Located at 501 Slaters Lane in Alexandria, Virginia, Marina Towers is a large condominium community consisting of approximately 500 residents. Marina Towers is located along the north side of Old Town Alexandria, where residents can enjoy boutique shopping, antique galleries, and a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment. In addition, the Potomac Landing Sailing Marina and two bicycle paths are located just a short walking distance from Marina Towers as well.

Marina Towers is located near many of Northern Virginia's major thoroughfares and is positioned conveniently close (only 3 miles away) to Reagan National Airport, making the Marina Towers every commuter's dream. The Marina Towers condominium units are spacious and modern, and the condominium grounds feature a host of amenities including a riverside swimming pool which features free water aerobics classes; a fitness center; a convenience store/drycleaners; a party room; a tiki bar and a gazebo. Between the exceptionally convenient location of Marina Towers and their close proximity to shopping, mass-transit and the Potomac River, this is a must-see condo community for anyone looking to live in Northern Virginia!

If you are looking or even just thinking about buying a condominium home in or around Northern Virginia, it's perfectly natural to feel a little nervous. Buying a condo and owning your own home is a large, life changing purchase. Indeed, any individual thinking about buying a condo needs to know what to expect and how to prepare for those expectations. Below is a short list of 5 essential tips that any condo buyer would do well to consider throughout the process of finding a new condominium home. Happy hunting!       

1) Look at Everything in Person

First, remember to look in person at any condo unit you are interested in. It is very important that you make sure to actually see the amenities, parking space, and condo facilities personally. This simple but critical task will avoid any confusion and disappointment later on and will ensure that you are satisfied with your condo purchase. If you absolutely cannot look at the condo in person than ask the seller if you can send a friend you trust to look at the unit instead. In addition, if you are located in a different city than where you are condo shopping, be sure to ask the condo seller or realtor to send you as many pictures as possible of the condo and the condo building before you make a decision.  

2) Carefully review the Condo Association Fees First

Make sure that you know what exactly is included in your condo purchase. What amenities are included in the condo fees to make the condo right for the price? Or, on the other hand, are you going to end up paying for benefits you don't need? In addition, ask if there is any insurance included. Different condo associations may charge the same amount per month, but one may include some incidental insurance while others may require hefty fees for amenities you may not really need or want. Finally, check the condo association meetings and/or any printed bulletins that result from them. Look for any past or developing issues that you need to take into account.

3) Never Ignore the Documents that Accompany the Condo Purchase 

Always review the condominium documents very carefully before you buy. In laymen's terms, don't ignore the fine print. Here, you should check the total price and property documents to make sure that they are reasonable for the area. Be especially cautious if the price is very low because this could mean you will need a special assessment of the unit, which could cost you a lot of money, later in the future.

4) Always Review Comparable Units for Sale in the Same Building

While every condo building is unique and features different amenities, styles, policies, and location, it is important that you look into other condo units that are for sale or have sold in the same building. Here, do not simply rely on the recent sale price of another unit in the building. Consider what another units' floor plan was, what views it had, or if it had any special upgrades. Depending on the view and floor of the unit, the price of a one bedroom can vary within a condo building.

5) Work with a Specialist

The condominium marketplace is often a very specialized type of real estate and as such, you should always consider working with a qualified realtor, and particularly one who specializes in condos. With the help of a realtor, you will have access to a greater condominium market which will enable you to find the best condo unit to fit your needs at a price that you can live with.  

Get out and do something! Even though it's cold outside, there is always something to do in Arlington, Virginia. Below is a list of five fun, local, and free or low-cost events in Arlington that anyone can enjoy!   

1) Children's Theatre Festival

Event: Children's Theatre Festival

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 11 am-5 pm

Location: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209

Event Description:
The Children's Theatre Festival is a full day theatre event including exciting live performances, workshops, theatre activities and more. The theatre lobby will be filled with activities for children such as painting, drawing, and storytelling beginning at 11 am. There will be a performance of The Cat and the Seagull at 12 pm and again at 4pm. This theatre performance is based on The Story of the Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her How to Fly, by Luis Sepulveda. At 1 pm there will be additional performances by Los Quetzalitos, the Children's Mexican Dance Group, and Las Lunitas.

Contact and Other Info:
Admission to The Cat and the Seagull is $10.00. All other activities are free. Free Parking in the building garage. Food and drink will be available for sale throughout the festival. Call 703-548-3092 for more information or visit http://www.teatrodelaluna.org.

2) Painting Class for Beginners

Event:  Painting Class for Beginners

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 20, 10 am – 12 pm 

Location: Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 

Event Description:
Learning how to paint is easier and more fun than ever! Longtime art teacher Blanche Kirchner is opening her painting class on Wednesday morning to help people who are new to the wonderful world of art creation and painting. Blanche will consult new artists on what materials they should bring and discuss the options of different media. This event will get anyone interested in art on the road to their own creative expression!

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is $24 for 4 sessions. Call Nelly Urbach at 703-228-0955 for more information. Sessions run Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 - March 10. Event website can be located at:  http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerwalterreed.aspx.

3) Comedy Club

Event:  Comedy Club

Date/Time:  Friday, January 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am 

Location: Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202

Event Description:
Come to laugh and relive the classic comedy of times past at Aurora Hills. Guests will enjoy video and audio selections of The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Bill Dana, and Burns and Allen. Later, guests can take a stab at sharing their own funny stories together. The event will be led by Mike Bloom, comedy book author and former write for Walt Disney pictures.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Julie Albers at 703-228-5722 to register. The Comedy Club meets monthly on Fridays. The event website can be found at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centeraurorahills.aspx.

4) Under the Ice 

Event:  Under the Ice 

Date/Time:  Saturday, January 23, 2 pm-3 pm 

Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Bring children ages 6 and up to a winter wonderland in the Gulf Branch Nature Center pond. Children will learn what's lurking in that cold dark water and then go outside and discover what can be hauled up from its depths. The nature centers is nestled in lovely park setting and the event will be staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people who are there to help you and your family learn more about the great outdoors. This interactive event is an environmental education programs for both children and adults. Registration is required.

Contact and Other Info:
A fee of $3 will be due upon registration. Event is for children ages 6 and up, registered children only. Call 703-228-3403 or 703-228-4747 for more information or visit the event website located at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/nature/parksrecreationscriptsnaturegulfbranch.aspx.

5) Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Event:  Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 27, 1 pm – 3 pm 

Location: Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper Street. Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Challenge yourself and learn to work Sudoku puzzles in your head using the systematic approach developed by instructor Nort Beckerman. This two-hour class will build brain function and cognitive abilities, including memory, while teaching strategies for solving Sudoku puzzles. The class is fun and stimulating. Guests must be registered for the event.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Eva Mayor at 703-228-5321 to register for the event. Event website is located at:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerlangstonbrown.aspx.

Located on Westwind Way at the corner of Magarity and Anderson street in McLean, Virginia, the Westerlies is a 200 unit condominium complex situated near Tyson's Corner Shopping Center. The Westerlies are known as a contemporary and fresh community of townhouses throughout the McLean neighborhood. The Westerlies condominiums feature a variety of floor plans including 2 to 3 bedrooms as well as 1 to 2 full bathrooms. The layout of these townhouses offer an abundance of natural lighting and in many units most of the rooms are flooded by daylight. 

At the Westerlies, all of the exterior maintenance is included in the owner's monthly condo fees which is a money and time saving bonus for buyers who may not want to deal with the upkeep of a house. Other features include quick and easy access to all major highways such as I-495, Route 7, and the Dulles Airport Toll Road; and the West Falls Church Metro is approximately a mile away. Condo units feature high windows, kitchens with granite countertops, soaking tubs in the bathrooms, private decks, and most units are 2 levels. Finally, the Westerlies property also includes an outdoor pool, a children's playground, and a basketball court. Between the size, features, and floor plans of the Westerlies condominiums, as well as the great neighborhood that surrounds them, this condo community is a highly desirable place to live in Northern Virginia. 

The Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is located at the corner of North Lexington and Wilson Boulevard, at 850 North Lexington Street in Arlington, Virginia. This scenic and serene rose and botanical garden occupies approximately one acre of land and features over 135 different rose varieties and houses 2,500 plant species as well. Featured roses include Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, and miniature roses. The garden also hosts the latest All-American roses annually, showcasing the newest variety of roses at least one year before they become commercially available.

