Hi there!
To add to what the previous posters have said about the area and the commute...
Loudoun County has a commuter bus service from Leesburg and Dulles to the Pentagon. I've talked with people who commute this way and this seems to be a great alternative to sitting in traffic and the commute times aren't bad. Check out the site for details:
http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=969
Western Loudoun County has a number of small towns & villages that retain their historic charm and there are historic homes with loads of charm to be found in certain price points. Keep in mind that Loudoun has been one of the nation's fastest growing counties in the past number of years so the vast majority of homes available on the market are relatively new and part of planned communities. However, with a patient and well-thought out home search, I'm confident you will find your "special place to call home" in Loudoun!
I have a blog about the local Loudoun area:
http://LoudounCounty365.com which might give you more insight into attractions and things to do around here. Also, the Loudoun County visitor and convention bureau has an excellent site with loads of information:
http://VisitLoudoun.org
With all that said, I can tell you that Leesburg has been my home for over 15 years. I enjoy international travel, including my annual trip to Germany for christkindlmarkt, and can honestly say I'm always happy to come home to Leesburg. Best of luck with your upcoming relocation. If there's anything I can do to be of service, please contact me.
Warm regards,
Lisa Cromwell
http://www.HomeInLoudoun.com - Thu Mar 3, 2011