Considering moving to northern VA ...

[Dakota731]

We have narrowed down our search to Fairfax County so considering the McClean and Fairfax areas as well. It's hard choosing where to live in an area far from home when you don't know anyone to tell you the neighborhoods that you want to avoid or seek out!

 

[havaneselover]

We have narrowed down our search to Fairfax County so considering the McClean and Fairfax areas as well. It's hard choosing where to live in an area far from home when you don't know anyone to tell you the neighborhoods that you want to avoid or seek out!

Ask on city data--you will get better answers. McLean is crazy pricy (and a bit snobby IMO).

 

[lovemygoofy]

We have narrowed down our search to Fairfax County so considering the McClean and Fairfax areas as well. It's hard choosing where to live in an area far from home when you don't know anyone to tell you the neighborhoods that you want to avoid or seek out!

As someone who moves frequently as has had the DC experience, I would really advise you to rent temporary housing or check into a residential hotels for a bit. Until you have truly TRULY made the commute for where you think you want to live to where you plan to work you have no idea how bad traffic can be. Additionally, going out into the neighborhoods and seeing the variety of houses and living situations is most advisable. No one can pin point a specific neighborhood for you especially not knowing what your needs and financial resources are.

Also, you mentioned not being big city people well let me tell you driving everywhere in the metro region is "big city." I lived in Kingstowne area (which I LOVED) and my husband commuted to the Pentagon. We were less than 15 miles away by interstate and still his commute would be at least an hour in the morning (EARLY). I could run my fat *** down there faster than he could get his car.

I really recommend you just taking a long weekend or a few days to stay and just drive around looking over neighborhoods and areas to see what best fits your needs. If you plan to rent, be prepared to put out some big $$$ that firs time considering you have to do first month's rent and the deposit.

 

[TwoMisfits]

We have narrowed down our search to Fairfax County so considering the McClean and Fairfax areas as well. It's hard choosing where to live in an area far from home when you don't know anyone to tell you the neighborhoods that you want to avoid or seek out!

Mclean is pricier and traffic on Rt 7/ I-495 (around the malls) can be absolutely hellish...if you are down to those two, I'd go with Fairfax and pick out your favorite place from afar with no more than a 12 month rental (so you can move to where you want to be at the end)...

 

[clutter]

We have narrowed down our search to Fairfax County so considering the McClean and Fairfax areas as well. It's hard choosing where to live in an area far from home when you don't know anyone to tell you the neighborhoods that you want to avoid or seek out!

If you want to message me, I'd be happy to make neighborhood suggestions. However, I would not even attempt to do so without knowing more information about you all. Ages of kids, activities you want to be near (competitive sports, outdoorsy activities, culture, drama, etc.), are you looking for an HGTV home, or an older one with character, how much can you pay? How much are you willing to fix up? And the absolutely most important one: where is the commute. Even different parts of DC make a big difference. Do you realize the price of commuting? Is there a subsidy, or free parking? I've lived in a number of areas of Fairfax.

One thing to keep in mind is that 'affordable' housing (under $500k) is in pretty short supply. Are you wanting a single family home, townhouse, condo? I could make some suggestions right now but they may not fit your families temperament. McLean has one personality type, Oakton has a different one, and Fairfax or Robinson are different still. Some are more diverse (demographically and economically) than others.

Anyway, without more details, and of us who live here really can't help a lot. There are a few places that you want to avoid, but not that many. Generally, the cost of the housing will indicate to you where those places are.