Replies

McLean/Langley - Lived here half my life. Lots of government types, very expensive area, Dem-dominated, next to the CIA. But it does have some of the best public schools in the country and it's next to the Tysons Corner mall.

Arlington - Affordable. I lived here a year or so. Not recommended. Rather "diverse" area (I'll let you figure out what I mean by that.) Not particularly great school system.

Alexandria - Also "diverse", but somewhat less undesirable than Arlington.

Falls Church - Probably your best bet. Decent schools (depending on the area, your kids might go to the McLean/Langley schools). Good metro access (two stations). More affordable than McLean/Langley. Less chaotic than Arlington.

Suburbs farther from DC (Herndon, Reston, Fairfax City, Fair Lakes, Fair Oaks etc.) - Good schools, clean suburban feel, lots of new housing going up. Plenty of shopping places. Not quite as convenient or close to DC.