Thanks so much!

Both areas are pretty awesome. There are several VRE stations that would work in the area - Burke Centre and Rolling Road.

Shopping is what it is . . . there aren't any huge mall-type shopping centers in either area right now. There is the big Springfield mall renovation that is already underway, so in the next year or so you'll have that. But honestly, it isn't an issue to drive over to Kingstowne or up to Fairfax to do your more serious shopping. Both have plenty of grocery stores.

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2012/may/17/springfield-mall-eyesore-shopping-mecca/

I think I agree with 16:28's comments - Burke can be more affluent on a general scale, but both areas are going to have a pretty wide range of incomes. Most kids will go to school with some kids who live in small apartments and others who live in large estates with private pools, etc.

If he is commuting by VRE, Burke might be easier. My DH used to walk to the VRE Station from our home in Burke. Easiest commute he has ever had.

Burke is slightly more affluent and the homes are newer. It is mostly white.

West Springfield has a mix of newer and 1960s homes, and has more older people (but tons of families). West Springfield is more diverse.

Other than that, they are basically the same place

We are looking at Burke and West Springfield and would love some help comparing these neighborhoods! Both are in our budget (I think) and DH would probably use the VRE to get to work. How do the schools compare? Shopping? Other amenities? Are there lots of young families in both? Thanks so much.