First home, Silver Line: Reston/Herndon/Sterling/Ashburn

[Andrew Leung]

I've saved to buy my first home, a new townhouse in one of these areas. They seem pretty similar, but I was wondering if anyone who knows the areas better or has lived there has any preferences, or things to keep in mind? 

From what I can tell, Reston Town Center is pretty nice (for a similar house Reston seems to be an extra $100k over the other areas), and there isn't much to do in Ashburn, etc. I also work from home, so I don't have a commute.

Thanks!

[Andrew Leung]

Originally posted by @Shane Gaboury:

Hey! Congratulations on the savings! That is exciting! Not having a commute is huge. A lot of this will depend on your goals longer term. Schools play a big part in the cost and appreciation of homes in those areas. There are also new home options as well if you wanted something particularly nice. The starting point would be what is your price point? What is your preferred criteria for your home and what are you goals? 

Shane Gaboury 

Was looking at $500k-$650k with a FHA loan 3.5% down. 3-4BR townhouse/SFH renting out a room or two. Goal is to own my first home to break into real estate and a move out of the parent's house into my own place to live! Would be nice if a tenant or two could help pay the mortgage, but it's ok if they can't cover much. Appreciation over 10 years or so would be nice. Don't really care about schools because I don't plan to have kids for another 8-10 years or so, in which I'd probably buy another home and move by then, or just homeschool them. :P