1. Yes, it's a whole new look! Have questions or need help? Please post your question in the New Forum Questions thread Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Seeing tons of unread posts after the upgrade? See this thread for help. Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice

Possibly moving to the Broadlands - questions for current residents

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by Dctex, Jul 10, 2007.

  1. Dctex

    Dctex New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2007
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi. My wife and I are in the market for a new home. We currently live in a house in West Springfield, but following the birth of our first little one, we are now looking for a larger, newer house. We like the Broadlands area a lot and have toured several homes in the area with a realtor.

    We were wondering what folks generally thought of the Broadlands area. What are the pros and cons of living there? Are there any issues that we should be aware of prior to trying to move out there? In other words, if you could go back in time to when you first moved into the Broadlands, would you do anything differently?

    Also, we noticed that there are several clusters of homes for sale off of Park Brooke Court and Milford Drive (some of the homes for sale are next to or across the street from each other). Is there a reason why several homeowners are leaving the same street at the same time in the southern part of the Broadlands, or is it just a strange coincidence?


    We apologize for all of the questions, but as you know from your own experiences, this is a big decision.


    Thank you in advance for your time.
     
  2. broken skull

    broken skull New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    Messages:
    670
    Likes Received:
    2
    Like all areas the Broadlands does have its "problems", but those are minute when compared to most other areas in NoVA. My wife and I like it here and most of the people we have met seem to as well. We think it is a good mix of urban/suburban here. We have things like pools and trails, but can also walk to a grocery store and a few restaurants if we want.

    Some people are not happy with the OpenBand services that are mandatory if you move into SouthernWalk, but again my wife and I have no problems with it.

    But we just moved here about 2 months ago so we may not be jaded enough yet.
     
  3. blue_devil

    blue_devil New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2003
    Messages:
    104
    Likes Received:
    1
    I wouldn't change our decision to move here.

    Openband does seem to be one of the biggest issues; but, we're not in Southern Walk.
     
  4. StevieD

    StevieD New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2006
    Messages:
    227
    Likes Received:
    0
    We moved here from Michigan last summer, first renting a house in the SouthernWalk section of Broadlands. We decided to rent first so we could understand the Washington area and take more time to decide where we wanted to live (rather than make a decision based upon a few weekends worth of looking around). Aftern spending 6 months looking all over the D.C. area, we ultimately decided to stay right here in Broadlands. I work in Arlington, so the commute was a concern - but I've found it not to be a big issue (although I hate paying the Greenway tolls!!). We just bought a house in Broadlands (but not the SouthernWalk section) and moved in about a month ago. We really like it here - our neighbors are very nice, the amenities are top-notch, convenient to both the mountains and the city, great schools, low crime, etc. The HOA is well run by people who really care about this community, and keep it on an even keel. You might get the wrong impression from reading too much on this forum - I think we all (me included) tend to spend more time discussing issues or commenting on problems than focusing on the good (that's human nature) - but I think most would agree this is one of the nicest communities in NOVA. This seems like a good time to buy as the market has really softened - I don't know if it has quite turned the corner (and there is still a fair amount of new development in the area to compete with), but you should be able to drive a good bargain.

    Good luck!!
     
  5. L0stS0ul

    L0stS0ul hmmmm

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2003
    Messages:
    1,443
    Likes Received:
    72
    I actually like the openband service. There's not one telcom provider out there that doesn't have issues and openband is no different. The service is pretty darn good though.
     
  6. Mazinger

    Mazinger New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2007
    Messages:
    219
    Likes Received:
    0
    Like any other time you buy a house. Do research and find out what's going to be built in the area. Especially right in your backyard. There's plenty construction going on in Ashburn right now and in the future.
     
  7. mamatothree

    mamatothree New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2004
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    I've been here for over ten years and have been very happy with the neighborhood, the schools and the area in general. There is not another NoVA subdivision that I can think of that tops Broadlands in amenities, conveniences,service and general beauty.
     