Bon Air Memorial Park also features an azalea garden, a shade garden, a sun garden, and an ornamental garden. Other amenities include picnic tables, charcoal grills, a babbling spring stream, a paved walking trail, tennis and basketball courts, an additional children's playground. Cultural advice and guidance for the rose garden is provided by the Arlington Rose Foundation. Call (703) 358-4747 for more information.

This beautiful and fascinating garden is a brilliant and colorful local resource that truly proves Virginia is for lovers! Whether you are a botanical aficionado or an individual who simply wants to stop and smell the roses, the Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is a must see this spring in Northern Virginia. Park hours are from Sunrise until half an hour after Sunset throughout the year. 

Upton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!! The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both.

Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will reopen for the season in March of 2010. The water park and swimming pool complex will reopen Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Upton Hill Regional Park hosts and annual Easter Egg Hunt in early March and welcomes the whole family to come and join in the festivities. Children can enjoy hunting for eggs filled with candy as well as a moon bounce, coloring, and other games. The Easter Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 2 through 10 and reservations are required. Call 703-534-3437 for more information or to make reservations.

Located between the Arlington and Fairfax County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard, Upton Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the area and the local governments' commitment to its community.  

The McLean House Condominiums are located in the heart of McLean, Virginia, and are one of the areas most sought after condo communities. Located at 6800 Fleetwood Road in McLean, this condominium community is a premier location in a unique area of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. The McLean House Condominiums are located conveniently close to both the Langley and McLean Shopping Centers, and the surrounding neighborhood is home to a wide variety of restaurants, parks, banking centers, and grocery stores.

The McLean House feature gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, specialized track lighting, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, balconies, and a washer and dryer in each unit. Other facilities include basketball and tennis courts, a beauty salon, an exercise room, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour security desk in the main lobby. The McLean House is located within a short driving distance of many of the areas major highways including I-495, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Chain Bridge Road. The McLean House Condominiums provide quick and easy access to a multiplicity of business and retail centers while also maintaining a calm, suburban appeal, making this condo community an ideal residential location in Northern Virginia.  

Are you thinking of moving to Northern Virginia? You might be wondering what you do after you move into your new home.  Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County are part of the Washington DC area and this area provides a whole host of Major League Sports Venues for all types of sports fans in the area. Check out what this great area has to offer below!

The Washington Redskins
 

Established in 1937, the Washington Redskins are a professional American football team based in Washington D.C. that play for the National Football League (NFL). The Washington Redskins play at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The team's headquarters and training facility are at the Redskin Park in Ashburn, a community in Loudoun County, Virginia, near the Dulles International Airport. The Redskins have won five professional American football championships including two NFL Championships and three Super Bowls.

The Washington Wizards

Established in 1961, the Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C. and were previously known as Washington Bullets until 1995. The Washington Wizards play for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the team plays at the Verizon Center located on 7th Street in downtown Washington D.C.

The Washington Capitals

Established in 1974, the Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. and are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Washington Capitals play at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C.'s Chinatown neighborhood on 7th Street. Since their founding in 1974, the Caps have won their division title five times and the conference championship once.

D.C. United

Established in 1995, D.C. United is an American professional soccer club located in Washington, D.C. that plays for Major League Soccer (MLS). The team's home field is at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK), owned by the District of Columbia and located near the Anacostia River.

The Washington Nationals

Established in 1969 and based in Washington D.C. since 2005, the Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. and are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball (MLB). The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium, also occupied by D.C. United. The new park is located in Southeast D.C. near the Anacostia River.

No matter where you buy a home in Northern Virginia or D.C., the area has plenty to see and do for any and all sports fans alike!

• The Washington Redskins
• The Washington Wizards
• The Washington Capitals
• The Baltimore Orioles
• DC United
• The Washington Mystics

The Preston Condos of Potomac Yards are located near the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia. The Preston offers something for everyone and cuts down on what could be an otherwise lengthy commute because of the ease of access to the Parkway. Located across the street from the Preston Condos is the Potomac Yard Shopping Center where you'll find great shopping, entertainment and dining for the whole family. In addition, the Preston is located near the Four-Mile Run Bike Trail and the historic Mount Vernon Trail, and the Preston is within ten minutes of Regan National Airport. The Preston is situated within a few minutes of the Potomac River and residents can participate in the fishing and sailing recreational ventures that this natural landscape provides. Residents can also enjoy a convenient shuttle bus that connects to Braddock Road and the Crystal City Metro stations along Jefferson Davis Highway.

The Preston features steel and concrete construction and offers a sleek architectural style with a crisp, urban design. Aside from the outstanding views, other amenities include high ceilings, individual storage units, an exercise room, a private rooftop deck, and underground private parking. The Preston houses 53 contemporary one and two bedroom homes with a balcony or terrace depending on the unit. The Preston is located at 181 East Reed Avenue in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Waterford House Condominiums are located at 1200 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia, at the North end of Crystal City. Built in 1986, the Waterford House maintains 68 condo units with only 4 units per floor, offering its residents the epitome of privacy along with an ideal location. The Waterford House provides easy access to Washington D.C., Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon, Arlington and Alexandria. The building features a concierge, a gym, extra storage, a clubroom, and a parking garage; however, the Waterford House does not allow pets.

The most unique element of the Waterford House is that its residents can enjoy an underground, pedestrian walk-way to access the Metro and the Crystal Mall, which means that transportation, shopping, dining and entertainment are all within minutes of this luxury community. Between the convenient location, dramatic views, and the ease of access the Waterford House is one of the best condominium locations in Northern Virginia! 

From the League of Women Voters:

Alexandria is a City of about 16 square miles with over 140,000 residents. Alexandria VA has a rich history, an exciting present day environment, and a promising future. Much of present-day Alexandria was included in a 6,000-acre land grant from Sir William Berkeley, Governor of Virginia, which was awarded to Robert Howson, a tobacco merchant and sea captain, on October 21, 1669. This land overlapped a 700- acre patent that had previously been issued to Dame Margaret Brent in 1654. The Howson tract extended along the Potomac River from Hunting Creek on the south to the Little Falls on the north. The grant was made by authority of King Charles II in recognition of Captain Howson's bringing 120 people to live in Virginia. Less than a month later, Howson sold the land for 6,000 pounds of tobacco to John Alexander. By 1732, Hugh West had established tobacco warehouses one mile north of Hunting Creek. The adjacent land had been cleared and farmed as early as the 1720s by John Summers and Gabriel Adams.

To facilitate shipping, Scottish and English merchants who owned real estate at Cameron, a small hamlet two miles west near present day Cameron Station, petitioned the Virginia General Assembly in the fall of 1748 to establish a town at West's Hunting Creek Warehouse. In the spring of 1749, this site was selected and the new town was named Alexandria in honor of its original owner--John Alexander. John West Jr., Fairfax County assistant surveyor, laid out 60 acres, and lots were auctioned off July 13 and 14, 1749.

Incorporated in 1779, Alexandria became a port of entry for foreign vessels and a major export center for flour and hemp. Its bustling harbor teemed with brigs, schooners, and ships of the line, which traversed the high seas and engaged in international and coast wide trade. The streets were lined with substantial brick houses and the "sound of the hammer and trowel were at work everywhere." In 1796, a visitor, the Duc de La Rochfoucauld Liancourt, commented that: "Alexandria is beyond all comparison the handsomest town in Virginia--indeed is among the finest in the United States." (Quotes by Fairfax Harrison: See Page 417 of Landmarks of Old Prince William County, 1964, Chesapeake Book Company, Berryville, Virginia)

In 1789, Alexandria and a portion of Fairfax County were ceded by the State of Virginia to become a part of the newly created 10-mile-square District of Columbia. Formally accepted by Congress in 1801, Alexandria remained under the aegis of the new federal government until it was retroceded to Virginia in 1847. In 1852, it acquired city status and gained a new charter. George Washington drilled militia troops at Market Square in 1754, and the town served as a supply and hospital center during the Revolutionary conflict. Captured and held for ransom by the British during the War of 1812, Alexandria's warehouses were plundered by the enemy.

During the Civil War, the City was immediately occupied by the Union military forces on May 24, 1861, and became a logistical supply center for the federal army. It was during this era that several forts were constructed in Alexandria as a part of the defenses of the City of Washington. Fort Ward Park contains one of these restored forts. From 1863 to 1865, the City was the capital of the Restored Government of Virginia, which represented the seven Virginia counties remaining under federal control during the Civil War.

