Take one house with closets already overflowing, throw in holiday decorations and a few deliveries from UPS and soon you have a house that is ready to explode.  The holidays are a great time to put your home on a diet.  A clean up of all of those items that have been sitting on the closet shelves for a year that you haven't used, clothes that you don't wear and old magazines gathering dust. Over the years I have become acutely aware of the clean up and throw out process. With my numerous moves as a military spouse, emptying out my parents home of 45 years,  downsizing and combining households, it has been a constant battle to sort out what is important and what needs to go.  Along the way I've come to know my way to the local dump,  Salvation Army and the phone number for various charit... 12/16/2008

Rhygate is a community of 100 gorgeous townhomes on Rolling Road about one block south of Old Keene Mill Road - it adjoins Springfield Golf and Country Club.  These Carr homes were built in the mid 1970's.  They are all brick  Several have a garage  The community is immaculate and very well groomed Commuting Metrobus Routes 18H, 18P and 18S (30 minute express to the Pentagon Metro) can be boarded at Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads  Fairfax Connector Route 310 to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station (a 20 minute ride) is available at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads Slug Lines are also available at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads The Fairfax County Parkway is less than 10 minutes away south on Rolling Road It's also less than 20 minutes to Fort Belvoir via Rolling Road The Sprin... 12/16/2008

Charlestown is a highly desireable and sought after town home community in the heart of Springfield The homes and yard enclosures are all brick. There are 497 homes that were Built between 1968 and 1973 Finished liviing area ranges from 1,320 square feet to 1,798 square feet A very active homeowner's association can take credit for the excellent appearance of the community - the proof is in the pictures below Commuting Metrobus Route 18G Pentagon Express service (approximately 30 minutes) runs on Forrester Boulevard Carrleigh Parkway Fairfax County Connector Route 310 service to the Franconia-Metrorail Station (approximately 20 minutes) is available on Old Keene Mill Road making it an ideal location for people who commute inbound to the Pentagon, Washington, DC and all other subway stat... 12/16/2008

Orange Hunt Estates homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced in 1967.  It is due in no small part to their superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities Commuting MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service to the Pentagon Metro Station - it's about a 40 minute trip  Additionally, it is a relatively short drive to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for subway service to Washington, DC and all other stations on the subway system. It's approximately a 20 minute drive to Fort Belvoir. The Springfield Interchange of I-95, I-395 and I-495 is approximately 15 minutes away It's less than 10 minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway Schools Or... 12/16/2008

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... 12/15/2008

Cardinal Forest homes are located off Carrleigh Parkway near the intersection of Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads. Their continued popularity is due in no small way to the fact they are Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping Numerous home styles Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away Community Highlights  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 away.  Pohick Regional Library is about 15 minutes away at Old Keene Mill and Sydenstricker Roads Commuting Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on Forrester Boulevard The ... 12/15/2008

Charlestown is a highly desireable and sought after town home community in the heart of Springfield The homes and yard enclosures are all brick. There are 497 homes that were Built between 1968 and 1973 Finished liviing area ranges from 1,320 square feet to 1,798 square feet A very active homeowner's association can take credit for the excellent appearance of the community - the proof is in the pictures below 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 US 1. Slug Lines are available on Old Keene Mill Road across from Cardinal Forest... 12/15/2008

Orange Hunt Estates homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced in 1967.  It is due in no small part to their superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities Commuting MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service to the Pentagon Metro Station - it's about a 40 minute trip  Additionally, it is a relatively short drive to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for subway service to Washington, DC and all other stations on the subway system. It's approximately a 20 minute drive to Fort Belvoir. The Springfield Interchange of I-95, I-395 and I-495 is approximately 15 minutes away It's less than 10 minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway Schools Or... 12/15/2008

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... 12/14/2008

There are three primary concerns for people who relocate to the National Capital Area and decide to locate in Northern Virginia.  The first concern is the availability and cost of housing.  For those with children school quality is the second area of interest.  It should also be an area of interest for people without children since school quality has an impact on resale value. Commuting is the third area that is considered by a relocatee Springfield is Commuting Central for many North Virginia residents especially if you live east of Burke in Fairfax County and south of the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County and into eastern Prince William County. Both METRORAIL, VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS and PRTC METRO DIRECT BUSES converge at the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station PRTC METRO DIRE... 12/11/2008

