Location, location, location! Belle View is a community located in New Alexandria, right outside of Historic Old Town Alexandria, off of the George Washington Parkway. Within the community you will find parks, playgrounds and recreation centers spread throughout the development. Belle View has much to offer from local dining to outdoor adventures, and a commuters dream with short drives to Washington DC and easy access to major highways and metro. There are endless benefits of living in Belle View.
Belle View condominium building
If you are looking for convenient living, look no further. Belle View, being located between the George Washington Parkway and Route 1 allows for easy access to all major roadways and is less than two miles away from Huntington Metro. Across the George Washington Parkway is the Mount Vernon Trail and Dyke Marsh. It is here you can enjoy a scenic run or ride along the Potomac River or go boating, kayaking out of Dyke Marsh Park. Mount Vernon Recreational Center is a short walk away and features pools, an ice skating rink and a fitness center. Belle View also has a shopping center filled with a grocery store, restaurants, and a variety of specialty shops. Belle View is just the right place to make your new home.
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.
What Differences I See From MO to VA
I have only recently found myself a new resident of the state which boasts that it is 'For Lovers'. I hail from the 'Show Me' state and I am truly looking forward to learning more about this beautiful land that I now find myself.
The fist thing to note as far as differences from Missouri to Virginia is the way the roads are laid out. A few things you won't ever see in Missouri are: EZ -Pass lanes, red curbs or pink roadside signs. But, the character of this state is enhanced with the way the roads are cut into the landscape. The personality of the land is not lost on the roadways. Driving around is not something that will put me to sleep, it is, instead an enjoyable passing of the time, except in rush hour of course.
Secondly, the air seems different to me. Although more people reside in Virginia, it strangely seems easier to breathe here. I'm not sure if that is just a state of mind that I am experiencing, but it sure feels real to me. Maybe it has something to do with all the beautiful greenery around us here in Virginia. There are so many trees all over that it seems like driving from one place to another is just a jaunt through a forest (sometimes, that's exactly what it is).
A third obvious difference, to me, that jumps out right away is the distant scenery. The lush mountains that seem to surround me in certain places, like Front Royal, are beautiful to behold. The mountains are also not like others that I have seen around the country. They are alive and vibrant. The mountains in Virginia are home to many, many species of animals, insects and other wildlife. These mountains are the first thing that attracted me to this area of the country as a small boy. When we would take family summer vacations out here, I would stare in wonder at the majestic mountains and hope that the day would come when I could move here on my own.
Show me that Virginia is for lovers!
That day has come and I appreciate every moment I have in this state of wonder and beauty.
Commander James S. Ward, well known as a scholar and an authority on tactics and gunnery, was the first Union naval officer mortally wounded after the outbreak of the Civil War. Ward was well known because, among other accomplishments, he was instrumental in establishing the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Fort Ward is in the West End of Alexandria
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Union commanders understood that a Confederate blockade of the Potomac was a serious threat to the main supply line for Washington, D.C. As a result, a flotilla of seven Navy vessels under the command of James Ward were dispatched to protect the waterway for shipping. In the earliest days of the war, that flotilla was involved in an action to support the strategic redeployment of a small Federal force at Mathias Point. During this action a Confederate sniper shot Ward, and he died shortly thereafter.
One of these forts was named after Commander Ward, and today Fort Ward is the best preserved of this fort system. During the war, Fort Ward was the fifth largest fort defending the Capitol and thus deterred Confederate forces who never attacked its earthen walls. The Union Army abandoned the Fort in December 1865, and shortly thereafter any salvageable materials were sold at auction.
The land is now owned by the City of Alexandria. During the time of the war, the fort was a dusty (at times muddy) place, stripped of vegetation and armed with cannons. Today, it is a manicured oasis of greenery in the city of Alexandria.
On the grounds of old Fort Ward, Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site serves as a park, educational center and cultural remembrance for those who served here. The museum has exhibits on general Civil War topics as well as interpretive programs specific to Fort Ward and Alexandria during the Union occupation. Fort Ward can be entered at 4301 West Braddock in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Fort is located relatively close to Inova Alexandria Hospital and Episcopal High School. The surrounding area is a mixture of very high end housing, middle class housing and is located not far from Skyline and the condos near I-395. To search the surrounding area check out West End Alexandria.
Franklin Farm
Franklin Farms offers, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, basketball courts and even tot lots for the little ones. These recreational choices encompass 182 acres of land in Franklin Farms. Come join the community and call Franklin Farms your home.
