Time to Get Active?
What I have noticed, which I admit didn't take a lot of thought to realize, about the Potomac River is that it is appreciated. This appreciation doesn't just come from my seeing it and saying, "Wow, that's beautiful." It comes from much more and here in the Alexandria are many reasons why.
The closer you get to the water of the Potomac River, the more beautiful things get. The closer you get to the water, the more expensive the homes and condos are as well, for the most part. It is easy to see when driving along the George Washington Parkway, which opened in 1932, to understand why this is true. The drive alone is a serene route along lush green trees situated just in front of the blue expanse of the Potomac.
I don't know what it is saying to you, but when I drive along this roadway on a Saturday morning, it screams - get active. So many things in this 2015 world bed of us to be more and more lazy. That's just not the case with nature. On a daily basis you can ride along the Parkway and see many people getting out doors and walking or jogging along the paths that stretch the length of the Parkway.
Just as many bikers take advantage of the paths to attain their higher goals in fitness. Seeing these people out there is a motivating thing indeed and truly makes me feel good inside. It tells me that the country is still wanting to better themselves. They just need a bit of help to get there and that's where the beauty of nature comes in. I believe there is a lot to be said for jogging or riding a bike next to a beautiful river alongside lush greenery.
The alternatives are boring and non imaginative, not to mention a bit dangerous. Trying to get this workout alongside the roads surrounded by concrete and hundreds of cars on their way back from picking up the kids from the ball game and dance studio with the kids screaming in their ear only inches from your intended pathway is not what I call fun.
That's what makes the path by the Potomac and it's beckoning beauty the way to go. Take a walk or jog along the river, admire the beauty of nature and the beauty of the homes situated close by. Doesn't this look like a wonderful place to live?
Would you like to have roommates? Do you have a wife and plan to start a family? These are questions to consider before taking the step towards home ownership. Depending on your circumstances you might prefer a 2 bedroom condo in Courthouse, instead of a 1,000,000 home in Mount Vernon.
Location and Atmosphere
Northern Virginia has a vast array of neighborhoods. For example, Arlington has a bustling metropolitan scene that is just a few metro stops away from DC. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is Woodbridge, which is a quieter small town type of area, which attracts commuters. Alexandria is a nice middle ground in between the two aforementioned neighborhoods. Alexandria has plenty of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping in a variety of neighborhoods like Old Town, West End, and Fairfax County.
Type
Condo? Townhome? Single family home? Each of these homes has their own advantages and disadvantages. Condos are nice because some include amenities, like a pool, fitness center, or dry cleaner, all conveniently located in the condo community. Some may prefer a home, because there aren’t any condominium fees.
Commitment
A mortgage is a long term commitment. It is important to factor in job security when preparing to purchase a home. For those who end up having to leave the area, whether it is temporary or permanent, there is the option of hiring a property manager so that you can rent out your home and collect rent on it while you’re gone.
Credit Score
To be considered a serious buyer, the first step to buying a home is to get pre approved. Getting pre approved can speed up the home buying process. One way to improve your credit score is to always pay your bills on time. Another way to build your credit is to open a credit card and use it monthly and pay it on time.
Updated 10/10/15
The Coast Guard Telecommunication and Information Systems Command or TISCOM sets office just near Hayfield in Fairfax County Alexandria Virginia. The Command is the Coast Guard’s lead developer of voice and data communications systems by developing modern digital communication networks and integrating computer technology in the Coast Guard’s daily routine.
TISCOM provides telecommunications, electronics and information systems that support the Coast Guard. They are organized into 10 divisions :
Entrance at U.S. Coast Guard's TISCOM
Administration
Ceremonial Honor Guard
Facilities Engineering
Workstation Engineering
INFOSYS Operations
Information Assurance
Telecommunication Operations
Network Engineering
Radio Systems
Defense Message System or DMS.
All the 10 divisions have their own department divisions as well, carrying out various duties assigned to them. The TISCOM team of engineers,technicians and support staff focuses on solving today’s information technology problems by timely and quality service to the field.
TISCOM is in Fairfax County near Alexandria VA. For those who work at TISCOM there are many communities to choose from.
