Possibly moving to the Broadlands - questions for current residents

I work in Ballston and it takes me about 40 minutes to get to work that time of the morning. The traffic is usually moving on 66 at that time but there are days when there are delays and then I can spend an hour or more to get to work. A lot of days I end up taking the Greenway to save time going to and coming from work since Sully/28 is backed up a lot.

 

That's great to hear. It's nice knowing that you and many of your fellow residents really like the schools. That's obviously important to us now that we have a little one.

p.s.-What kind of motorcycle do you ride?

 

Gotcha!

 

1997 Honda Magna 750.

Screaming Yellow with a new Hokie emblem on the back fender!

 

DcTex,

You and your family couldn't go wrong moving into Broadlands, it's a great family community.

I'm surprised, however, that no one has mentioned the hospital issue. I think, depending on where you are looking, that you need to research some of the possible business neighbors that you might have.

Good Luck and we hope to have you as a neighbor.

 

Yes that's true. Many of us are looking forward to having another hospital here.

 

Argh, thead hijack, but we do not need a hospital in this area as bad as they need one out towards middleburg. We are selfish that we can't drive 3 miles to Landsdowne.

 

Donna,

Thanks for that info. Is the hospital overburdened by the area residents (e.g., with long waits and such), or is it more of an inconvenience issue in terms to getting/driving to it?

Also, could you please clarify what you mean about researching "some of the possible business neighbors"? Are you referring to something in addition to the hospital issue?

Thank you again.

 

I'll be biased here because my wife now works for Loudoun County schools, she will be the guidance counselor at Rosa Lee Carter Elem. when it opens in August. I can personally vouch that the will have one of the best guidance counselors in the world! (I love you, dear.)

So, wife and I are currently in the process of moving into a Southern Walk townhome. We've heard from no fewer than 3 families (the one we bought from, and two we've met) that all the neighbors are quiet, and that nobody in our block knows each other. Quiet I like: wife and I are trying to get away from noise, after these past several years living near a major university, apartments full of college kids, a firehouse, under a major flightpath 5 minutes from an airport, and more.

But not knowing my neighbors? I don't get it! I strongly believe that you should always know your neighbors, so that we would all be watching out for each-other. You know, I got their back, they got mine, especially when the unmarked white van backs into my driveway and looks very suspicious while I'm away on business and my wife's at school....

What should we do about this? I was thinking of a small block party at the end of August before school starts -- food, drink, and conversation if nothing else, perhaps lawn games or a sprinkler for the kids. I plan to live here a while... the sooner we all get along, the better, right?

- Aric

 

I live in SW, but in a single family house and I have found that some people are quiet and keep to themselves, but some don't. Our one set of neighbors I have never even seen, but the ones on the other side introduced themselves to us right away. Part of it is my wife and I too...we dont go out of our way to meet people. Since the the houses to my right and left are both up for sale or rent maybe we will do better with new neighbors.

 

It's not the driving five miles....it's the waiting for hours because they can't accomodate all the business (patients).
300,000 residents and one hundred something bed hospital? Ridiculous.

 

Hey, a quick area question -- Overland Park is part of the Broadlands despite being in the 20147 zip code, right?

It looks like their HOA fees are similar to those found in the 20148 North Broadlands area, so I'm assuming that they don't use the telecommunications package found in South Broadlands. Is that correct?

Thanks.

 

That is correct. Overland Park is not part of Southern Walk - no telecommunications package - but is part of Broadlands.

 

While the homes in Overland Park are nice (we toured a few), many of the homes are pretty close to the Greenway. That's convenient for commuting but can make for a noisy atmosphere with the traffic rushing by. You might want to consider that in your search.

 

i think typically you have to make the effort FIRST when it comes to networking with neighbors. WE were really fortunate: in our area, most of the families know each other as the original owners of these homes, and when we moved in, they welcomed us immediately with baked goods, introducing themselves and their kids- inviting us to organized events that are regular events in this culdesac! but even with all of that- if you don't show interest in being a part of the community- people will assume you AREN'T interested, and won't force themselves on you.

the block party idea is a good one- put it together and meet the fockers next door! lol

 

People are people. We have some neighbors that we have made efforts with. We wave everytime we see them and try to be as nice as we can. But sometimes I just get blank stares or dirty looks.

Now I am not saying that will be true for everyone. I am sure that some people are actually scared of me in my neighborhood. I am a big guy, I have tattoos and because of the things I have seen as a veteran of 2 combat forces I tend not to be too huggy huggy touchy touchy. But I am really not a bad guy and short of knocking on my neighbors doors every day and re-assuring them that I am a nice guy I think I do as much as I can.

And about the block party thing. If you are moving into southern walk see my thread titled "green space question". My wife and I are trying to get something together for a block-ish type of party(that would coincide with the corking of two homebrews) and August would be our target date.

The houses to the right and left of me are on the market and I can tell you that I will make every effort to know my neighbors.

 

Hey! i grew up is West Springfield. In Orange Hunt. Went to Washingto Irving Middle school and Graduated from West Springfield HS in....a long time ago.

Broadlands is a wonderful area. When we were looking for houses in 2005 we drove through every part of Ashburn. But the first time we drove through Broadlands, everything felt right. As everyone has mentioned, this is a great place to raise a family. Great schools, neighbors that watch out for each other, etc.

When we first moved in, all of our neighbors introduced themselves, brought over brownies, cookies. What a wonderful reception!

Lots of things to do for the kids, pools, activities. The only thing that maybe lacking is something for the older kids. But I'm not sure of this because my kids are very young.

If you're a golfer...wow...there are a lot of golf courses in the area .

We are definitely staying here for a long time. My only regret is that we didn't move here sooner. Oh and i need to find a job closer to home...this 70 mile plus round trip commute sucks.

Mike

 

Cliff, don't start... First off the average wait time is about 22 minutes from door to room, secondly...Inova Loudoun has'nt been on re-route for a few years, and Inova Loudoun is a 155 bed facility with an average daily census of 122. Meaning that we are only at a 75% capacity. Wow, that sure proves we need another hospital within 5 minutes. anyway...

DCtex, The only neighbor I was referring to was a possible 164 bed hospital wanting to be built along Broadlands Blvd. I can provide you with whatever information you may want, but suggest that you do your own research on the subject and come to your own conclusion. If you would like to chat about that or any other Broadlands issue please feel free to call me. I, by no means want to discourage you from moving here, but do want you to have all of the information to make an informed decision.

 

I would note that Van Metre recently made 10 lots available DIRECTLY across from where the main entrance to the hospital will be.......they sold out extremely quickly and are all now occupied. so much for the big bad hospital hurting home sales!!!!!