Four Winds of Oakton
In an area crisscrossed with high volume commuter routes and heavily-trafficked Interstates, it's inevitable that some folks are going to live in close proximity to a highway. It's great to be near the Beltway or Route 66 because this can take a serious bite out of your commute. But the downside is that the highways can generate a lot of noise. In most areas, there are towering concrete walls to dampen sound in the neighborhoods in close proximity to the Beltway, I-66, I-395 and other highways.
Beltway traffic at speed
In the picture above the wall has been taken down as work crews expand the road. Once the expansion is completed, they'll reassemble the wall. There's not much you can do about construction, but once the wall is back up, the neighborhood should be relatively quiet. In the homes and condos closest to the walls, I find that the noise sounds a bit like a waterfall---a wooshing white noise that is not particularly offensive. The noise is perhaps worst near an exit. Exit ramps create noise because every so often a trucker exiting the highway will use his "jakebrake". That is to say, the truck will gear down and emit a loud, low growling noise not unlike a Harley Davidson's loud pipes.
Here's a thought to consider if you are purchasing a condominium near the highway. In my travels I've found that the condos at the ground floor are much quieter. This is because the condos on the top floor are often just above the sound-break and therefore get the full brunt of the highway noise. Some folks like the noise ... it sounds like busy and they like being in the city. Some folks can't stand the noise and find out the hard way ... after they've purchased ... that they could have gotten a first or second floor unit.
The lower floors hear little traffic noise in this diagram but the upper floors hear traffic all day.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Weltman Estates is a great place to find spacious homes on large lots with reasonable commutes along the I-66 corridor. Homes here have listed in the lower $600's. Here's what's currently for sale.
Georgian
Befitting a king--in fact, the style is named for four King Georges of England--Georgian homes are refined and symmetrical with paired chimneys and a decorative crown over the front door. Modeled after the more elaborate homes of England, the Georgian style dominated the British colonies in the 1700s. Most surviving Georgians sport side-gabled roofs, are two to three stories high, and are constructed in brick.
Georgian homes almost always feature an orderly row of five windows across the second story. Modern-day builders often combine features of the refined Georgian style with decorative flourishes from the more formal Federal style.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Georgian style residence
If you want to live in close proximity to the Potomac River and the George Washington Parkway, it's tough to beat Villamay. Homes here are larger, mostly brick and they are sited on lots that are generally in excess of 15,000 sqft. Many of these homes, particularly those on Park Terrace have excellent views of the Potomac, overlooking the Parkway and beyond to Maryland.
Island Creek is located at 7550 Thomas Grant Drive Alexandria, VA 22315. Island Creek is situated at the South Eastern section of Fairfax County and has nearby roads like Telegraph Rd. and Beulah St. The real estate in this area includes townhouses, condominiums, and single-family detached homes. Island Creek is a short commute away from DC, Fort Belvoir, and Old Town.
The nearest metro stop is Franconia-Springfield Station. The nearest shopping center is at Kingstowne. Island Creek has a community center, tot lot, basketball court, tennis court, nature trails, and pool. Island Creek also has a pond where fishing is permitted.
This back porch faces a tree-lined back yard
Island Creek is a quiet suburb
Nearby shopping at Kingstowne includes grocery, TJ Maxx, and restaurants
Top Golf is a fun hang out near Island Creek
The Springfield mall is being renovated into an outdoor mall
Island Creek is available for rentals or sales
Island Creek is near a movie theater at Kingstowne
Island Creek is a short drive from Old Town
Cameron Run is a fun water park in Eisenhower Valley
Island Creek has several paths great for fresh air
Northern Virginia has snakeheads, a highly dangerous fish
Purchasing a home is less expensive in the long run
A good nearby recreation center is Lee District
The Potomac River has several good fishing locations
Florence Overlook is located in the Penn Daw area north of Mt. Comfort Cemetery and south of Telegraph Road. Homes are spacious with many luxury appointments and sit on large lots. Florence Overlook is relatively close to Franconia / Kingstowne and Alexandria VA in the Lee District of Fairfax County. Florence Overlook is in the Clermont Elementary School District and the Twain Middle School District. Florence Overlook is served by Edison High School. Despite the suburban feel of Florence Overlook, residents here have easy access to the Huntington Metro.
