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Leesburg, VA Area Questions
Topic Started: Apr 6 2010, 11:03 AM (287 Views)
ImJumpin
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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So I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I am flying down to VA for a second interview in a week and a half. I want to have some research done on the area, so that *if* I am offered the position I have an idea about the cost of living and whatnot so I can make an informed choice about the offer.

So what can you guys tell me about the Leesburg, VA area? I would be working in Landsdowne. I need somewhere affordable to live, which is what I think will be the main challenge. I am single and prefer to live alone. I am not into an hour plus commute. In addition to somewhere for me to live, I of course would need housing for my horses :). I assume the area has enough choice to offer-- right? I am more concerned with me first, and then would worry about the horses if I even get the job offer.

Thanks in advance! And fingers crossed for a good interview and good news to follow!
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MayaTy02
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I just moved to the Leesburg area last fall and LOVE it. Where are you coming from? I probably won't be able to help you alot since I'm a family of 4 so housing would be different needs etc but can offer at least some thoughts on the area.

I am about 10 miles out in the country west of Leesburg but we go there for our "big town"...so food shopping, outlet shopping, restaurants, movies etc. Leesburg itself is a weird town. The "old town" is absolutely adorable and charming however I think there's a missed opportunity for lots of great restaurants since many of them seem to be owned by the same group and they are horrid. There are some good restaurants there for sure, but it could really be a great little night spot if they improved the number of quality options. Then outside the old town is basically suburban sprawl of the worst kind. Strip malls and traffic lights. TONS of housing all over, basically has sprouted up over the last decade. I have never seen so many houses, miles and miles of them all on little tiny lots of land. Lots of townhomes too. Then you have the countryside of Leesburg, north and south on route 15 and surrounds, which is absolutely gorgeous horse country.

I am not partial to Lansdowne myself as a place to live but that's because I prefer the countryside rather than planned developments. I would love to work there though, because it really gives you alot of options as to where to live, that's more affordable. If I was single and working in Leesburg, I'd personally want to live in Middleburg and commute up, but again, that's just me. If you don't mind big developments where the houses all look the same, Ashburn is very popular and would be a breeze to commute to Lansdowne. TONS of townhomes in Ashburn. If you want a little more of a city feel, you could live in the Reston or Herndon area and do the reverse commute out to Lansdowne which would probably be maybe 20 mins. Or if you want to live in a town but not so cookie cutter as Ashburn, there's always Purcellville 7 miles west of Leesburg, which woudl also probably be about a 15-20 min commute depending on where in town you were.

Your horses will NOT be a problem, in fact they will be in horsey heaven! and you have lots of ready made TOC friends in the area which I know really helped me get going after the move.

Hope that helps!!
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OpticalIllusion
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No input on the area, except Virginia is wonderful <3 Fingers crossed for you to get the job.
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SidesaddleRider
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I live in Middleburg, and I am an easy 20 minute, no stress, drive to Leesburg. It is VERY horsey in this area, so different boarding options for your horse are very easy to find. For your housing options, you can choose things from renting a dependency on a farm (which can be a very attractive option) if you like the country or doing large apartment/condo living off of rte. 7.
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RHowell
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I actually like Leesburg. There are some yummy places to eat around there and they are adding more and more "night life" including a nice but crowded wine bar. Tuscarora Mill (tuskies) is one of my fave places to eat.

Sterling isn't far away and there's lots to do there if you stay in the Route 7 cooridor. Lansdowne and Ashburn are also close.

I highly suggest talking to a realtor. I have a great one (she helped MayaTy find her house). If you tell her what you're looking for, she'd be great at telling you what area--no pressure from a purchasing standpoint--she just likes to be helpful, even if it's not a sale for her
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Lion1024
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Nothing to add except good luck!
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ImJumpin
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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Thanks for the suggestions all.

I would not be looking to buy right away, unless I came across a super deal. I'd want to make sure the job and the area were a good fit before committing to anything super long term, so initially renting would be the more attractive option for me.

I don't like super developed grossness, but if that was the more affordable option over living more out in the country, I would make do. But it sounds like there are options.

OpticalIllusion-- I know, I LOVE VA! I moved away about two years ago and have been trying to get back ever since. I lived more in the SW area, so the Leesburg area is foriegn to me. I am excited about the potential prospect of finally getting back and also this job sounds absolutely amazing. I will be heartbroken if it doesn't work out.

If I get good news, I will be coming back to pick people's brains more. Just wanted somewhere to start for now. Thanks again!
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MayaTy02
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there are definitely lots of options. I did a quick look on craigslist and found some great cottages and apartments out in the country that were pretty reasonable so I think you'll have alot of choices. Best of luck!
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Delia
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MayaTy02
Apr 7 2010, 03:46 AM
there are definitely lots of options. I did a quick look on craigslist and found some great cottages and apartments out in the country that were pretty reasonable so I think you'll have alot of choices. Best of luck!
This would be my personal preference. :yes: There usually are some great deals to be had, where you can rent a cottage and board your horse on the same property.
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