This USCG station is near Hayfield in Fairfax County VA
TISCOM communities to consider
Hayfield
Hayfield is a quiet community without the hustle and bustle of traffic or noise. It is located between Newington and Franconia, just a mile away from TISCOM. Beautiful trees and landscaping offers a relaxed and laid back feeling for professionals. Although Hayfield may sound secluded, it actually is close to the city for commuters. There’s just so much to do for leisure at Hayfield. The Hilltop Driving Range is ultimately close as well as the Golf course for a relaxing game of golf. Those who wish to get more of nature can visit Huntley Meadow Park down south. And the shops at Kingstowne Towne Center cater to all shopping needs. Telegraph KinderCare for the little ones is a walk away and so are Hayfield Elementary and Hayfield Secondary. To Find Homes in Hayfield
Franconia
Southwest of Alexandria in Fairfax County, Franconia is just 3 miles away from TISCOM. Franconia has access to the metro at both the Franconia/Springfield Metro Station and the Van Dorn Metro Station. Other transpiration options would be the Metrobus, Virginia Railway Express and other local as well as regional bus line. Franconia borders Fort Belvoir and most of Kingstowne, Hayfield, Manchester Lakes and Windsor Parks.
Kingstowne
Kingstowne is a subdivision of 22,000 acres of housing including 5,400 homes shared by 3 villages – North Village, Middle Village and South Village in Franconia, Alexandria. Kingstowne definitely is a neighborhood where residents can choose from condos, townhouses and single family homes.
The community itself can make use of the various amenities offered:
2 Fitness Centers / Gyms / Aerobic Studio
2 Swimming Pools
Multi Purpose Courts
22 Hiking / Biking Trails
3 Community Centers
24 Toddler Centers / Play areas
Residents find it quite accessible to the Metro’s Blue Line at the Springfield – Franconia Metro or the Van Dorn Metro.
Huntley Meadows
Huntley Meadows Park can be found in the Lee District on the southern part in Fairfax County. Huntley Meadows is 4500 acres of natural treasure that makes forests, wetlands and flower filled meadows creates a more outdoorsy nature loved environment for residents. TISCOM is just 3 miles away from the park making the area around Huntley Meadows.
Belle Haven
Just 5 miles away from TISCOM, Belle Haven is a luxurious and prestigious neighborhood in the south of Alexandria. Belle Haven overlooks the Potomac River and the Belle Haven Country Club. A wide variety of homes can be found here such as cottages, townhouses, manors, houses and luxury homes, all within an arm reach of parks and country clubs away from the hustles and bustles of Northern Virginia.
Huntington
TISCOM is a mere 5 miles away from Huntington where various styles of homes attract people to stay. The Huntington Metro Station on the Yellow Line provides efficient commuting for residents. Hunting Creek Club and Huntington Club are good options for those on a budget who want easy access to the Metro. Jefferson Manor offers little well-built brick townhouse with easy access to the Metro.
Mount Vernon
8 miles from TISCOM, Mount Vernon is located in the southern part of Fairfax County along the Potomac and toward Old Town Alexandria. Mount Vernon's hills, streams, lakes and forest provide a beautiful landscape. Many homes have views of the Potomac River. Historical sites such as George Washington’s plantation as well as Gunston Hall and Hollin Hill. A variety of parks, restaurants and retail stores are all located nearby for residents’ convenience.
Rose Hill
This suburb is 3 miles out from TISCOM and is located close enough to DC by commute. Rose Hill has wide accessible streets with ample unrestricted parking.
Lorton & Fort Belvoir
Lorton and Fort Belvoir are 7 miles from TISCOM located in Fairfax County, south of Alexandria. Lorton is further from the culture, opportunities and activities of Northern Virginia, but cheaper than you'll find in the city.
Is National Harbor Worth My Time?
I have recently had the opportunity to go to National Harbor for the first time. National Harbor is located in Maryland, city of Fort Washington. I was very happy to finally see and experience a bit of National Harbor and here's why:
The first reason I am glad to get over to National Harbor is that it is quite a different view from over there on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The view at night is beautiful, while driving by on the Virginia side of the water, but during the day, it was just as beautiful to see all of the yachts, restaurants on the waterfront and people just walking around enjoying a beautifully sunny day.
Another reason why I liked going over to the Maryland side was the existence of the Capital Wheel. I will very soon experience this, but just seeing it from very close up was a sight to behold. The Capital Wheel is a Ferris Wheel that takes you 180 feet above the Potomac River waterfront, providing amazing views (I can't wait for these). Some attractions which you will be able to see are the White House, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery and the parklands throughout the Maryland, DC and Virginia area.
A third reason to get over to National Harbor is the restaurants. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Redstone American Grill on our visit and I loved my salad, with all of its many pleasant flavors complimenting each other and got totally stuffed on the amazing corn bread - yum! I will definitely go back to Redstone American Grill, probably after my ride on the Capital Wheel. The question is, will you?
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For answers to the questions call (703)765-0300 or read more.
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