Washington DC at top 4 IT spots

Surprisingly Seattle captured second spot.
http://www.milkeninstitute.org/nahightech/nahightech.taf

Roads to NO WHERE

Have you wondered why some roads around Brambleton take you to no where. Loudoun County Parkway is one such great example. I wrote a few letters to county officials, here is a response:

Thank you for your email regarding Loudoun County ’s road network.

I understand your frustration.  There are indeed many roadways throughout Loudoun County that are as you described them.  This is typical of an area that is still transitioning from a rural farming community to a suburban community.  As development occurs in a given area, the segments of new roadways are built by developers and the planned road network emerges.  This is happening in the older planned communities of Loudoun County like Cascades, Ashburn Farm, and Ashburn Village .  In newer communities like Brambleton and Stone Ridge, there are isolated pieces of the new road network that are surrounded by the old rural roads.  Eventually, the gaps will be filled as more development takes place.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Loudoun County also fund roadway improvements, especially where there are gaps between the developer’s commitments.  Recent examples of this include construction of the Loudoun County Parkway between Route 7 and Redskins Park , including a new interchange at Route 7, the widening of Waxpool Road/Church Road in Sterling , and Loudoun County Parkway between Route 50 and Evergreen Mill Road .  Publicly funded projects that are under construction or soon to begin include the system of roundabouts in the Gilberts Corner area (Route 50/15 intersection), the reconstruction and paving of the remaining gravel sections of Sycolin Road and the widening of Route 50 from four to six lanes between Poland Road and Route 28.

There is a comprehensive transportation plan for all of Loudoun County that identifies the location and configuration of the highway system needed to accommodate the planned land uses.  This plan specifies how existing roadways are to be widened and it specifies the location and configuration of new highways.  Road builders, whether they are developers or the government, follow this plan.  You can see Loudoun’s Countywide Transportation Plan via this link to the county’s web site: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=1000

If you need more information on the planning, design, and construction of roadways in Loudoun County , please feel free to contact Mr. James Zeller, VDOT’s Preliminary Engineering Manager in Loudoun County , by telephone at (703) 737-2014.

Again, thank you for your interest in transportation issues.

Sincerely,

Pierce R. Homer

Unfortunately, Brambleton developer is responsible for that missing link for Loudoun County Parkway. What hope do we have that this will be completed within a year. Look how pathetic roads within Brambleton are maintained, not paved even after five years!!

Loudoun County Capital Improvement

Quite informative doc, showing how and what we are spending money on. This includes budget allocation for various transportation (metro included), schools (Brambleton to get another elementary school?) among others. Here it is from our county site.

GMU@Brambleton

Let us hope GMU moves next to Brambleton, this is good for all of us. Check this out: http://www.loudountimes.com/news/2008/nov/18/higher-education-our-doorstep/

Brambleton Mashup & Profile

Here is a mashup of Brambleton (actually, 20148 zip code). All data is pulled from public sources, including census. This takes about 10 minutes to load, as it is based on google docs (all processing at google servers, not on your browser or your computer).

My observation about home owners and their ethnicity:

* About 15% houses are owned by banks, developers or builder or business or trustees.

* About 20% are asians (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indians, etc).

* About 60% are others (those that do not belong to above group).

* Not as many foreclosed homes, my guess is that this is below 5%.

* Note that this is NOT profiling, this is intended to compare Asians & others compared to Americans (whites, etc). Related to ethnicity, not about citizenship.

It’s about that time….

Have you ever wondered why Brambleton developer does not care as much. Here is a short list to prove my point:

 

* Why are roads not paved even after *five* years. I can not even imagine any place having roads in such bad shape with man holes popping up all around.

* Why are no roads are marked fire lanes, is that no longer needed.

* Why is legacy drive near town center is *not* a one way street. Especially with so many cars parked on both sides of the road, that road is no longer suited for two way traffic.

* Why are sports facilities in such a dismal shape. No indoor games (even at our club house), two tennis courts for two thousand homes and very basic kids play facilities.

* Why is our village center has such useless selection of merchants. Most of us do not consider it as a place for any serious shopping (no major chains, except Harris Teeter), not even a single popular speciality show room.

* Why Brambleton developer taking so long to pave rest of Loudoun County Parkway (Toll brothers completed its part). This would ease traffic situation a great deal.

* Why is no other county or state facilities like a library not proposed.

It is about the time…..you as a resident raise voice. We pay close over 1500 dollars a year, I feel that it deserves better amenities and service. What do you think?

 

 

Sports complex: We need it disperately

I need to say nothing more…Ashburn & Brambleton lack many major facilities, including a decent sports complex. Yes, Ashburn village has one…that is meant for their community. More over, Southern part is still neglected. Please throw your full support

Ashburn: Best affordable suburb in Virginia

Ranked by recent edition of Business week magazine, more details here.

