The trade-off in the Northern Virginia area is price versus location. The farther out you go, the more affordable the homes are and, thus, more likely to be considered starter homes for first time homebuyers. As a result, to make an overly broad statement, you're not likely to find much in Arlington.

You've identified your interest as "Home Buying in Falls Church." There are some areas with the mailing address of Falls Church, but not in the city of Falls Church, that might work. Those are typically communities built in the 1950s. Traffic in some areas can be difficult, but there are communities off of Route 50 and relatively near the Metro that are quite manageable.

There are also some areas around North Springfield that you might want to consider.

Going a little farther out, I like the area around Fairfax City. Again, there are some older communities built in the 1950s as well as some built in the 1960s. I'm not sure what your price range is, but you can find nice 1970s homes in an area called Kings Park West. That's traditionally been an area in which a lot of military families have lived. As a Realtor, I can't comment on the specific schools. But do your research yourself; you'll find it worthwhile.

If you need any other suggestions, please contact me.

Don Tepper
Don.Tepper@longandfoster.com
http://www.WeSellVirginiaHouses.com

The Shenandoah Valley is a beautiful place to live. There are many different choices of areas to live, depending on your personal preference. It ranges from small subdivisions, country living, or close to all the action. Contact a Realtor in that area, and see for yourself, you'll love it.