Located in western Fairfax County lies the Franklin Farms community. This massive community sits on approximately 850 acres with 1,777 homes. Only 20 miles from Washington, D. C. and about 4 miles from Dulles International Airport. The neighborhoods located in Franklin Farms sit between West Ox Road (East) and Centreville Road (West) entrances. Fairfax and Reston are convenient from the Fairfax County Parkway which goes straight through the center of Franklin Farms in the north and south directions.
Iwo Jima Memorial is in Rosslyn near Washington DC
Monument Place Townhomes are located at 1301 14th Street, N. Arlington, Virginia, 22209 and were constructed in 2002. It is a 16-unit community filled with luxury, class and beautiful scenery. The views from the units include, the Iwo Jima Statue, Arlington Cemetery, the Potomac River, the National Mall and our country's capital. The scenery is breathtaking.
Along with these wonderful scenic features, Monument Place also has wonderful indoor amenities such as:
Five-level Townhomes
Elevators
Rooftop Terraces
Two-Car Garages
Open and Traditional Floor Plans
Gourmet Kitchen with Island
With the views and convenience of the community, including walking distance to Rosslyn Metro, shopping and dining, Monument Place is a beautiful, convenient place for you and your family to live.
Hillcrest in Arlington
Hillcrest Townhomes is located in Arlington, Virginia overlooking the Potomac River and Georgetown. This beautiful community is secluded in a wooded area yet convenient to shopping and dining. Built in 1995 in the Courthouse Neighborhood, most townhouses at Hillcrest offer the following amenities:
3 bedrooms
2/3 baths
4 levels
Fireplace
Carpet and hardwood flooring
Crown molding
Built-in bookcases
Alarm system
Gourmet kitchen with island
Basement
Brick
2 car garage
Deck
Fully fenced
Pets allowed
Hillcrest in Arlington VA is great location, quiet area surrounded by trees but also at walking distance to metro. Schools serving the neighborhood are: Taylor Elementary School, Williamsburg Middle School and Yorktown High School.
Torpedo Factory Art Center at night
Old Town Virginia is a historic area of Alexandria. Old Town was a busy port during the Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War times. Some of the more interesting historic elements of Old Town include, Gadsby's Tavern, a replica of George Washington's house, and Robert E. Lee's childhood home. There are also many museums to experience some of the history including, The Stabler Apothecary Museum , The Torpedo Factory Art Center, The Lyceum, and many antique shops and historic homes. The Appomattox statue of a Confederate Soldier is also located in Old Town and is part of the Civil War history.
courtyard in Old Town
The house in the picture is in Alexandria
Old Town in late January
Captain’s Row on Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria
Near the waterfront in Old Town
Townhouse
Market Square in Old Town is the location for the Farmer’s Market
Abingdon Row is located in Old Town North
If you are a tour buff there are several guided tours you can take. Haunted tours, walking tours and even rides on the Potomac tours.
Today, Old Town is a small but prestigious area with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, residential living along the Potomac River. Old Town Alexandria is a beautiful place to live and visit.
Historical and Patriotic
The Lyceum is located at the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Built in 1839 and managed by gentlemen who formed with the Alexandria Library Company, The Lyceum remains to be historical and patriotic in its structure, with Greek style architecture on the exterior. The outside of the building is in the Greek style form of architecture which gives The Lyceum a distinct look. For tourists who plan to visit The Lyceum there are many historical memorabilia items which include the Civil War, documents, antique silver, photographs, furniture, and 19th century stoneware. The Lyceum was intended to be the cultural center of Alexandria and now it has returned to its former prominence.
The Lyceum has served many purposes for its country over the years. It was a cultural center in Alexandria before the Civil War broke out. It was then used as a hospital by the Union Army during the Civil War. It was even used as an office building, a private home and the first Bicentennial Center in the nation. It was in 1985 when The Lyceum was made as Alexandria’s Historical Museum.
The Lyceum can be rented by the community and by private parties for concerts, lectures, school programs, volunteer functions and weddings. Tourists can also enjoy viewing historical memorabilia from the Civil War, documents, antique silver, photographs, furniture and 19th century stoneware.
brick townhouse at Highgate
In the Colonial Terrace neighborhood of Rosslyn you'll find the the prestigious Highgate Townhomes community. Highgate is approximately 2.5 blocks from the Rosslyn Metro and a convenient walk to Georgetown. Residents at Highgate Townhomes are accessible to the convenient restaurants and shop stops in Rosslyn as well as the GW Parkway, I-66 and Lee Highway. These brick townhomes offer:
3 bedrooms
Pets allowed
Select units have 1 or 2 garages
Select units with Georgetown and Potomac River views
Select units have underground parking, patios and/or gardens
For luxury living choose from the Kent, Addison, Duncan, Hayes, and Newbury models.
There are no pet restrictions at the Highgate Townhomes.
About the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.