Alexandria, which is almost 50 years older than Washington, D.C., is one of America's most historic communities. It has many authentic eighteenth-century buildings and neighborhoods which are carefully preserved by strict architectural and demolition control. Alexandria has become a mecca for divisional, regional, national, and multinational headquarters for operations ranging from research and development to information technology companies, associations, and professional services.

It is also the site of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in the Carlyle District. Since 1988, Alexandria has experienced unprecedented commercial development. Today the Old Town historic district is known for its array of museums, architecture, special events, fine restaurants and hotels, and other attractions that draw more than 1.5 million international and domestic visitors to it each year. More than two million square feet of new office complexes have been constructed. With this development, the City has become a mecca for divisional, regional, national, and multinational headquarters for operations ranging from research and development to high technology, associations, and professional services.

A cross section of headquarters operations that have expanded or relocated to Alexandria includes the

• American Diabetes Association,
• Capitol Publications,
• the American Oncology Association,
• United Way,
• American Peanut Council,
• Boat USA,
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,
• Motley Fool, H2Gen Innovations, and
• the American Society for Training and Development.

With the development of the Carlyle Project, the Eisenhower Valley area now includes the Federal Courthouse, hotels, a 12-screen movie theater, apartments, and condominiums. In addition, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, with 7,100 employees, relocated to five new buildings in the area. This is the largest federal lease of real estate in U.S. history.

The Astoria Condominiums in Arlington, Virginia, is a stately Victorian condo building in the Rosslyn area of Arlington. Located within a ten minute walk of the Rosslyn Metro on the Orange Line and within blocks of Georgetown in Washington D.C., the Astoria condominium community features 240 homes where residents enjoy a unique lifestyle with a host of convenient amenities as well. Such amenities include a swimming pool, a library, a tennis court, a club house, an exercise room, and a garden plaza. The Astoria also features 24 guest parking spaces for overnight guests, and private, reserved parking for residents. The Astoria is a mid-rise condominium situated conveniently for commuter access to many major thoroughfares including I-66, Lee Highway, the George Washington Parkway and the Key Bridge.

With a rich and long history in the greater Arlington Area, the Astoria was included as one of the "Best Address" buildings in the Smithsonian's book entitled Best Addresses: A Century of Washington's Distinguished Apartment Houses. The Astoria is located at 2100 Lee Highway in Arlington, Virginia. Between the Astoria's ultra-convenient location and its all-inclusive amenities, the Astoria caters to the economically savvy resident seeking a high-quality condominium with a hassle-free commute.   Click here for a map of the Astoria with properties listed for sale.

Located at 12th North Court and Courthouse Road in Arlington Virginia, the Vista on Courthouse are townhouse condos stacked in a duplex-style that feature 213 condo units in a building that was originally known as Abingdon Heights. The condo units feature 2, 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans, as well as a host of specialized amenities such as spacious outdoor private terraces, hardwood floors, 9 foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and ultra-luxurious soaking tubs in the bathrooms. In addition, the units feature granite vanity countertops in the bathrooms, two-toned interior paint, recessed, energy-efficient lighting and pendant bar lighting, as well as granite kitchen countertops and other high-end advancements. The Vista on Courthouse condos also host a private fitness center, a theater ad game room, a ground-level pool with sun deck, a grand courtyard plaza entrance, as well as beautifully landscaped grounds and park-like recreational green spaces rowed by community sidewalks. Some of the townhouses are as large as 3,200 square feet and offer private terraces. The duplex-style homes are just over 1,700 square feet in size.

The Vista on Courthouse is perfectly suited for the busy professional because of the buildings convenient location, just two blocks from the Arlington Courthouse Metro, and because there is a wide-array of businesses, restaurants, and shopping centers easily accessible within a one mile radius of these fantastic homes. This pet-friendly and community centered residence brings the best of Arlington to your front door and serves as the ideal for contemporary condo living in Arlington's urban Courthouse neighborhood.

The Spectrum at Falls Church is a "green condo" development in Falls Church, Virginia. An affordable and eco-friendly condo building that features a "green roof" which saves residents money on utilities such as electricity, the Spectrum is one of several condo communities in Northern Virginia that has gotten on board with the environmentally-friendly bandwagon. The Spectrum at Falls Church is located at 444 West Broad Street just off of Route 7 in Falls Church, Virginia, and is approximately a ten-minute drive to the East Falls Church Metro on the Orange Line. The Spectrum at Falls Church houses 189 condo units throughout the development and offers 15 different floor-plans for the one and two bedroom condos. The Spectrum also features two-story lofts that vary in size from 800 to 1,600 square feet. The Spectrum Condominium building had numerous environmentally-friendly features and is therefore known as what is currently understood as a "green condo". Every unit features bamboo or cork flooring, both of which are sustainable materials, and the hot water, central air, and natural gas utility components within the units offer energy saving and energy efficient elements.

The roof of the Spectrum is a "green roof" that was designed to improve air quality and filter storm water. The plants that grow on the roof are intended to provide thermal insulation, which in turn help to reduce energy consumption throughout the building and thus increase insulation for the community residents. Because the roof helps residents conserve energy, it is also notable that the roof, therefore, saves residents money.

The Spectrum community features include a large clubroom with a pool table, lounge, and fireplace, as well as a business center, conference room, catering kitchen, and a movie screening or theater room. Other amenities include a fitness center, a garden area, and a rooftop observation deck overlooking the "green roof".

In today's current market, saving money and the environment are two important but often wholly separate matters. The benefit of the Spectrum Condominiums at Falls Church is that the building provides residents the opportunity for both, setting the standard for a harmonious relationship between urban society and the natural world.  Check the Spectrum for a map of the location and a list of what's for sale at the Spectrum.

The Byron is an elegant, newly built condominium community located at 450 West Broad Street in Falls Church, Virginia. Developed by JPI and Nova Habitat, the Byron is a mid-rise building that includes 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units. The spacious and open floor plans feature hardwood floors, individual balconies, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, large gourmet kitchens that include a breakfast bar, walk-in closets and fireplaces. Other amenities include a fitness center, clubroom, a shuttle to the Metro, and a secured 2 car underground garage. The Byron is also an easy commute to Washington D.C. and the greater Metropolitan area via quick access to I-66 and I-495. The Byron houses 90 condo units that vary in size but all of which are considerably larger than other condos units in the surrounding areas.

The 1 bedroom units that include a den are approximately 1,032 square feet; the 2 bedroom units begin at 1,661 square feet with the largest unit spanning 1,825 square feet in total; and finally, the 3 bedroom/3 bathroom units are a whopping 1,998 square feet. Because the Byron does not have a swimming pool, the condo fees for the building are considerably less than those that do. The Byron is therefore both an affordable and attractive condo community particularly when one considers the size of the units, the location of the condos, and the modern host of amenities included in each. The Byron is a new building and has already received top reviews from all around the greater Northern Virginia area, making it a smart buy for 2010.  

Located at 12th North Court and Court House Road in Arlington, Virginia, the Vista on Courthouse are townhouse condos stacked in a duplex-style that feature 213 condo units in a high-rise building that was originally known as Abingdon Heights. The condo units feature 2, 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans, as well as a host of specialized amenities such as spacious outdoor private terraces, hardwood floors, 9-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and ultra-luxurious soaking tubs in the bathrooms.

In addition, the units feature granite vanity countertops in the bathrooms, two-toned interior paint, recessed, energy-efficient lighting and pendant bar lighting, as well as granite kitchen countertops and other high-end advancements. The Vista on Court House condos also host a private fitness center, a theater and game room, a ground-level pool with sun deck, a grand courtyard plaza entrance, as well as beautifully landscaped grounds and park-like recreational green spaces rowed by community sidewalks. Some of the townhouses are as large as 3,200 square feet and offer private terraces. The duplex-style homes are just over 1,700 square feet in size.

The Vista on Court House is perfectly suited for the busy professional because of the buildings' convenient location, just two blocks from the Arlington Court House Metro, and because there is a wide-array of businesses, restaurants, and shopping centers easily accessible within a one mile radius of these fantastic homes. This pet-friendly and community-centered residence brings the best of Arlington to your front door and serves as the ideal for contemporary condo living in Arlington's urban Court House neighborhood.

