OP, what about some of the neighborhoods south of Reston with a Fairfax zip (22033)? There are some nice neighborhoods and good schools. It is a good location and easy to get anywhere.

Anonymous wrote:It would help if the last two posters explain what they mean by "reputation." For example, I hear great things about South Lakes and it has an IB program you can't find in LCPS. Maybe that poster just meant there are too many minorities there?

You are correct. South Lakes had a turnover of administration a few years ago and they have done amazing things!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The housing stock and neighborhoods are much better than closer in but the location is far.

OP here. We will be working in Reston, so anywhere within 5 miles of work is very convenient. I feel like a sell out because I always worked/lived in DC, but such is life.

I live close-by in Great Falls near the Reston line.

When looking at Reston, draw an imaginary line at the Town Center. Don't go south of that - just not near as nice. Lake Anne area tends to be a run-down as well. Eliminate Herndon entirely except for the parts closest in to Route 7, i.e. look also off Sugarland Road, which comes off of the FFX. County Parkway. North Reston is very nice, as is the area around the Town Center. I don't know what you are willing to spend, but there are some good deals in Great Falls west of the GF Center (such that it is). I'm speaking of the neighborhoods off Seneca, Utterback Store, etc. Eastern Loudoun County? Maybe some of the neighborhoods off Algonkian Pkwy. Avoid the area around Sterling Blvd.

Anonymous wrote:Loudon has larger taxes on real estate.

BUT if you want to do some construction, put in a pool, etc. Fairfax is worse. We looked into a pool and were told if we were in Loudoun (line is 2 or so miles away) we'd pay 20K less due to taxes, fees, permits.

I commute from Vienna to Reston. It is more than 5 miles, but takes 15 minutes. However, for housing prices, reston will be lower than Vienna.

Buying in reston, the only thing I can say is that there are some not so great portions of reston. Near the USGS, for example. Dogwood ES does not have a good reputation, but my understanding is the county is pouring money into it to improve it.

Anonymous wrote:How long do you think you will stay at your jobs in Reston. Something to think about in terms how where you want to buy a house.

Yes, yes, OP has to get a house close in because Herndon will turn into Snake Plissken's homeland by 2025 and OP will have to commute three hours uphill both ways, amirite?

How long do you think you will stay at your jobs in Reston. Something to think about in terms how where you want to buy a house.

5:23 here.

Just reminding the PP that if you're going to go all school snob, then South Lakes and Herndon aren't exactly the hills to die on.

Yep, believe that's the message.

But in general, there are just so many more resources and services (whether its Spec Ed or AAP or something else) that Fairfax County schools offer as opposed to Loudoun. I'm sure there are nice kids and good teachers at both.

OP, if you're thinking of Reston, it has several truly excellent elementary schools (North Reston).

It would help if the last two posters explain what they mean by "reputation." For example, I hear great things about South Lakes and it has an IB program you can't find in LCPS. Maybe that poster just meant there are too many minorities there?

Anonymous wrote:Schools in Loudoun do not have the best reputation. Most people who move with schools in mind choose FCPS.

South Lakes and Herndon hardly have the best rep.

Taxes are higher in Loudoun but prices are lower. IMO, it's a wash. You want lower taxes, go to Winchester.

Sterling is built out. They won't be rezoning schools anytime soon.

If you take the Greenway, may as well consider places along it up through Leesburg. Now if you take 28 to 267, the Greenway isn't necessary.

Schools in Loudoun do not have the best reputation. Most people who move with schools in mind choose FCPS.