Greensboro, NC or Chantilly, VA---need help

pigget74

DVC Beach Club Villas
Joined
Jan 12, 2003
DH is looking at finding a new job. He found something in his field in each of these places and is about to put in applications. Was just curious if anyone new of areas for us to look for houses and what places to avoid. I would like to look at these places just to get an idea of cost of living, housing and such. Thanks.
 
I've lived in Chantilly area for 30 years. Housing is very high, taxes also. However, the schools are some of the best in the country so it's all relative. As a coincidence, we are actually moving out of the area to southern Virginia. I don't know what kind of house you're looking at, but townhouses run 300,000 and up and single families 400,000 and more.
 
Chantilly is VERY expensive.

Housing in northern VA is still quite high compared to the rest of the country.

You might only be able to afford a townhouse as opposed to a single family home.

Please go to a real estate site and look at houses Chantilly, Centreville, and Manassas.

Those prices are for small houses, not large ones.

Schools are good. Wash DC is a great area as far as weekend activities for the family.

Traffic is terrible.

We lived there for 2 years.
 
I can't speak for NC, but Chantilly, VA is a beautiful place to live, but pretty costly. There is a neighborhood called South Riding, VA. We used to live there a couple of years ago and the neighborhood itself (it's big) is beautiful. Lots of trails, parks, nature, etc. It's a nice break from the fast paced Northern VA area. Schools are great, they are in Loudoun County. They are a bit crowded though. They're trying to build new schools to accomodate.

A mile or 2 down the road is another development called Stone Ridge or Kirkpatrick Farms. It's also nice, but not quite as expensive as South Riding. There is a lot of traffic, but it's Northern VA. If I didn't have any family in the area, I would maybe consider NC more, because I am assuming the cost of living is a lot less, but I could be wrong. If you have any questions, let me know :) Good luck!
 


Housing will be more expensive in Chantilly than Greensboro but suspect schools are better so definite trade off. If the office is actually in the Chantilly area that's much better than having to commute in towards DC as traffic + housing prices get worse as you go in towards the city. Lots and lots to do here, but there's a big difference in pace of life.... Chantilly is part of a big metro area while Greensboro is not as much. Doesn't make Greensboro a worse place to live at all, the two areas are just much different in character (this is from someone who lived 15 years in RDU before moving here and loved it).

You may find the salary offered in Chantilly is higher than Greensboro, and will at least somewhat offset the cost of living.

Good luck
 
If the job is on the east side of Greensboro, consider the west side of Burlington/Elon. They have good schools and a lovely new mall.
 
Yup, that we do!

I'm in the B'ton area, which is next door to Greensboro. We're in Alamance County, rather than Guilford county - I like this because our taxes here are a bit lower, depending on where you live in the county. I'm a transplant myself but now that I'm here, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The western part of Alamance county as Mrsklamc mentioned, is a great option. The schools there benefit from the higher tax base (W. Burlington / Elon has newer, larger homes) and you'd be close to Alamance Crossing, the lovely new mall. The commute to Greensboro wouldn't be too bad - maybe 30 minutes in really bad traffic?

There are other areas of Alamance county that are very nice as well, depending on what type of environment you're looking for. If you want suburban neighborhoods with big lawns, we've got it. If you want good ol' boy rural (which is where I live), we've got that, too.

I haven't been to Chantilly, but I'm guessing we might be a tad more laid back over here. We've only got two movie theaters in our county, and one of those is a second-run theater where seats are $3. I think we might have one or two nightclubs. I know we only have one girlie bar (the Paradise Club, also known as the Parasite Club). We're in the midst of building a new children's museum. We do have a minor league baseball team - the Royals. We've got a fair number of golf courses and country clubs. We have an outlet mall, a roller rink, batting cages, a number of decent youth sports leagues, and lots of parks. Yes, I sound like a member of the chamber of commerce. :laughing:

I just happen to really like where I live; it's a great area in terms of cost of living, IMO. PM me if you want additional, more specific info.

If the job is on the east side of Greensboro, consider the west side of Burlington/Elon. They have good schools and a lovely new mall.
 


Right now we live in a 2400 sq. ft home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths on almost an acre of land. Our kids go to the best school in the area-I teach there as well--I am not biased--our school was a blue ribbon school last year.

Wherever we move to I would also have to find a job. Out of the two places Chantilly is what he is most interested in, but I just do not see how we could afford to live there. We have 4 kids and the age ranges keeps them from sharing a room--well the younger 2 do, but that will only last for so long.

Who knows--these are just the first 2 that he saw. Hopefully he will find something near here--but we are looking at the reality that we might have to move.

Thanks for the replies.
 
I live in Raleigh, not Greensboro, but my best friend went to college there, so I've made many trips over the past few years. Greensboro is probably my least favorite city in NC. It's not an attractive city and whoever planned the roadways must have been a wee bit crazy because driving there is a nightmare. From a visitors perspective, it seems to be fairly dominated by the colleges (UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro College, and Guildford College). Outside of the colleges, there is a major lack of the arts for a city of its size.

I've never been to Chantilly, but the descriptions definitely sound a lot better than my opinion of Greensboro. :confused3
 
We moved from N. VA to the Greensboro area 14 years ago and have never regretted it. We live in Kernersville, nc because when we first moved here I was working in Greensboro and my DH worked in Winston-Salem. It was an easy commute for both of us.

Another plus is the climate. The summers aren't as hot and the winters are milder. Now when we do have snow or ice it's a mess:eek: They just don't have the equipment to clear the roads like they have in the DC area.