  8. Silence Dogood99

    Silence Dogood99 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2005
    Messages:
    2,769
    Likes Received:
    2
    Have lived here for three years plus and love it, though we have a teenager and not a little one. I can walk to the grocery store, my gym and my bank. I can take my dog on walks all through the area safely. Great pools, good restaurants, good schools. Very grateful to live in a neighborhood like this.
     
  9. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2002
    Messages:
    1,332
    Likes Received:
    25
    Don't forget about the great free events!

    (Shameless plug)

    Flicks in the Sticks this SATURDAY NIGHT! Free popcorn!

    http://www.broadlandshoa.org/hoaforum/showthread.php?t=5600

    We also have Halloween parades, Easter bunny egg hunts, pictures with Santa...

    Broadlands is a wonderful place for raising kids.
     
  10. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2006
    Messages:
    2,512
    Likes Received:
    19
    I don't live in Broadlands but I do live in Ashburn and have since 2004. Broadlands is a nice, family-friendly community, although like anywhere else, I imagine some streets are friendlier than others. All else being equal, if having friendly neighbors with children similar in age to your own is important then look for that. Always feel free to chat with the neighbors if you see them out and about when you're touring houses. If they are friendly and complimentary about the neighborhood that's a plus!

    We recently moved from a townhome to a single family home in the area and found that all the communities in the Ashburn area seemed nice. The larger ones offer more amenities, so Broadlands, Brambleton, Ashburn Village, and Ashburn Farm (among others) have more to offer than the smaller subdivisions as far as pools, activities, walking trails, etc.

    As another poster said, watch carefully the location you choose for your home in terms of where the lot is located and what is around it. If a lot currently backs to open space and you like that, be sure that it will continue to be open space for a long time. Lots near roads that don't seem like major traffic thoroughfares now might be later on, so be aware of that during your home search.

    We toured a few homes in the Southern Walk area and thought they were nice. Many of them didn't have much in the way of yards and the homes were close together, but we wanted a bit more space so we didn't buy there. I don't know why so many are for sale in that neighborhood but one theory might be that people buy them as a first home and then move up to a larger one a few years later or as their families grow. There certainly doesn't seem to be anything about the neighborhood overall that would make me think there's something wrong with that specific area.

    The only cons I can think of to living in Ashburn are the commute to DC and, if you're looking for an urban feel, this is not it. But if commuting isn't a big issue for you and you want to live in a community where there are a lot of families, some restaurants and retail - not to mention about 4 Harris Teeter grocery stores :D then Ashburn is a great place to live.

    Good luck in your search!
     
  11. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2005
    Messages:
    5,929
    Likes Received:
    69
    your lifestyle will dictate whether or not this neighborhood is for you- where you work, age of your kids, what you are looking for in a day to day atmosphere. if you don't want to hear lawn mowers, kids playing, see dogs walked all hours of the day or the mr. softie truck- DON'T MOVE HERE.

    we moved here from Springfield and absolutely love it. we are in a cul de sac with no other development possible nearby. the bulk of our neighbors all intend to be here until their kids are grown, and so the kids my son knows today will be the kids he knows when he's in high school- for better or worse! lol

    we find that our neighbors raise their kids with similar values to what we believe, and there's a strong sense of community. i know the other moms will call me the instant our son steps out of line! there are many kids within walking distance my son's age that are good nice well mannered boys.

    the cons are miniscule compared to the pros- and the same as most other suburban neighborhoods: petty vandals, speeders on the neighbrhood roads, some evidence of minor lousy construction of the house (drafty windows mainly)... but I'll take those inconveniences gladly because of all the great things this neighborhood offers!

    - many nice trails to walk my dog
    - walking distance to school, restaurants, playgrounds
    - nicely laid out neighborhood
    - good businesses nearby
    - several options for basic needs- shopping, dry cleaning, dental, medical
    - great HOA amenities- pools, Broadlands Live! concerts, events, community center

    I'm a fan of the Broadlands!!!
     