Not often when families are looking for a new place to call home can they find two neighborhoods that have it all. Location, multiple commuting options, recreation, shopping and good schools. If you find yourself with orders to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir you may find yourself drawn to Cardinal Forest and Charlestown two neighborhoods that sit side by side in West Springfield.   The tree lined streets of Charlestown, combined with the brick townhouses remind anyone driving through the area of Colonial Williamsburg.  With primarily three level townhouses ranging from 1700 to a supersized 2700 square foot model, the townhomes feature curved staircases, hardwood floors (some under carpet) and brick walls surrounding the backyards.  The HOA takes care of all of the exterior maintenance inc... 12/11/2008

Cardinal Forest homes are located off Carrleigh Parkway near the intersection of Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads. Their continued popularity is due in no small way to the fact they are Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping Numerous home styles Community Highlights  Shopping is nearby at either Cardinal Forest Plaza or Old Keene Mill Center at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads. Cardinal Forest Elementary Washington Irving Middle School West Springfield High School  Pohick Regional Library is about 15 minutes away at Old Keene Mill and Sydenstricker Roads South Run Rec Center (year round pool, exercise facilities, and other activities) is approximately 20 minutes away. Entrance to Lake Accotink Park is in the community  Commuting Metrobus Route 18G Express Service... 12/10/2008

  It won't be too many more weeks before the possibility of snow on the ground becomes reality.  Now is the time to check your equipment Snow shovels Snow blower Neighbor's kids who will shovel snow Winter snow can be both attractive and a chore.  If you are fortunate enough to live in subdivisions such as Kings Park, Orange Hunt Estates, Daventry, Saratoga and Newington Forest - snow on the tree branches are really very eye catching It's the time of the year when Kids and dogs love to run in the snow Snowball fights erupt Your goal is to build the best snowman in Springfield Sledding equipment of all types is tried out in the backyard and on neighborhood hills Neighbors "meet and greet" while shoveling walks and driveways Hot chocolate is the drink of the moment If you need to purchase... 12/09/2008

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 ... 12/09/2008

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 ... 12/09/2008

Hello Boys and Girls! I have just spotted Santa! He has taken time out of his unbelievably packed schedule to visit with the kids at Rolling Valley Elementary School today. He was seen riding a police motorcycle and was escorted by 15(!) motorcycle police, a squad car, a police bus as well as a car from the County Sheriff. Now that's what I call protection! I hope you got to see him. If not, maybe he'll come to your school. If you don't get to visit with him, be assured, if you're good, Santa will visit on Christmas Eve and bring you lots of toys and goodies! Take care, Cathy B. 12/09/2008

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 or three 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... 12/08/2008

South Run Forest is a community of 335 detached homes with two entrances - one at The Fairfax County Parkway and the other on Hooes Road. Commuting One of the most attractive features about South Run Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Arlington and all Washington, DC employment centers The primary entrance is on the Fairfax County Parkway and it is Approximately 10 mimutes to the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads. Metrobus Route 18R operates on The Fairfax County Parkway  for a 10 minute trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station with service to all Metrorail stations throughout the National Capital Area You can take advantage of the Slug Line at Sydenstricker and Hooes for free carpooling to the Pent... 12/08/2008

South Run Forest is a community of 335 detached homes with two entrances - one at The Fairfax County Parkway and the other on Hooes Road. Commuting One of the most attractive features about South Run Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Arlington and all Washington, DC employment centers The primary entrance is on the Fairfax County Parkway and it is Approximately 10 mimutes to the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads. Metrobus Route 18R operates on The Fairfax County Parkway  for a 10 minute trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station with service to all Metrorail stations throughout the National Capital Area You can take advantage of the Slug Line at Sydenstricker and Hooes for free carpooling to the Pent... 12/08/2008

Winter Forest is a community of 268 detached homes and 171 town homes located on both sides of Rolling Road in Springfield, Virginia Commuting One of the most attractive features about Winter Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options. It is just a few minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway and Less than 10 mimutes to the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads. Metrobus Route 18S operates on Rolling Road for a 10 minute trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station with service to all Metrorail stations throughout the National Capital Area You can take advantage of the Slug Line at Sydenstricker and Hooes for free carpooling to the Pentagon and Washington, DC  Fort Belvoir is approximately 15 minutes by car. The Area Winter Forest homes are in th... 12/08/2008