Good luck with what ever you decide:goodvibes

Terri
 
Ooooh, dissin' the 'boro! I'd say them's fightin' words but then again, I'd actually kind of agree (well, except the lack of the arts thing). :rotfl:

I like G'boro for shopping and the better nightlife. I prefer Alamance county for the more down-home community feeling I get. Funny, I used to be a city gal (lived in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Vegas) and now, I wouldn't be caught dead in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or Cary. I guess I'm a bubba-ette at heart.

Also, as tluvstink pointed out, Tarheels absolutely LOSE THEIR MINDS when the white stuff falls from the sky. We're just not used to it. However, as long as you have your bread, milk, toilet paper, and Coke, all is fine. ;)

I live in Raleigh, not Greensboro, but my best friend went to college there, so I've made many trips over the past few years. Greensboro is probably my least favorite city in NC. It's not an attractive city and whoever planned the roadways must have been a wee bit crazy because driving there is a nightmare. From a visitors perspective, it seems to be fairly dominated by the colleges (UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro College, and Guildford College). Outside of the colleges, there is a major lack of the arts for a city of its size.

I've never been to Chantilly, but the descriptions definitely sound a lot better than my opinion of Greensboro. :confused3
 
It's not that we lose our minds...it's simply the state doesn't put the money into trucks to clean the roads (which I am fine with for our 1-2 snows a year) so you have to get your bread and Cheerwine (Salisbury livin') and be prepared to stay home.


I agree, if G'boro is in your plans, I would recommend being in Alamance for the cheaper taxes. We moved from there 3 years ago and I really miss the area.

Don't forget, Mebane is getting the new Tanger outlets...I drool everytime we drive by there on the way to my parents.

I like that area because it really doesn't take you long to get anywhere in the state. You are at the intersection of I-40 and I-85.

Climate is great in NC. Only 1 or 2 snows per year if we are lucky and it goes away in a few days. I love that we have both the mountains and the beach for such easy access.


Good luck on what ever you decide to do and hope your move is a happy one!:goodvibes
 
I meant it in jest; I love my adopted home state. I do think that the rest of the nation does think we lose our minds though. I get a lot of ribbing from friends who live in snowier climes. :rolleyes:

EDIT: I forgot to mention I'm also drooling over the new Tanger outlets. Coach outlet ftw!

It's not that we lose our minds...it's simply the state doesn't put the money into trucks to clean the roads (which I am fine with for our 1-2 snows a year) so you have to get your bread and Cheerwine (Salisbury livin') and be prepared to stay home.
 
I meant it in jest; I love my adopted home state. I do think that the rest of the nation does think we lose our minds though. I get a lot of ribbing from friends who live in snowier climes. :rolleyes:

EDIT: I forgot to mention I'm also drooling over the new Tanger outlets. Coach outlet ftw!

Oh...I didn't take offense to it. I agree, they all think we are crazy!

Before we moved, we lived right behind where they are buiding the outlets. I cursed DH for moving me! I could have walked to the outlets!!!!!:rotfl2:
 
Right now we live in a 2400 sq. ft home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths on almost an acre of land.

Darn! I was hoping I could interest you in 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a cul-de-sac. :lmao: My sis is accidentally pregnant with #5 :scared1:
 
We left that area a few years ago.

1700 sq ft, 3 BR 2.5 bath with a very rare 2 car garage in Centreville goes for about 375k-400 in an older neighborhood.

2400 sq ft homes are really expensive.

Lot sizes are also smaller in that area because of the price of land.
 
Here's an example of one that I believe is in W. Burlington. If it's the area I think it is, it's near a large park where my kids often have their soccer games. Current price is $188,500:

http://www.homes.com/listing/107373394/7511_Ethans_Way_BURLINGTON_NC_27215

The description is as follows: "Better Than New" - This well-cared for 4 or 5 bedroom home has much space to offer and many upgrades for the money! Well-appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, and wood flooring! Master bedroom on the main level and spacious rooms on the second level! New neighborhood located very near the fun Springwood Park and central to new shopping areas! Centrally located between Raleigh and Greensboro makes this a sought after location for many commuters!

That's in the W. Burlington / Elon area, so it's a little more like your typical suburban neighborhood. If you're looking for acreage to custom-build on, you're better looking out of town, closer to where I'm at or on the edge of the county.
 
1700 sq ft, 3 BR 2.5 bath with a very rare 2 car garage in Centreville goes for about 375k-400 in an older neighborhood.

You can do 4 BR, 2.5 bath w/ 2 car garage for low to mid 300's in the next county west, Prince William. Decent schools, 30-40 minute commute, fairly new house. Acres lots are very hard to find however.

Most houses have a basement, you're talking 3000+ square feet
 
I'm about as native to Chantilly as they come. My parents moved here when I was three and I'm 40+ now. The area is wonderful, but expensive. It is a trade off. You can't beat the schools. Fairfax County is always in the top 100 if not top 50 in the nation. Housing is expensive and so are the taxes. BUT, we have great parks, schools, libraries etc.

Loudoun County is up and coming. New schools are being built to accommodate the influx of people moving west. Housing is more reasonable in Loudoun as well.

I love this area because we are so close to everything. DC is close, so you have all the wonderful museums and monuments. The mountains are a mere hour away. Luray Caverns are awesome! And you can reach the beach in about 3 hours.

Yes, the traffic is horrible and getting worse. That is the trade off and one huge downfall. But, if you can work out a reverse commute, then you have it made.

Good luck on the job search and your decision.
 
and now, I wouldn't be caught dead in Raleigh,

Hey! :mad: Just kidding! We don't live in Raleigh, just have a Raleigh address. :snooty:


Also, as tluvstink pointed out, Tarheels absolutely LOSE THEIR MINDS when the white stuff falls from the sky. We're just not used to it. However, as long as you have your bread, milk, toilet paper, and Coke, all is fine. ;)

and vanilla and condensed milk for the snow cream. ;)
 

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