Burke Centre

I know you said you'd rather move east, but check out Middleburg. It's about 30 minutes, or less, from Ashburn. It would be a fairly easy commute as there are many routes you could take. There are a few townhouses for sale in your price range.

Anonymous wrote:How about the Lake Anne section of Reston? It's actually cool in a 1960s kind of way.

Hmm...I haven't looked into this area yet. I will check it out. Thanks!

I would live in reston, or near tysons

OP- I do like downtown Leesburg, and it is definitely an option. However I would prefer to move a little farther east rather than west if possible. I know it gets much more expensive that way but my family still lives in NY. Moving west would extend travel times whether driving or picking up from an airport (BWI or Dulles). We have considered Reston and Herndon and have looked around some of the neighborhoods there. It is a fine place to live but just doesn't give me what I am looking for. I know it may sound picky but I am really hoping that our next home will feel like "home." I have also looked into Vienna/Oakton/McLean. Rockville is also in consideration, but the commute would be pushing it.

Also- We would like to be in an area with young families/young couples, as we plan to start our family in the next house. Any suggestions on the affordable, cozy, old town neighborhood with lots of character that is close to 495 but has no traffic (LOL) ugh! I have a feeling this is going to be a tough one!

Thanks for all replies so far!

How about the Lake Anne section of Reston? It's actually cool in a 1960s kind of way.

You could look at the Reston Town Center or downtown Vienna by 123.

Do Leesburg!

There are few row houses in Chevy Chase DC, but they would be way above your price range.

For townhouses in that range, Reston/Herndon is your only realistic option. Maybe Rockville, MD, which does have a "downtown" with shops, movie theater and cafes.

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda is nice, but what was once the older town center is now high rises. There is a nice faux town center called Bethesda Row with upscale shops and cafes.

On the Virginia side, Old Town Alexandria might be too far for you, but Arlington has some older neighborhoods with character, but like Bethesda, the small town feel disappeared long ago.

DC might be a stretch commute wise, but you might like Chevy Chase (the DC side). Old movie theater, cafes, beautiful homes and apartments.

What exactly are you smoking? The OP is looking for something under $500K!

Bethesda to Ashburn would be a horrible commute. The only reason I'd do it was if I really, really needed to be around a lot of Jewish people from NY and NJ to feel at home. Otherwise, I'd be thinking of moving further west to Leesburg, which is a real town, albeit one surrounded by typical suburban sprawl, including townhouses you could afford.

Bethesda is nice, but what was once the older town center is now high rises. There is a nice faux town center called Bethesda Row with upscale shops and cafes.

On the Virginia side, Old Town Alexandria might be too far for you, but Arlington has some older neighborhoods with character, but like Bethesda, the small town feel disappeared long ago.

DC might be a stretch commute wise, but you might like Chevy Chase (the DC side). Old movie theater, cafes, beautiful homes and apartments.

Closer by there is Reston. Further out there is Vienna, and Falls Church. The good thing with Falls Church is there is an Applebee's right in the town center.

Forget to mention- we would be looking to move into a townhouse. Our price range is 450k-500k

Hello- My husband and I have been living in Ashburn for the past 2 years. I moved down here from Long Island 2 years ago and I just really don't like living here. There is nothing wrong with Ashburn except that is it just not for me. I don't like how it is such a cookie-cutter town where everything looks the same. The problem is that my husband's career (in Ashburn) is very limited as far as where we can go. If it were up to me we would be back up north in a heart beat. Anyway- we will be moving out of our condo in about a year and I am looking for suggestions on places to move. We have agreed that he wouldn't mind having a 45 minute (tops) commute. Does anyone commute from the southern areas of Bethesda to Ashburn? I am looking for a older town with character. I would love a town with shops to go walk around. I would LOVE to live in Alexandria but it is just too far I think. Anything similar with an old town feel would be ideal. I appreciate any help...thanks!!!!