beachglp

Need help in finding an area to live in, we only want a single family home and not in town, and mainly south of 495.

School not an issue, due to our daughter is almost 4 yrs. old but would like to find a great parent's dayout program for her. I am a stay-at-home mom.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
beachglp

MikeT

South of 495 is actually Fairfax County, not really Alexandria. There's plenty of single-family homes, but it all depends on how much you can pay. What's your pricepoint?

Katie2

We haven't lived in the Washington area for years but I would suggest you check the real estate section of the Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com

Good luck.

beachglp

Our max amount is $2,400. His job will be on Richmond Hwy in Alexandria, so we would like to be able to find a house within 15 to 20 miles that may be to far, after we see how the traffic is.

Also thanks Katie2, for the info on the paper.

aggiemom

Have you tried www.Realtor.com?

You can plug in "Alexandria" or a zipcode and then have an option to add suburbs. Many listings give house address, price, size, schools, etc.

We used this extensively and pinpointed our exact neighborhood when we relocated four years ago.

Good luck!

mom

Cargillman

You'll love Northern Virginia. I moved there after living in Texas (much like you) and found it a vast improvement.

One thing - I'd reconsider the "not in town" thing, assuming you meant the city center of Alexandria. It is charming, safe, and convenient to everything.

emd

Some parts just south of 495 are still Alexandria addresses. Hollin Hills is a nice family neighborhood just south of 495 beltway off of Route 1 (Richmond Hwy.) It is under consideration for being on the Natl. Register of Historic Places as it is an enclave of post-WWII mid-century American architecture. Although most of the houses are occupied by owners, there are some rentals in there. Mostly 3 bedrm. 2 bath homes. Great area; I have a friend who owns there and loves it. Google "Hollin Hills Alexandria" and you'll get a lot on the history of the neighborhood. For example, see:

http://www.hollinhills.com/about_history.html

and:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...051100406.html

Be careful, some other areas around Richmond Hwy. are rough.

emd

and BTW, I am also a transplanted Texan (Houstonian) who moved to Northern VA (Alexandria at first, but now Springfield) 20 yrs ago. Love it here.

I know it is hard to imagine, but in just a short few years your child will be entering the public schools. If it was me, I would most definitely check out the elementary schools if i was renting with a 4 yr old. Unless you want to move again in a year or two or think you will be moving again, or are planning on going the private school route, this would be the time to think about elementary school.

sprin2

It sounds as though you are looking between the George Washington Parkway and Route One (Richmond Highway). This area is commonly known as Mount Vernon and encompasses many neighborhoods -- Hollin Hills, Bellehaven, Waynewood, Stratford Landing etc. Overall these are very nice areas, have strong neighborhood support systems, and good public schools. It is technically Fairfax County, although the mailing addresses are Alexandria. Check out some of the online realtor sites or the Post and please post additional questions.

MikeT

I think finding a single family home for $2400 a month is going to be your bigger challenge. Would you consider a townhouse? Many of the neighborhoods being mentioned are probably well beyond $2400 a month rentals.

Definitely check out the Washingotn Post and other real estate sites.

emd

I think $2400 will get you a rental house in the areas you are seeking, if you look carefully and JUMP on the right house immediately when you find it. Check this page for some recent rentals. Exapmle: there is a house listed in Waynewood, 4 bedrrom colonial, large backyard, updated kitchen, 4 br, 2 ba, FP, w/pool membership, 12 month lease, for $2395.

http://www.freedom-hotels.com/Find_A...x-rental-3.htm

beachglp

Wow......... Thanks for all the great info, this will help us alot. We do't know just how long we will be here, I hope to come back to Texas in five years.

We will post back when we find our new home

Again Thanks
beachglp

Ann41

Just wanted to say that spin2's suggestions are good. My husband used to work on Richmond Highway, and it was very easy to get to those neighborhood's that spin mentioned.

emd

If you don't find anything in those areas, ty the Franconia neighborhoods. Rt. 1 is accessible by surface roads from there- you don't have to get on the 495 Beltway. Less expensive than the Rt. 1 neighborhoods previously mentioned. You can get a 3 bedroom house for $1500 to $1800- I just looked at relatory.com last weekend for someone else and saw that. The Franconia neighborhoods are nice, family places w/good proximity to shopping, etc. I used to live in Ridge View subdivision there, for 10 years. Took 8-10 min. to drive to Rt. 1 (to the vicinity of Beacon Mall) via surface roads.