  12. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2003
    Messages:
    5,236
    Likes Received:
    249
    We moved into Broadlands back in 96 and loved it! When we decided to upgrade to a single-family we looked at several other communities but decided to buy and remain in Broadlands.

    It IS that nice!
     
  13. LvBlands3

    LvBlands3 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2006
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    2
    This is the nicest place I have ever lived in Northern Virginia. In general, everyone here is pretty friendly - the ones who aren't are a small percentage. You find a lot of people say hello and wave. It is so nice that it took us about 6 months to get used to it. A great place to raise kids. We will probably never leave.
     
  14. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2002
    Messages:
    5,281
    Likes Received:
    344
    Nice to see all the positive comments on Broadlands. I think it must be because of the HOA leadership!!!
    But seriously, I've lived here 10 years and love it. Feel free to call me if you'd like to talk about Broadlands or the area in general.
    703-729-7320.
     
  15. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    1,791
    Likes Received:
    136
    I agree with everything said here, and we have been in Broadlands for 5 years and would not pick another place. I have lived in the area since '92 and would not live anywhere else based upon location, community, houses, and future growth. Yes the "Greedway" sucks and I refuse to pay that money, but I knew that was an issue all along. The people in our community are great and I also appreciate that on our street is a good representation of what makes this region valuable (my opinion) is that I have multi-cultural ethnic representation as well as diplomats and politician families. I like diversity, and in this region I think it is of value. The common ground is that we are all of similar values and have similar goals in life.

    So, another vote for Broadlands, I would not live anywhere else.
     
  16. bladerunner

    bladerunner New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    72
    Likes Received:
    0
    Since there are so many pleasant raves about this area, maybe I should play devil's advocate here and give you my feedback. The commute stinks! The major roads in/out of Ashburn are underdeveloped to handle the traffic and also you have alot of "nosey" neighbors who like to indulge into your personal affairs. Kinda reminds you of that neighbor from Tim Allen's show "tool-time". And to call Ashburn one of the "richest" communities in NOVA is a stretch, I'd consider Great Falls, Vienna, Mclean, Fairfax Station, Oakton, and Arlington alot more exclusive and affluent. I'd rank Ashburn with areas such as Gainsville, Haymarket, and Lorton.
     
  17. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2006
    Messages:
    2,512
    Likes Received:
    19
    That's the thing I don't get about Ashburn's reputation as being composed of rich people. If we were so rich, we'd live in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, or somewhere else closer to DC and not have the crappy commutes every day! The reason we bought a home here was because we couldn't afford to live closer to the city.
     
  18. beahmer

    beahmer Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2004
    Messages:
    849
    Likes Received:
    15
    Park Brooke has several folks who I understand are being transfered out of the area. Also some of the "Courtyard" homes don't have basements and several folks, both in them and some of the other houses for sale/rent are moving to VM's new section - bigger houses with basements and VM is offering pretty could deals from what I hear.

    I think the Ashburn (partial to Blands these days) area is a great area - I have lived in 3 different developments in the last 11 years. The only negative comment already mentioned here in my opinion is the traffic - I remember when I first moved out here I could make it to work in Fairfax in 25 minutes at 8am. But at the end of the day the positives out weigh the traffic anyday.
     
  19. bladerunner

    bladerunner New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    72
    Likes Received:
    0

    Bingo!! That's what I'm talking about! Calling this place "Cashburn" is simply ridiculous. People move out to cashburn to get into a bigger home that they could not normally afford in Fairfax county. That's the truth, no excuse!! Don't give me that "I like the open space, blah blah.." When it comes down to it, if you have the cash, you can buy space out in Fairfax as well.
     
  20. bladerunner

    bladerunner New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    72
    Likes Received:
    0
    I've also heard the excuse that some have moved out to Loudoun to get away from the heavily congested beltway traffic, but Loudoun is getting just as bad, not to mention worse in some areas. So now, that commute to DC which took 1 hr before is now that plus half an hour more. Cheers to all of us drones who waste nearly 2 hours out of our lives spent in our daily commutes.
     

Share This Page