Yet another one of Arlington's premier and ultra-luxurious condo properties featuring generous amenities and the epitome in location, the Odyssey Condominium is located at 2001 North 15th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Developed by Monument Realty and Lehman Brothers, the Odyssey Condominium features units ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans. The condominium is set in the heart of Arlington, within two blocks of the Courthouse Metro Station, as well as an outstanding proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and theaters. The architecture is stark but striking, with a high-end and polished look, and includes on-site amenities and services both. The prime location to both entertainment and the Courthouse Metro community combine to make the Odyssey one of the most attractive condo developments in Northern Virginia.

The Odyssey is a 274-unit property which also features a limited series of Platinum Penthouse Suites that offer expansive floor plans, premium finishes and appliances, and exceptional views of the Potomac River. Building amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, resident club room, landscaped plaza, underground parking, and 6,586 square feet of street-level retail.

The Idylwood Towers Condominiums include two high-rise buildings with a sum total of 484 residential condo units and include 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom floor plans. The Idylwood Towers are located at 2300 and 2311 Pimmit Drive in Falls Church, Virginia, and are accessible by Metro via the Orange Line to the East Falls Church Metro Station.
 
The twenty-two acre complex includes ample parking as well as the buildings' unusually large natural grounds with extensive lawns, mature trees and landscaping. The Idylwood Towers also hosts an attractive set of amenities which serve to highlight the natural landscape and acreage. Such features include a large swimming pool, fitness centers in each building with professional quality equipment for aerobic and strength exercises, tennis courts, a basketball court, cookout areas, a children's playground, pool rooms, and rooms for community activities or private parties.

Although the Towers were completed in 1974, the exterior of the building has undergone at least one facial renovation since that time. In fact, what is actually particularly appealing about the Idylwood Towers is the buildings’ age insofar as solidity and structure. The units and building itself are concrete and brick structures that provide excellent sound insulation and fire resistance, both of which honestly pay homage to today's all too common commiserate story "they just don't make 'em like they used to". Here, the facade and age of the buildings are endearing and the community is certainly whole. No flashy stuff, just a great place to call home.  

Although there are numerous benefits to owning a condo which include the lifestyle that such ownership entails; individuals living as single, young professionals who are just starting out, are arguably the most notable beneficiaries. The economic benefits that condo ownership provides for this particular demographic are two-fold. First, owning a condo is certainly less expensive than owning residential property insofar as the material upkeep and residual costs that homeownership necessitates. Second, most contemporary condo buildings offer a host of wide-ranging amenities that would command a considerable cost to an individual homeowner but which can be enjoyed instead at a significantly reduced rate to condo-owners who share jointly in the overall expense. These otherwise high-priced features and amenities usually include guarded and/or private, enclosed parking; 24-hour security and front desk staff; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; clubhouses; gated recreational facilities; etc., etc. (the list goes on and on!!). To that extent, condo ownership is therefore an ideal middle ground for the single, young professional who may very well aspire towards homeownership someday but who still remains a far cry away from white picket fences, two-car garages and 2.5 children.

In addition to the economically sound benefits that condo ownership provides, there are other elemental and lifestyle benefits that are associated with condominium ownership as well. Today, there are as many types of condominiums out there as there are types of people. Plainly put, the condominium marketplace has progressed with such rapidity that the variety and availability of choice in condo options is as original and unique as individual homes. Thusly, each type can satisfy the different needs of different individuals and therefore enhance and accommodate every kind of lifestyle. For example, there are distinctions between what are popularly thought of as 'condominium apartments' versus those that are known as 'condominium townhouses', which might have small differences from one another save for their structure regulations. There are also condominiums known as freeholds whereby a condo owner owns the plot of land as well as any structure on the land such as a house or townhouse.

Finally, for single or young professionals who are still growing into their grownup-ness, condo ownership signifies an increase in responsibility and a commitment to ownership. To be clear, condo living isn't like renting a single dwelling home or apartment and this is due to the dual nature that comes with owning any condo unit. Condominium owners hold ownership over their respective units but, additionally, each owner is also responsible for the operating costs and maintenance of the all of the shared elements on the property such as lobbies, passageways, and elevators. Here, owning a condo is effectively choosing to live within a community of other condo unit owners and thus, your neighbors. Each condominium complex is a unique community and each owner accepts the rules and regulations that are equally unique to condo living.

In a condominium complex, you also become part of a distinctive community where you as an individual become an integral part in the community as a whole; and this includes being an essential part of the decision making process. However, the advantages that come with shared communal facilities like the pool, clubhouse, and state-of-the-art gym are collectively a strong incentive to watch your neighbors' back.

In summation, owning a condo can provide both economically sensible and personally enjoyable benefits to any owner looking to buy but especially for individuals who are single, working and fairly young professionals who are new to the game but ready for more. In addition, because of the multiplicity and vast assortment of condominium units and styles that are available, condo ownership includes something for everyone. Lastly, although buying a condo certainly signifies a new level of maturation and grownup responsibility; the advantages to living in a shared community and to be able to engage as an honest and responsible neighbor will hopefully serve you both by keeping your pocketbook and your sense of self a little more full.

The Prescott Condominiums in Alexandria, Virginia, is a luxury condo building located at 1115 Cameron Street featuring 64 units including 58 two bedroom units and 6 one bedroom units. The Prescott features include 9-foot high ceilings, hardwood floors, brushed chrome fixtures, and designer kitchens such as stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets and granite countertops. The 64 condominiums at The Prescott feature such amenities as a rooftop terrace with grilling areas, views of the Masonic Temple, and controlled access underground parking. The Prescott is ideally located one block off of King Street at the intersection of Cameron Street and North Henry Street in the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. With its central Old Town Alexandria location and fully equipped homes, The Prescott is a great value for anyone looking to live in Old Town.

The Old Town district in Alexandria includes more than 4,000 historic buildings that are outstanding examples of early American architecture and that now house small businesses and gracious homes alike to create a modern, yet neighborhood and community-centered feel. The Prescott is therefore a good buy for many young families and young professional alike.

Located at 3625 North 10th in Arlington Virginia, the Monroe was completed in 2007 and is located in the heart of Arlington's Ballston community; inset among several high-rise condos located a 1/2 block from the at Virginia Square Metro Station on the Orange Line near the Ballston Common Mall. The Ballston community in Arlington is an urban landscape that is home to a gamut of modern apartment and condominium complexes, the Ballston Common Mall, the Ballston business district, and a hip (if not commercial) variety of restaurants and bars to boot.

Fitting in with the cityscape, the Monroe is a high-rise condominium building that has 79 units, some as large as 1,800 sq feet, and includes amenities such as a gym, a library and community room, rooftop deck, a courtyard, concierge and a full-time front office staff. The units have hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, balconies, stainless steel appliances, and the option for additional storage rooms. With respect to convenience and locale, this contemporary and attractive condo is across the street from some handy must-haves including a Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Bank of America, Bruegger's Bagel and Marvelous Market.

The Ballston community also hosts several nearby parks and open outdoor spaces. These features as well as its proximity to the Metro have led to many young condo owners and professionals to call Ballston home and the Monroe at Virginia Square is a prime example of how Ballston has become a model of residential, transit-oriented development and smart growth today.

Heading south, one will encounter Westgrove first. Westgrove's homes, many built in the fifties and sixties, are sturdy, brick homes with tasteful, colonial touches. Like much of New Alexandria, Westgrove lies below the uplands, but still well outside most of the River's floodplain.

Villamay homes are perched on the bluff, and many have wonderful vistas to the River and beyond the Potomac to Maryland. Villamay homes are often split level characterized by enormous rooms with a thoroughly modern feel.

Marlan Forest, as the name implies, is a bit more wooded than Villamay and Westgrove. The lots are large and most have towering hardwoods. The entire neighborhood is quiet, elegant and highly desirable. Check here for a look at sales and prices in Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Heights.

Canal Place is a great little community of brick garden-style condominiums located in Alexandria VA on the northern side of Old Town just off Pitt St. The community is composed of 7 three-story buildings with a total of 120 units. Between the buildings you'll find gorgeous well-manicured gardens.

Most condos at Canal Place have either a fireplace, patio or small balcony. The architectural detailing on these balconies and patios is intriguing and little upscale.

I took this picture while the landscapers were busy tending the lawn. The bag is filled with clippings. By the time they were finished the place was absolutely perfect. Canal Place, like many other condos, is also readying its pool this time of year.

