When you visit Virginia you become very aware "Virginia Is For Lovers" is the trademark motto of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  One "very cool" section of their site is the                                                       INTERACTIVE MAP OF VIRGINIA  The toolbar at the top of the map has links titled Welcome To Virginia Places to Stay Things To Do Get Outside Attractions Events You can hover over any area of the map, click on it and you will be redirected to a sectional map with the same information for that section of Virginia.  For example                                                               NORTHERN VIRGINIA The tourism map is an excellent resource for visitors.  Once you are here you may decide to stay and call Virginia home.  You most certainly will need an expe... 01/23/2009

Are you looking for a neighborhood that offers solid brick townhouses on tree lined streets?  Would you like to enjoy a walk to a major Fairfax County Park on your free time or even walk to the grocery store or a neighborhood restaurant?  Interested in multiple options to get to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir or anywhere in DC?  Then you should check out the townhouse community of Charlestown in West Springfield VA.Transportation Options:Grab the 18G metro bus to the PentagonSlug Lines just a few minutes away on Keene Mill Rd.Drive 15 minutes to the Springfield MetroDrive 30 minutes or less to Tulley Gate at Fort BelvoirHead to the Rolling Road VRE within 10 minutesCommunity Features:All Brick Townhouses, 2 and 3 levelsMultiple Floor plans ranging from 1500-2500 SFHOA includes exterior pain... 01/23/2009

In my previous post "Welcome to Daventry-Choose Your Style of Walking"  I talked about all of the terrific attributes of the Daventry neighborhood in West Springfield, including convenience to public transportation, community amenities and the popularity of the community for anyone who is looking for a neighborhood that offers everything from condos to detached homes.One of the questions that buyers and sellers ask on a regular basis "is how are the neighborhood trends?"  Anyone who reads the paper or listens to the evening news knows that the Northern Virginia real estate market has had some significant changes over the last five years.  One of the best ways to show you is to provide relevant sales data (averages) to give you a peek at the ups and downs since the "hot market" of 2003. ... 01/22/2009

    Prior to the completion of the Fairfax County Parkway it was a challenge to attempt a commute from Springfield to the Herndon/Reston area.  Today, if you are offered a position in either of those 2 locations it makes a lot of sense to purchase a home in the Springfield area. As you can see by the map below it is a very direct route.  There are Springfield subdivisions on either side of the Fairfax County Parkway.  For example, if you live in  SARATOGA or  DAVENTRY  you can be on the Fairfax County Parkway in less than10 minutes The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the Springfield area. We invite you to try our                                           NO REGISTRATION SPRINGFIELD HOME FINDER and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569.  Put o... 01/22/2009

For Springfield (VA) commuters the Daventry neighborhood provides the option to walk to the main entrance to the community and grab slug to the Pentagon.   If you aren't familiar with the term "slug" in relation to Northern Virginia commuting don't panic.  It is a unique and legal way to hitch-hike your way to the Pentagon, State Department, World Bank or many other locations in DC.  The Daventry line is geared for a direct route to the Pentagon.A free ride isn't the only reason that Daventry is a popular neighborhood in Springfield.  The community offers a community pool, community center, tennis courts, four tot lots and access to walking paths connected to the huge Fairfax County Park Authority network of trails.  The community has a number of different clubs that meet regularly incl... 01/21/2009

Daventry (Hunter Village) is located between Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road where it intersects with the Fairfax County Parkway making it one of the most accessible subdivisions in Springfield.  Additionally, it is only about ten minutes from I-95 and less than five minutes from the Fairfax County Parkway There are detached homes and town homes with no garage or with one and two car garages - the community was developed in the 1980's.  It's common areas are impeccably maintained Commuting FAIRFAX CONNECTOR ROUTE 310 takes approximately 20 minutes to the FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO STATION facilitating service to  the Pentafon, Washington DC and all employment centers along the subway system METROBUS ROUTES 18G and !8H offer express bus service to the PENTAGON METRO STATION - the ... 01/21/2009

