December 14th, 2009:
Shorten your commute using NEXTBUS!
Do you know that you can shorten your wait in the elements by relying on www.nextbus.com. This Web service provides real-time arrival information for several Northern Virginia bus systems (as well as other transit systems) and is accessible via the Web and handheld electronic devices. NextBus information is not a static schedule listing — it is actual arrival information, updated at regular intervals.
Because traffic variations, breakdowns, and day-to-day problems faced by any transit provider can interrupt service, NextBus was designed to keep you on schedule even if your bus or train isn’t. From the comfort and security of a protected place, you can learn when the next bus will arrive at your stop.
NextBus uses satellite technology and advanced computer modeling to track vehicles on their routes. Each vehicle is fitted with a satellite tracking system. Taking into account the actual position of the buses, their intended stops, and the typical traffic patterns, NextBus can estimate vehicle arrivals with a high degree of accuracy. This estimate is updated constantly.
The predictions are then made available on the World Wide Web and to wireless devices including signs at bus stops and business, internet capable cell phones, Palm Pilots, and other Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Conditions can change rapidly—but keep watching NextBus and you’ll always have the most current information available.
Holiday Adventures around Northern VA
I was born in Northern Virginia and have lived here most of my life, but I still find that there is no end of new things to do. When Christmas approaches in Northern Virginia, the Holiday Season is a great time to get out and see some of what the area has to offer. Julie and I have already started to enjoy some of the many sites of the season and I thought I’d share a bit with friends and soon to be friends who are considering moving to this area.
Just across the Potomac River from Alexandria VA is the National Convention Center at National Harbor. This recently developed area is home to many high-end shops and restaurants and makes a nice day-trip anytime. Julie and I visited ICE! a holiday display of ice sculptures. The attraction was billed as “a world unlike any other … a winter wonderland made entirely of ice. We explored ten different holiday scenes made from two million pounds of ice, including a life-sized Santa’s Workshop, a penguin village… and even ice slides that stood more than two stories tall! ICE! was created by a team of 40 artisans and sculptors.
The tunnel had white branches that were covered in ice. Inside the exhibit the air was a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit. All visitors wore special blue parkas over their coats that kept us nice and warm.
My son Stuart and I goofed around at the penguins near the glass-like ice igloo. National Harbor can be seen from Alexandria, but a few nights ago we took a short drive around the Beltway to the Washington, DC Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, also known as the Mormon Temple.
The grounds of the Mormon Temple are open to all visitors during the Christmas season. This impressive church and its surrounding grounds shine brightly with nearly a half-million sparkling Christmas lights. Each night, a different local musical group performs a live concert in a state-of-the-art theater. Best of all: all events are free!
It’s hard for my little picture to really catch the brilliance of the winter night, but in both of these pictures you can see a representative of the Star of David shining in the distance over a Nativity Scene near the visitors’ center.
We grabbed some photos outside and walked the grounds. There were plenty of people there, but the crowds were very polite and nice. The Mormon ushers and parking attendants were very welcoming to all who approached.
It was a chilly night, so we came in the visitor’s center to warm up. There were Christmas Trees from around the area, and I took Julie’s picture near the Mount Vernon tree. I really liked the trees with contributions from nations around the world. Those trees were themed by continents so there was a tree themed with decorations from Africa, from South American, from Europe and from Asia.
Another great spot to check out is the National Christmas Tree near the lawn of the Whitehouse near the Ellipse in Washington DC.
We parked in front of the Washington Monument and then headed across the lawn toward the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah. On the way we passed an enormous Yule Log burning brightly to warm visitors. There is a parade of free entertainment and there are trees representing all the states and territories of the USA.
The National Christmas Tree is between the Washington Monument and the White House, but very close to the White House.
 |
About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Population Density in Fairfax County
Population Density by Census Block Group in Fairfax County, Virginia as of January 2007
Note: Population of city of Fairfax is not included.
Source: Fairfax County Department of Systems Management for Human Services
Huntington Club Market Report
If you’d like to learn more about Huntington Club click here.
Check what’s available now.
Here’s a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.
| Unit Type | For Sale | Rental |
| One Bedroom, about 750 sf | 137,500 (111,500 to 150,000) | 1150 (1000 to 1250) |
| Two Bedroom, about 850-1150 sf | 160,000 (124,000 to 210,975) | 1400 (1260-1500) |
| Three Bedroom, about 1370-1420 sf | 229,000 (145,000 to 245,000) | 1800-1900 |
Huntington Club is located near the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Telegraph Road in (Fairfax County) Alexandria, VA.
With easy access to I-495/I-95, and Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway). Huntington Club was built in the 1967, and is a 20 minute commute to D.C.
Wooded grounds at Huntington Club provide plenty of shade
Amenities include:
- Easy access to Huntington Metro (right next door)
- Outdoor pool
- Assigned and Guest Parking
- Electricity, Water, Sewer, (Heating and Cooling) included in Condo Fees
- Tennis Courts
- Party Room
- Community Washer/Dryer
 |
About the Author — Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo Alexandria. To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.
|