Canal Place is priced slightly higher than other similar communities like Belle View, or Harborside or Potowmack Crossing because all units at Canal Place are equipped with a washer/dryer. The grounds are beautifully kept and the location is surrounded by some of the nicest homes in Old Toww.

To search for a home in Alexandria check here, or to see what's available in Canal Place just click Canal Place. On that site you'll find maps, school info, tax data and up to the minute pricing information for Canal Place.

You'll find lots more info about condos, townhouses and houses in Alexandria here.

For many, especially those who are new to the area, the system of jurisdictions that we have in the Commonwealth of Virginia can be confusing. This is especially confusing in Northern Virginia, where Virginia intersects with Washington DC and the State of Maryland.

Fortunately I have a fresh bottle of CONFUSION-B-GON to spray liberally as needed.

Around our nation's capital

Let me start with my single-biggest pet peeve among newcomers: the term "DC proper".

I have seen this term used regularly on a site that claims to provide local information. That information is provided by people using anonymous handles. Anonymous handles should be your first clue not to completely trust the information you find.

At any rate: there is no such thing as "DC proper". There are three main jurisdictions here: Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC.

It is very common to live in Northern Virginia or Suburban Maryland and work in DC. Virginia is as different from DC as New Jersey is from New York. With a wink and a smile I have to inform you that just because you thought your job was transferring to Washington doesn't mean that you're moving to DC proper or improper.

Virginia jurisdictions

One of the keys to understanding Virginia real estate for a property search is to understand the differences between towns, counties and cities. In Virginia, as in most other states in the US, a county and an area administer below the state-level by local / county government. Counties are often rural areas, but Fairfax County has over a million residents and has very little rural land left.

Fairfax County aside, a county may have one or more towns within it's borders. In Virginia a town, no matter how many people live in that town, is part of a county and is managed by the county. In Virginia, towns often have governments but these governments are subordinate to and part of the county where the town is found.

In addition to counties, Virginia has a fairly unique concept called a city. A city is like a county, except it is more urban than rural. For example Falls Church and Alexandria are both cities. Cities, unlike towns, are not subordinate to counties. Cities are independent and operate on a level similar to counties.

This can be particularly confusing in Fairfax County. Fairfax County is a large mostly urban county and it surrounds Fairfax, an independent city. So the City of Fairfax is surrounded by Fairfax County, but it's not a part of Fairfax County. Falls Church, Alexandria and Fairfax are all cities. Manassas and Manassas Park are both cities and both are surrounded by Prince William County.

Real estate is sorted by county

It's important to understand this system of administrative organization because land tax records are stored by the county or city. Because tax records are organized by the county or city, real estate property searches are often sorted by the administrative jurisdiction.

For a newcomer it can be a little difficult to tell the difference between Fairfax and Fairfax County, between Manassas and Manassas Park and Prince William County. Another point of confusion is Arlington. Arlington is a city in a practical sense, but Arlington is a county.

Herndon, Vienna and Clifton are all towns located in Fairfax County, which mean that these towns have local governments subordinate to the county. Springfield is much bigger than Clifton, but Springfield is not a town.

Another curious case is Crystal City. Crystal City is located in Arlington County. Interestingly, Crystal City is not a city nor is it a town!

Unincorporated settlements

Which brings us to the next point of confusion in the area. There are many unincorporated neighborhoods, villages, towns and settlements in Northern Virginia. Unincorporated just means there is no local (i.e. town) government. Rather than having a town government, an unincorporated town is managed by the county. Springfield, Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Mclean Tysons Corner and Reston are just a few of the many unincorporated towns in Fairfax County. In places like Springfield this can be a little confusing because without a town there is no formal border between Franconia and Springfield and thus no hard and fast distinction between the two. In addition, with the near completion of Kingstowne, Franconia-Springfield is now home to one of the largest planned communities/subdivisions in the area. Kingstowne is considered a town in and of itself by many.

Post office address

To make matters even more confusing for newcomers, there is the matter of the post office. The postal address of a property is not always an indicator of the jurisdiction of a property. For example, many addresses in Fairfax County have an Alexandria address. Service from the Alexandria post office has no bearing on the county or city of the adress in question.

Confusion-B-Gon guarantee!

Well, that's the last of this bottle of CONFUSION-B-GON. If you're still confused, no worries. Contact Will Nesbitt or Condo 1 Alexandria. Tell us what you seek and we'll find the property for you!

Spring is at its zenith and so are the blossoms at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria.

Julie and I stopped in to tour the gardens and I took a number of pictures. The Carlyle House is a historic piece of Alexandria's colonial heritage and is a must see if you're in Alexandria VA. I personally think the house is a little more impressive than George Washington's Mount Vernon. The tour starts in the basement below the house and explores nearly every room in the finely-crafted and meticulously restored structure. John Carlyle was a contemporary of the likes of George Washington, Lord Fairfax, Henry "Lighthorse" Lee and General Braddock. This house is a key part of Alexandria's colonial heritage and revolutionary past.

The tour starts with a slick-production that explains who John Carlyle was and why he is a person of interest. In this video presentation, paintings, computer-generated scenery and historians provide context and background for the Carlyle House and John Carlyle.  My only regret on this tour was that we had the last tour at 4 pm on a Spring Friday, so the guide seemed to rush us through the house. He told me he was one of the authors of the history books on sale in the shop, but they had close the shop and I didn't catch his name.

The dogwood is Virginia's state flower rocks gently in the spring breezes on the north side of the Carlyle House. This side of the building is surrounded by a wall of brilliant white dogwood blossoms.

These pictures really don't do the blossoms justice but they hopefully they'll inspire you to visit the gardens before spring is gone.

Behind the Carlyle House is a mixture of formal and informal ornamentals, flowers, flowering trees and bushes.

This is a remarkable little enclave found right at the heart of Alexandria. It's just two blocks from the waterfront and only block from King St. and a public parking garage.These photos only touch on the beauty of the gardens at Carlyle. Check out these photos for a close look at the blossoms that are found here.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. 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.

The Capital Beltway is interstate I-495. It circles Washington DC by way of Virginia and Maryland. The Beltway crosses the Potomac at two points. South of DC the Beltway crosses the Potomac via the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. North of DC, I-495 crosses the Potomac just south of Great Falls on the American Legion Bridge. The bridges are area choke-points and often snarl traffic at the bridge approach. The sign above is 5.5 miles south of the drawbridge at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

When construction or problems narrow the flow of cars, traffic starts to back up.

But often the Beltway is like any other interstate in America---any other interstate that is 10 lanes wide and circles the capital that is. To search for a home near the Beltway or to find a residence that will fit your commute check with Condo 1 Alexandria.

About the Author: Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty in Alexandria VA. He specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne.

Alexandria's history as a colonial seaport is well-known in the area, and is one of the reasons that this city to calls to visitors from around the country and around the world. Alexandria's seaport was once a bustling place of industry and commerce, but the cargo ships and packets from foreign seas are long gone now. Today, Alexandria's waterfront is geared more toward the pleasant than the practical.

Where the Water Meets the the Road

At the end of King St. where the road meets the water, there are brick walkways and wooden decks. Plenty of benches and gazebos are there and in the evenings this is a place to find street musicians and other performers practicing their craft before wandering walkers .

In the left side of this picture is the Torpedo Factory, an Alexandria landmark. The Torpedo Factory was what the name implies: an edifice dedicated to the construction of naval weapons of war. But as the industry's needs grew beyond the space here on the Alexandria waterfront, the building was repurposed as an art and crafts center. The building now houses a good many artists is is a wonderful place for tourists and residents alike to visit.

The Torpedo Factory

The Torpedo Factory and the waterfront are very close to the Torpedo Factory condos---high end condos in Old Town. For a list of prices and to check the availability of condos click the Torpedo Factory Condos. If you're interested in searching condos, townhouses and houses around Old Town you might find this post useful.

Metro Access

Among other things, the waterfront at Alexandria is nice because it's metro accessible. Simply take the Metro to King St. Station and then ride the free trolley to the Waterfront. The trolley is a service of the City of Alexandria for visitors and residents. It's a fun and easy way to make your way across Old Town.

Nearby Parks and Trails

Parks and paths line the waterfront these days. It's the perfect place for a walk on a Spring day.

Benches are found at just the right places. These photos were taking on a weekday morning, but in the afternoons and evenings the waterfront wakes up. Tourists, joggers and walkers share this open public space.