Chances are you will see a wild bunny or two in your yard in the Saratoga neighborhood in Springfield Virginia.   With the pockets of woods scattered throughout the neighborhood you will also see deer and foxes too.  The wildlife, nice size lots, the quick hop to Fort Belvoir, nearby shopping, recreation and ease of commuting make Saratoga a neighborhood that stays on the list of popular Springfield neighborhoods. Market Report Saratoga prices have risen and fallen with the change in market conditions over the last 5 years.  The following chart shows the average list and sales prices since 2003 when the Northern Virginia market took a dramatic upswing.  It also clearly shows clearly that seller subsidies continued to rise through 2008. Year Total Avg List Original List % of List Sold Pr... 01/20/2009

  Daventry (Hunter Village) is located between Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road where it intersects with the Fairfax County Parkway making it one of the most accessible subdivisions in Springfield.  Additionally, it is only about ten minutes from I-95 and less than five minutes from the Fairfax County Parkway There are detached homes and town homes with no garage or with one and two car garages - the community was developed in the 1980's.  It's common areas are impeccably maintained Commuting FAIRFAX CONNECTOR ROUTE 310 takes approximately 20 minutes to the FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO STATION facilitating service to  the Pentafon, Washington DC and all employment centers along the subway system METROBUS ROUTES 18G and !8H offer express bus service to the PENTAGON METRO STATION - the... 01/20/2009

If your family includes a pet or two, making sure that they are safe and secure during your move can often be just as important as making sure your household goods arrive in one piece. Our family has moved around the world with pets and I know how difficult it can be find good care for your pet in a new surrounding. The first thing to remember if you are moving with a pet is to make sure as you set aside your personal information that you also include a copy of your pets health history and medications that they may need while in transit. Since most pets are lost during move-in day making sure that your pet is secure while the movers are unloading your furniture is critical. The best way to ensure that your pet is safe and secure is to find another place for your pet for the day. For fam... 01/20/2009

Wills and VanMetre started construction on Saratoga in mid-1972.  Many of the community features they offered are still available today in most planned communities.  The one item that is not available, however, in homes close-in are large lots approximately 1/4 acre. Commuting Fairfax County Connector Route 304 service to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station for commuting to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area work centers that can be accessed by Metrorail Approximately 15 minutes to Fort Belvoir Less than 10 minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway for east-west cross county travel Schools Saratoga is in the LEE HIGH SCHOOL PYRAMID Pohick Regional  Library is approximately 15 minutes from Saratoga Lorton Library is also approximately 15 minutes f... 01/19/2009

Wills and VanMetre started construction on Saratoga in mid-1972.  Many of the community features they offered are still available today in most planned communities.  The one item that is not available, however, in homes close-in are large lots approximately 1/4 acre. Commuting Fairfax County Connector Route 304 service to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station for commuting to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area work centers that can be accessed by Metrorail Approximately 15 minutes to Fort Belvoir Less than 10 minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway for east-west cross county travel Schools Saratoga is in the LEE HIGH SCHOOL PYRAMID Pohick Regional  Library is approximately 15 minutes from Saratoga Lorton Library is also approximately 15 minutes f... 01/19/2009

It is obvious when you look at the large overhead signs, I-95 is the interstate running outside the beltway and I-395 runs inside the beltway to DC.  However if someone asks you how to get to DC and you say take Shirley Highway then you know you are a "native" of Northern Virginia.  Officially Shirley Highway runs from the Pentagon to just north of Route 1 in Woodbridge.  The start of the construction of the highway started in 1941 and lasted until 1952 when the four lane road was completed.  Originally known as the Fort Belvoir bypass the road was renamed for Henry Shirley who was the first the first highway commissioner in Virginia. Our first family home was just outside DC on Shirley Highway in the Parkfairfax neighborhood.  Built in 1941 as an apartment complex to alleviate a housin... 01/18/2009

The all brick town homes of Charlestown are in one of the most convenient locations in Springfield, Virginia Commuters to the Pentagon, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area work centers that are served by Metorail enjoy the multitude of options that are available to them. Fort Belvoir is about a 20 minute drive. There are three shopping centers within approximately 5 minutes All three grade level schools are only minutes away Charlestown is impeccably maintained For a more detailed report on the many attributes of the community see CHARLESTOWN The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the Springfield area. We invite you to try our                               NO REGISTRATION CHARLESTOWN AND SPRINGFIELD HOME FINDER and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us ... 01/15/2009

