We live in Chantilly area, and the people I know who work downtown either take an hour and a half on public transport or leave at the buttcrack of dawn to get there. You could get a lovely home in our neighborhood for under your budget, but I honestly wouldn't suggest it for the everyday commute to downtown. It only worked for us because neither of us commutes downtown.

Burke? That makes no sense. Why should both couples have a crappy commute?

I would live in Ashburn. There is a loudoun county commuter bus that goes straight downtown.

Here's the Loudoun County commuter bus schedule. http://www.commuterpage.com/schedules/sched.cfm?id=52&day=Weekday&op=9&r=1103

I agree with 12:55 - try to have similar commutes. This way you both have a shot of getting to the kids in an emergency/sickness. At your price point, that's probably somewhere in the Merrifield/Vienna/Fairfax area (maybe Vienna Woods or similar.)

Burke to Ashburn is roughly 45 minutes w/out traffic, the FFX county parkway is a crapshoot before you even get near 28 or the toll road.

Anonymous wrote:I'd you work in Ashburn you don't want to live in Burke.

we live in chantilly (right off 7100 and 50) and my husband does it. Takes him between 30-40 minutes. The biggest problem is 28. Burke is 10-15 more minutes away. It wouldn't be quick, but it isn't completely out of the question.

Honestly, I'd do my best to have both people have about the same commute. I think one person having almost no commute and another having a hellacious commute is going to lead to resentment.

I'd you work in Ashburn you don't want to live in Burke.

We definitely don't want two bad commutes - we already have that now from MD. He goes to Penn Ave, near Reagan Bldg so right in middle of downtown. I hear there is a commuter bus from Ashburn to Reagan building. Anyone aware of that? Does bus fill up? How long is ride? How are schools in Ashburn, Reston, Herdon, Chantilly? I think Vienna is too expensive for our budget, although I hear schools are very good. How is drive from Burke to Ashburn? Thank you.

Where in DC does your DH work? My answer would vary based on where his office is (NW vs. the Hill).

Or VRE.

Reston, Vienna, Tysons, maybe Burke or Annandale.

We lived in Reston and my husband commuted to Ashburn while I was commuting to Ballston. That wasn't so bad, and will only get better as the metro shows up next year.

For someone commuting to DC, I think being close to metro is key.

Depending on what exactly you are looking for; you could live in Falls Church.

Anonymous wrote:We have two small children so schools are very important to us. We can afford $500k. Any advice on where to live (or not live) considering schools and spouse's commute to DC. (open to public transport options like commuter bus, etc. if reasonable.) Ashburn? Chantilly? Loudon vs Fairfax? Thank you.

Where do you work?

I'd live as close to D.C. as possible. From those places, he's looking at 90 minutes each way on bad traffic days.

I'd live near your job. Or his. One commuter.

We have two small children so schools are very important to us. We can afford $500k. Any advice on where to live (or not live) considering schools and spouse's commute to DC. (open to public transport options like commuter bus, etc. if reasonable.) Ashburn? Chantilly? Loudon vs Fairfax? Thank you.