March 5th through March 8th 2009 in Tyson's Corner

The Alexandria Fun with Friends Group has several members in attendance. Contact me if you want to coordinate a group sojourn.

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Many think the George Washington Masonic Memorial is one of the most important memorials we have in the United States of America. Locals call the monument the Masonic Temple or more rarely the Alexandria Lighthouse. The building is located near the King St. Metro.

George Washington was more then just the first president of the United States, he was a man who promoted righteous virtues, a willing nature to fight for his beliefs. As one of our founding fathers, George Washington built this country with his vision of what America should strive to be.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a tribute to George Washington the man and the mason. Thus, the building reflects the democratic principles of George Washington by referencing the architectural style of ancient Rome and Greece. The edifice appears as a lighthouse, mimicking the architecture of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. And high atop Shooter's Hill it dominates the Alexandria Skyline. But inside the building are many interesting rooms and site.

There are nine different floors in the edifice, each offering something different to the public. The first floor is the Grand Masonic Hall which can be used for lectures and meetings. The entire tower is supported by 8 granite Doric columns.

Also located on the first floor is the Shrine Exhibit. The Shriners of North America is an international fraternity which supports the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Shriners core beliefs are brotherly love, truth, relief, and fun. With over 375,000 members world wide, the Shriners have made a tremendous positive impact in children's lives for many years. The Shrine exhibit dates back to 1876 and depicts Presidents of the Shrine fraternity, 191 Shrine Temples, and one wall in the room symbolizes the pilgrimage to Mecca and the Shriners striving for perfection.

The "Shriners Hospital for Children" Room commemorates the work of Shriners every where in support of the Shriner Hospital for Children. In this room, there is a large white statue of a Shriner holding a little girl in the left arm and holding her crutches in the right hand. This room also houses an animated model of the Shriner parade.

The Independent Square Room, also on the first floor, contains a replica of Independence Square which is located at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital.

The building's first floor is home to the George Washington Memorial Theater. This grand theater provides a wonderful setting for cultural events and still includes and original painting of George Washington painted by Hattie Elizabeth Burdette over looking the center of the stage.

Among other things, the second floor is home to the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 and home of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120. (I've actually visited both of these lodges as I am a member of the nearby Pride of Fairfax No. 298.) The Replica Lodge Room is a replica in every detail from 1802, paintings, furniture, and so on. There is also Washington's bedchamber clock which is set at the time 10:20pm, Dec. 14th, 1799, the precise time of his death.

On the second floor, the Memorial Hall features a large bronze statue of Washington, a mural on the north wall shows George Washington and his troops at Christ Church in Philadelphia. On the south wall is another mural dating to September 18th 1793, laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol.

The third floor has the Grotto Exhibit---a social organization of Master Masons. The initials M.O.V.P.E.R. (The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm) are displayed over a single chair.

The fourth floor has the George Washington Museum which displays, paintings, relics, prints, and historical documents. Another impressive statue of Washington towers in the museum.

The fifth floor takes us to the Royal Arch Exhibit which includes a painting by Allyn Cox of ruins of Kings Solomon's Temple. Also, a reproduction of the Ark of the Covenant.

The higher the floor, the smaller the floor, so the higher floors contain less attractions. This is very noticeable on the highest floors. On the sixth floor is the Memorial Library, available only by appointment. It contains over 20,000 volumes Masonic works.

The seventh floor which contains several murals depicting Masonic lessons based on the Old Testament. (A detail from one of these murals is shown here.) The eigth floor is home to the Knights Templar Chapel which allows people to reflect and pray.

The ninth floor has the Tall Cedars Exhibit. This includes a model of King Solomon's throne and temple. This level overlooks the city of Old Town Alexandria in a spectacular fashion. The observation deck provides a 360 degree view of Alexandria.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial provides the public with a rich history of George Washington, and gives a window to view his life through. Anyone who ever plans to visit Alexandria must see this interesting memorial.

The Carlyle District and homes in Old Town enjoy spectacular views of the Memorial as do some of the residences at Jefferson Manor, the Midtowns, Hunting Creek Club, the Huntington Club and Montebello. For help finding a home in this area at any price, contact Will Nesbitt of Condo 1 Alexandria.

The southwest corner of Virginia between Wild and Woolly West by God Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee makes up Virginia's Appalachian Plateau. The region is similar geographically to West Virginia with rugged terrain not well-suited to the development of large cities. Coal mining is an important industry in this part of Virginia.

Beyond the Blue Ridge is the Valley and Ridge Region. As the name implies the Valley and Ridge region has ridges of mountains separated by broad and generally fertile valleys. Perhaps the most famous part of the Valley and Ridge Region west of the Blue Ridge is the Shenandoah Valley.

Stonewall Jackson's Valley campaign was fought throughout this region. Cities in this region developed in proximity to the early railroad system, and this figured into the strategy of the War Between the States. Manassas, Harrisonburg and Roanoke are important cities in this region.

What these three cities have in common is that they were all important railroad junctions.  The railroads followed the valleys and junctioned at a gap where it was possible for a locomotive to cross a ridge.

Up above the Piedmont is the Blue Ridge---obviously named for the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians. The Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive are Blue Ridge tourist destinations.

Apples orchards are common in this region, but the industry is not as vibrant as it was in days passed. White House Foods, a major apple juicer and product packager, still draws many of its apples from this region.

My grandfather wrote a book called Memories of a Lewis Mountain Man which described life in the Blue Ridge before the Shenandoah National Park. Many hikers on the Appalachian Trail seek remnants of the "mountain people" as they trek through the Shenandoah National Forest. Mountain people, sometimes called hill-billies, had a unique culture devoted to life in the Blue Ridge.

Piedmont commons from the Latin/Italian words meaning "foot mountain". The Piedmont is found just above the Fall Line but below the Valley and Ridges that lead to the Blue Ridge.  The Piedmont is a little rockier and a bit higher than the coastal plain of the Tidewater. The Piedmont was settled by English pioneers in the earliest days of colonial America and later by African slaves who worked the plantations of the region. Tobacco and corn are still an important part of the Piedmont economy.

Scenic and historic cities such as Charlottesville and Lynchburg are two important Piedmont cities. The famed Appomattox courthouse is in the Piedmont.

Tidewater

The lowest land relative to sea level is called the Tidewater, or occasionally the Coastal Plain. Which name you prefer might say more about you than the region.  Traditionalists and most locals call the area Tidewater, but geologists and others believe the name Coastal Plain makes more sense because "tide water" is what surrounds the Coastal Plain. 

The water of Tidewater, its rivers and creeks, are tidal, connected to the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay other saltwater bays. Thus, Tidewater is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Fall Line.

Because of this proximity to navigable waters, the Tidewater region was the first region of Virginia to be settled by Europeans. Today, it is home to many of the oldest English settlements in North America, such as Jamestown. Many towns founded in the colonial era such as Williamsburg (the Old Dominion's first capital), Hampton, Yorktown, Alexandria and other thriving cities occupy the sandy soil of the Tidewater. 

Major ports such as Norfolk or Newport News are found in the region as are historical port cities such as the tobacco ports of Alexandria and Yorktown are found on the Coastal Plain. The British surrender at Yorktown was considered a tipping point in the Revolutionary War.

The dominant geographical feature of the region is the Chesapeake Bay. The soils here are typically sandy, especially near waterways.  The land is generally fertile, flat and the water table is not far from the surface.

Eastern Shore

The Fall Line is the point where many waterfalls occur in major Virginia rivers such as the James, Potomac, Rappahannok and others. Below the Fall Line most of these rivers are broad, deep and gentle, but above the Fall Line the rivers are rockier and swifter. Below the Fall Line rivers are navigable by ocean-going vessels. Above the Fall Line canoes and flat boats are the only means to navigate most rivers.

Because of this the C&O Canal (Chesapeake and Ohio Canal) was constructed above the Fall Line. The goal was to unite the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio River system the way the Erie Canal had opened up the Great Lakes below Niagara. Unlike the Erie Canal, the C&O Canal was an economic failure because it was completed just as railroads began to make a real impact on the nation's economy.  Today the canal is part of the National Park System.

Many important Virginia cities such as Alexandria, Richmond and Petersburg are just below the Fall Line.

According to Dictionary.com, geology is a "science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing". No matter where you are in the country, geology shapes the location of a property and location defines the value of a property. (For an example of how geology shapes the values of real estate in Virginia's national Capitol region, click here.)

