Unpopular opinion about Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County)
Hi all, Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Is this normal for Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County)? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
David G.
seconding this
38 upvotes
Gabriel Brown
following this thread
32 upvotes
miamimama2021
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Silas Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 41, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Nicholas Ortiz
spot on
5 upvotes
Mia Collins
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.