Cardinal Forest Condominiums have always been and will continue to be popular with all age groups.  The five primary reasons are: Central Springfield location Affordability  Several shopping centers are within a few blocks  There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away There are two type homes available  Two level town homes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms or Garden apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms  Commuting Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on Forrester Boulevard The scheduled time to the Pentagon is 30 minutes This would be a good transfer point if you are continuing on to Washington, DC  Fort Belvoir is approximately 15 minutes south via Rolling Road to U... 01/13/2009

Cardinal Forest today retains some of the same feel that it did in the 1970's when the neighborhood was first converting to condominiums from rental units. Still welcoming newlyweds, military families and retirees the community has matured and maintained its charm. Buyers and owners can say thank you to a diligent homeowners association which makes sure that the neighborhood has been well taken care of over the years. Buyers may be surprised when they drive through the neighborhood at the wide variety of condominiums available in the Cardinal Forest neighborhood. There are 1, 2 & 3 bedroom single level units, two different models of two level townhouses and a 2100 square foot three level townhouse as well. There are a total of 68 buildings and 1050 units that make up the neighborhood. T... 01/13/2009

Hear Ye, Hear Ye.  Do you love all brick homes with plenty of trees and fantastic back courtyards?  How about "dramatic" curved staircases?  How about a 4 BR and den townhouse with over 2500 SF?  Then the Charlestown Community in West Springfield is one you shouldn't miss.  Having lived in Charlestown for a number of years, knowing the schools, the commuting routes throughout the area and the local shopping, helps give me the inside scoop on the neighborhood. Commuting to the Pentagon is as simple as stepping outside your door and walking 2 to 3 blocks to Forrester Blvd. If you aren't picked up by a commuter looking for slugs then you can grab the 18G Metro Bus. If you take the 7:18 bus you will be at the Pentagon at 7:50. How great is that? If Fort Belvoir is your destination then the ... 01/12/2009

Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away There are two type homes available  Two level town homes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms or Garden apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms  Community Highlights Pool Very well maintained On site management.  Shopping is nearby at either Cardinal Forest Plaza or Old Keene Mill Center at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads. South Run Rec Center (year round pool, exercise facilities, and other activities) is approximately 20 minutes ... 01/12/2009

Kings Park, with models named King, Queen, Duke, Prince, etc, is located just west of the Capital Beltway (I-495) off Braddock Road.  It is a popular community of 1,100 homes that were built in the 60s. There are five basic models - two colonials, one split foyer, one cape cod and one rambler.  They are Richmarr homes who was the one of the premier Springfield developer/builders during the period.  Of course, over time, many of the homes have been refurbished and had additions added.  This gives the community a uniqueness and character that can only be developed over a rather lengthy period of time. Commuting Metrobus Route 17 operates in Kings Park with service to the Pentagon Bus Terminal The VRE Rolling Road Station is within 10 minutes with service to Washington, DC Entrance to the... 01/12/2009

Anyone who drives past Washington Irving Middle School in West Springfield (VA) can't help but notice the large painted boulder at the entrance to the school.  The history of the "rock" and the tradition that surrounds it go back September 1960 when Washington Irving opened its doors. At that time Old Keene Mill Road that runs in front of the school was a winding two lane road.  When road crews were finishing the entrance to the school they uncovered the large boulder and stood it on its end by the driveway.  The rock instantly gained the attention of the middle school students and became a opportunity for them to express themselves about current events under the watchful eye of the administration.In the early days of the school (my brother and I both attended in the 60's) you would fin... 01/08/2009

  Wills and VanMetre started construction on Saratoga in mid-1972.  Many of the community features they offered are still available today in most planned communities.  The one item that is not available, however, in homes close-in are large lots approximately 1/4 acre. Commuting Fairfax County Connector Route 304 service to the Franconia-Springfield   Metrorail Station for commuting to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC and all National Capital Area wotk centers that can be accessed by Metrorail Approximately 15 minutes to Fort Belvoir Less than 10 minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway for east-west cross county travel Schools Saratoga is in the Lee High School Pyramid  You can locate schools for a specific address at Fairfax County Public School Locator Pohick Regional  Library i... 01/07/2009