Geologists divide the Old Dominion of Virginia into five geological regions. From lowest to highest altitude, these regions are

• Tidewater;
  
• Piedmont;
• Blue Ridge;
• Valley and Ridge; and,
  
• the Appalachia Plateau.
  

This regional distinction is traditional in Virginia, but not formally demarcated by political boundaries. Sometimes county or city boundaries follow regional separations, but just as often any given county can have 1 or more regions within its boundaries.

Although these regions are not politically distinct, they are still readily identifiable once you know what you're looking at.  Often the geology that differentiates a region can make all the difference in the value of a given piece of Virginia's real estate. It all starts with understanding the Fall Line.

Fairfax County is one of the largest, most prosperous and most populous counties in Virginia. To be more specific, according to the US Census Fairfax County has about a million residents. Furthermore, average annual household income in Fairfax County ($100,552) is twice the national average ($51,106).

The county government is managed by a Board of Supervisors that are elected from nine different magisterial districts . The board overseen by chairman who holds an at-large seat, and by Vice Chairman.

Click on the image for a larger view of the map. To enter an address and find out what district that address is in click here. Fairfax County Government has earned top marks from the Pew Charitable Trust's Government Performance Project. The magisterial districts of Fairfax County are:

1. Braddock
2. Sully
3. Lee
4. Dranesville
5. Mason
6. Springfield
7. Huntermill
8. Mount Vernon
9. Providence

Braddock District is 26 square miles of mainly residential communities but includes recreational locations, Wakefield Recreation Center, Lake Accotink Park.

Sully District is supervised by Michael R. Frey. Sully offers its residents numerous public facilities, golf courses, and nearby Washington Dulles International Airport.

Lee District supervisor is Jeff McKay. Lee District is the home of the Lee District RECenter where residents can swim, jog, play racquetball, basketball and volleyball in the 20,000 square foot gym. Also, Huntley Meadows park is located in the Lee District and is home to forests, wetlands, and flower filled meadows. In addition, there is the Franconia Museum which preserves the Franconia area.

The supervisor from Dranesville District is John H. Foust. Dranesville District has the Farmers Market which runs through May until November.

Mason District's supervisor is Penelope A. Gross. The business centers of Bailey's Crossroads, Seven Corners, and Annandale are all located in Mason District. Recreational facilities here include Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Lincolnia Senior Center, Pinecrest Gold Coarse, Green Spring Gardens Park, Clark House, Bailey's Community Center, Willston Multicultural Center, and Mason District Park.

The Springfield District supervisor is Pat Herrity. Springfield District is the home for Fair Oaks, Clifton, Burke and Fairfax Station. This year the inaugural Springfield District Children's Fair which included a BMX demo, exhibits from the fire and police stations, a 5 mile run/walk around Burke Lake and a golf tournament. Parks include Accotink Stream Valley, Franconia, Lee High, Island Creek, and Hooes Road.

Catherine M. Hudgins is the supervisor for Hunter Mill District. The Hunter Mill District includes parts of Tysons Corner, Vienna, North Vienna, Reston, Oak Hill, and areas in Herndon.

Mount Vernon District (supervisor: Gerry W. Hyland) has much to offer its residents. There are many historical sites including George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and Woodlawn Plantation and the Pope-Leighey House. Recreation facilities include Mount Vernon Rec Center and George Washington Rec Centers, Fort Hunt Park, Mason Neck State Park, Pohick Regional Park, Fairfax Fair which is held in June of every year, and Lord and Ladies Fairfax who are announced at the Fairfax fair.

The Providence District supervisor is Linda Q. Smyth. Providence District is approximately 22. 31 square miles. "Nottoway Nights" is one of the main features of the Providence District which is a summer concert series. Shopping centers include Tyson's Corner Center, Fairfax Square, Tyson's Galleria and Fair Oaks mall.

Throughout the county there are numerous departments and agencies that provide essential community services such as senior centers, health clinics, and school/day care programs. Here are some great tools for researching homes, neighborhoods and properties in Fairfax County.

• Zillow by Will Nesbitt
• Northern Virginia statistics
• Fairfax County Records
• Neighborhood Comparison -- Compare neighborhood stats side by side.
  
• Property Search
• Condo Property Search

According to Dictionary.com, geology is a "science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing". No matter where you are in the country, geology shapes the location of a property and location defines the value of a property. (For an example of how geology shapes the values of real estate in Virginia's national Capitol region, click here.)

Geologists divide the Old Dominion of Virginia into five geological regions. From lowest to highest altitude, these regions are

• Tidewater;
  
• Piedmont;
• Blue Ridge;
• Valley and Ridge; and,
  
• the Appalachia Plateau.
  

This regional distinction is traditional in Virginia, but not formally demarcated by political boundries. Sometimes county or city boundaries follow regional separations, but just as often any given county can have 1 or more regions within its boundaries.

Although these regions are not politically distinct, thye are still readily identifiable once you know what you're looking at. Often the geology that differentiates a region can make all the difference in the value of a given piece of Virginia's real estate. It all starts with understanding the Fall Line.

Fall Line

The Fall Line is the point where many waterfalls occur in major Virginia rivers such as the James, Potomac, Rappahannok and others. Below the Fall Line most of these rivers are broad, deep and gentle, but above the Fall Line the rivers are rockier and swifter. Below the Fall Line rivers are navigable by ocean-going vessels. Above the Fall Line canoes and flat boats are the only means to navigate most rivers.

Because of this the C&O Canal (Chesapeake and Ohio Canal) was constructed above the Fall Line. The goal was to unite the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio River system the way the Erie Canal had opened up the Great Lakes below Niagara. Unlike the Erie Canal, the C&O Canal was an economic failure because it was completed just as railroads began to make a real impact on the nation's economy. Today the canal is part of the National Park System.

Many important Virginia cities such as Alexandria, Richmond and Petersburg are just below the Fall Line.

Tidewater

The lowest land relative to sea level is called the Tidewater, or occaisionally the Coastal Plain. Which name you prefer might say more about you than the region. Traditionalists and most locals call the area Tidewater, but geologists and others believe the name Coastal Plain makes more sense because "tide water" is what surounds the Coastal Plain.

The water of Tidewater, its rivers and creeks, are tidal, connected to the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay other saltwater bays. Thus, Tidewater is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Fall Line.

Because of this proximity to navigable waters, the Tidewater region was the first region of Virginia to be settled by Europeans. Today, it is home to many of the oldest English settlements in North America, such as Jamestown. Many towns founded in the colonial era such as Williamsburg (the Old Dominion's first capital), Hampton, Yorktown, Alexandria and other thriving cities occupy the sandy soil of the Tidewater.

Major ports such as Norfolk or Newport News are found in the region as are historical port cities such as the tobacco ports of Alexandria and Yorktown are found on the Coastal Plain. The British surrender at Yorktown was considered a tipping point in the Revolutionary War.

The dominant geographical feature of the region is the Chesapeake Bay. The soils here are typically sandy, especially near waterways. The land is generally fertile, flat and the watertable is not far from the surface.

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is that part of the Tidewater Region which is situated on the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Compared to the rest of Virginia, the region is fairly undeveloped. This is due to the remoteness imposed by the bay and ocean, but many fishers, farmers and chicken farms are found here. In the south, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects the Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach. In the north, the Maryland's scenic Bay Bridge is one of the primary connections to the Eastern Shore.

Piedmont

Piedmont commons from the Latin/Italian words meaning "foot mountain". The Piedmont is found just above the Fall Line but below the Valley and Ridges that lead to the Blue Ridge. The Piedmont is a little rockier and a bit higher than the coastal plain of the Tidewater. The Piedmont was settled by English pioneers in the earliest days of colonial America and later by African slaves who worked the plantations of the region. Tobacco and corn are still an important part of the Piedmont economy.

Scenic and historic cities such as Charlottesville and Lynchburg are two important Piedmont cities. The famed Appomattox courthouse is in the Piedmont.

Blue Ridge

Up above the Piedmont is the Blue Ridge---obviously named for the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians. The Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive are Blue Ridge tourist destinations.

Apples orchards are common in this region, but the industry is not as vibrant as it was in days passed. White House Foods, a major apple juicer and product packager, still draws many of its apples from this region.

My grandfather wrote a book called Memories of a Lewis Mountain Man which described life in the Blue Ridge before the Shenandoah National Park. Many hikers on the Appalachian Trail seek remnants of the "mountain people" as they trek through the Shenandoah National Forest. Mountain people, sometimes called hill-billies, had a unique culture devoted to life in the Blue Ridge.

Valley and Ridge

Beyond the Blue Ridge is the Valley and Ridge Region. As the name implies the Valley and Ridge region has ridges of mountains separated by broad and generally fertile valleys. Perhaps the most famous part of the Valley and Ridge Region west of the Blue Ridge is the Shenandoah Valley.

Stonewall Jackson's Valley campaign was fought throughout this region. Cities in this region developed in proximity to the early railroad system, and this figured into the strategy of the War Between the States. Manassas, Harrisonburg and Roanoke are important cities in this region.

What these three cities have in common is that they were all important railroad junctions. The railroads followed the valleys and junctioned at a gap where it was possible for a locomotive to cross a ridge.

Appalachian Plateau

The southwest corner of Virginia between Wild and Woolly West by God Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee makes up Virginia's Appalachian Plateau. The region is similar geographically to West Virginia with rugged terrain not well-suited to the development of large cities. Coal mining is an important industry in this part of Virginia.

Here's a hypothetical question to ponder.

A salesperson named Roscoe has a client named Zane. Zane is a long time friend of the family and he listed his luxury condo for sale with Roscoe. Zane's condo is beautiful, immaculately clean and in a nice part of town.

But things get a little complicated from here.

Zane's condo was the site of a widely publicized and grizzly murder of a celebrity who lived in Zane's building. The celebrity's body was found in Zane's second bedroom. As a result of the murder, Zane had weeks of bad dreams until finally he moved to a hotel and enlisted Roscoe's services. Roscoe put the condo on the market and shortly there after it sold at open house to Deanna. Deanna thought it was sort of cool to be connected to the celebrity.

Roscoe kept in touch with Deanna through annual calendars and then a few years later when Deanna was ready to move she asked Roscoe to list the property. Roscoe listed the property for sale but he neglected to either disclaim or disclose the murder.

Sally bought the condo and then one night while reading Wikipedia, she finds out that her home was the site of the celebrity's final moments on this earth.  Sally uses that room for her nursery.

Since Deanna and Roscoe did not disclose the murder, does Sally have an action against Roscoe, Deanna or for that matter Zane?

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is no requirement to disclose (or disclaim) "stigmatizing events".

Stigmatizing events are events which have no physical affect on the property. So, whether the property was the site of a homicide, felony, or suicide, the seller and agent are not required to disclose the event.

• Virginia Department of Education
• Alexandria City Public Schools
• Arlington County Public Schools
• Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School
• Bishop Ireton High School
• Browne Academy
• Bullis School
• Burgundy Farm Day School
• Centreville High School
• Episcopal High School
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Fairfax High School
• Falls Church City Public Schools
• Holton Arms School
• Madeira School, The
• Maret School
• Mount Vernon High School
• National Cathedral School
• Potomac School, The
• St. Albans School
• St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School
• Sidwell Friends School
• West Potomac High School

• School Matters
• Fairfax County School Boundaries
  

How will BRAC affect area real estate? Well, one of the big pieces to that puzzle was solved at the end of last month when the announcement was made that Fort Belvoir was going to add the Mark Center to its list of holdings rather than heading for Springfield. Donald Carr Director of Public Relations for the US Army at Fort Belvoir contacted me in response to my recent post. He said, "of the total 19,300 jobs, 4,400 are coming to main post Fort Belvoir; 8,500 to the EPG (Engineer Proving Grounds); and, 6,400 to the Mark Center. Additionally, only about 500 of the 19,300 are actually new population incoming to the region."

This makes clear that there will probably be no great regional surge in home values as a result of these changes. In fact, many service members may opt to stay where they are and drive across town to new offices and locations.  The official press release regarding the Mark Center:

The U.S. Army announced today, Sept. 29, that the Mark Center in Alexandria, Va., will be the future home of the 6,400 personnel associated with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure, Recommendation # 133. The decision puts in place the last piece of the Fort Belvoir, Va., BRAC initiative that sites more than 19,000 workers to the installation.

The BRAC 133 jobs - a collection of Defense Department-level agencies whose move is being managed by the Washington Headquarters Service - are the last remaining of those being realigned to Fort Belvoir.

"The decision concludes more than a year of work by hundreds of people in the Army, surrounding communities, and all levels of government to develop proposals and options for review by the selection board," said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment Keith Eastin.

Following completion of Fort Belvoir's BRAC Environmental Impact Study in Summer 2007, the Army's Record of Decision, or ROD, directed placement of all but the BRAC 133 jobs. The jobs originally would have been placed at Fort Belvoir's Engineer Proving Ground in Springfield, Va.

However, because another 8,500 jobs of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency were also placed there, significant concerns for traffic impacts in the area prompted the Army to agree to limit EPG to the NGA jobs, and to look elsewhere for the BRAC 133 jobs. In September 2007 evaluators began work to study alternative sites, including the General Services Administration warehouse site in Springfield and commercial sites in the region.

BRAC legislation and follow-on language in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act allow the Army to purchase land in the National Capital Region to facilitate Fort Belvoir's realignment. "Any non-DOD site selected would have to become part of Fort Belvoir in order to comply with the law," Eastin said. The Army must now buy the Mark Center property to make it part of Fort Belvoir.

In arriving at the Mark Center decision, Eastin said the Army considered multiple factors, including project timelines, transportation management and site adaptability. "The Mark Center site resolves security issues, improves space requirements and mission relationships, and minimizes changes to existing living, working, and quality of life issues," he said.

"The Mark Center site minimizes to the greatest extent practicable disruption of current commuting needs and mission coordination requirements of the workers," said James Turkel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who led the evaluation team. "It will also require little to no change in contractor support relationships, as well as changes to residency or schools requirements for the workers."

Eastin echoed the point. "The new commute for the realigned personnel supports their mission by keeping them in close proximity to the Pentagon agencies and senior leaders they support," he said.

Post officials said putting the jobs at the Alexandria City site reduces the number of jobs coming to Fairfax County's part of the post to 12,900 - 4,400 to Fort Belvoir's main post, and 8,500 to Engineer Proving Ground.

The Army must now purchase the Mark Center property to meet BRAC law and plans to make the purchase before the end of the year. Construction is scheduled to begin on the site in January 2009, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Potomac River is located on the east coast of the United States, and runs through Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. before it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. It is over 380 miles long and wider than 11 miles at its widest point.

As it passes through Washington DC, the nation's capital, the Potomac passes the Washington Monument and the memorials of Jefferson, and Lincoln. Many consider the Potomac to be one of the most beautiful and bountiful rivers on the East Coast. The river is also widely regard its historic, scenic and recreational significance. Among the many who loved the Potomac was George Washington, who worked as a surveyor at many points along the banks of the river. George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon is on the Potomac.

The Potomac's source is a small spring at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. From there, the river gathers many tributaries, winding through the mountains and valleys of Appalachia. One of it's most dramatic turns occurs at Harper's Ferry where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac.

At Great Falls, the Potomac tumbles down from the Applachian Highlands to the sandy soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain.  Visitors from the colonial era to the modern era relish the views here. Today visitors at Great Falls will not only marvel at the cataracts, but also the engineering efforts of those who sought to fulfill George Washington's dream of connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. The C & O Canal was only operational for a few short years but remnants of the system are still functional at Great Falls Park.

Finally, the river flows almost 400 miles widening to over 11 miles as it reaches the Chesapeake Bay on the long, low, and barren peninsula named Point Lookout, Maryland.  Before the US Civil War, Point Lookout was home to a few hotels and boarding houses, but during the war it was converted into one of the largest and worst of the Union prisoner-of-war camps.

Fishers, anglers, boaters, sailors and kayakers all enjoy the Potomac.

The Potomac River has a watershed of 14,670 square miles including tributaries in Maryland (the Monocacy, Savage, and St. Mary's Rivers); in Virginia (the Shenandoah and Occoquan Rivers); in West Virginia (the South Branch and Cacapon Rivers); in Pennsylvania (Conococheague and Antietam Creeks); and in Washington DC (the Anacostia River). The Potomac cradles forests, battlefields, farmlands, mountains, parks, and cities. It is known to many as our Nation's River.

If you're searching for a home or condo in Northern Virginia with a view of the Potomac, contact Will Nesbitt with Condo 1 Alexandria.