Nice ‘local explorer’ from Washington Post

Try this link (this blog page is free of additives, such as advertisements, page redirections, tracking, etc). If page gets redirected from Washington Post, try top right corner that says ‘local explorer’.

Interesting Loudoun School System Comparison

Interesting article on how Loudoun is (kind of) trailing behind other counties; Here is an article from Sun Gazette. Some of those assertions (aka, facts) are troubling a bit. I know of a few folks who are doing very well with home schooling, yet they just pay as much for county taxes. They are not only taking burden off of our schools, their kids are doing much better both academically and even socially. Why are those families getting penalized  (still they pay taxes, instead of getting additional financial help).

Brambleton shops

I wonder how Brambleton developer would like to categorize or promote shopping center as. Some how, it is not visualized to be an attractive destination. In fact, shops are not even similar to a strip mall where you would typically find nails, party or lower end decorative shops, etc. On the other hand, there are a few specialty shops and are not meant to attract masses. Barnes & Nobles delayed their presence by a year or more. Here is an interactive map of what is expected soon, all shops in phase I are on the right frame of this page: Brambleton Shops.

Brambleton re-zoning from Industrial to Active living?

Ever wondered why so many areas are zoned for ‘Industrial’ development? If you look around lots of parcels are set aside and it makes no sense to have these many. They are meant for neither residential nor commercial use. Brambleton looks like trying to reverse that trend. This makes sense as Brambleton will (eventually) have its own golf course, in addition to public golf course.

New Statistics for Loudoun, Year 2006

Comprehensive list of statistics for Loudoun released by county. Lots of interesting developments. For instance, more residential projects on the way in Dulles area, compared to Ashburn. More commercial space approved for Ashburn than Dulles. I thought it is always the other way around!

Day Care providers around Brambleton

School season just started, all of us busy with everything from dropping kids at school to managing work. Could you find a proper day care? Any second thoughts?? I thought it is beneficial to lots of folks, if I include a day care providers list. Note that this web site makes NO recommendations, as usual check before you decide. Click here

Summer Free Movie and Concerts

Movie: Saturday, August 18 8:30pm (also free popcorn).
Concert: 
Saturday, August 25 5:00-6:00pm John Hadfield’s Monkeys in the House 

6:00-8:00pm The Beach Combers Band

[Source: Brambleton HOA letter; Movie details at http://www.brambletonhoa.com/]

Yet another Elementary School in Brambleton

In less than a year, Brambleton is expected to see yet another brand new elementary school. Located at Creighton’s corner (some where close to Creighton Road ?), this will be very convenient to folks living in the vicinity. Not that many details available, however this link talks more about this project. Its street address and map location is here.

Stone Hill Middle School is right next to Loudoun Valley Estates

Now I am a bit confused about exact location of this building. This is about the same place where Rosa Lee Carter elementary school is coming up! They also maintain their own school district coverage. Interestingly, Washington Post says there is one more middle school planned for Aldie, expected to be open in a couple of years (You may need to register to login and see this news item).

Elementary school (Rosa Lee Carter) almost ready

Like all major projects, this school delivery is delayed too. I am sure weather played no role in its delay (rain is not a contributing factor for sure). Road connecting new section of Loudoun County Parkway with Ryan Road is not patched up yet. Look at earlier posting for exact location of this school. Here are some more details. Looks like this project is costing at least $17 million to build. Here is school site layout. Looks like there is a walk path from other Toll Brothers community on Old Ox Road (Overlook community), not sure if there is any road connecting this school to this community.

Mixed Retail and Residential Development at Waxpool Road

This is an interesting development, where both retail and residential properties are developed together at corner of Waxpool Road and Ashburn Village Blvd. This is between Waxpool Road and Food Lion (previously name), just behind Farmwell Hunt. Click here to find more.

Ashburn, Data Center Hubs

I think, Ashburn (and surrounding areas) now has one of the major data centers in the united states. Equinix and Digital Realty Trust (previously known as Loudoun Exchange) are major players. Not sure if Myriad Network is known be significant?? (Comment from a blog visitor: “Myriad is *not* a major player in anything. No idea where you got thatinfo from – Jon”). Apparently Equinix has so many customers that it has short listed them. This could mean they may expand their facilities here. This is in addition to Verizon (MCI), 365 main, Amazon & Intel (all in Chantilly), AOL LLC, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac (are they here in this area?), etc, close to Ashburn. What else is better suited than DC area, where majority of Internet traffic goes through. Of course, there are lot more data centers in Fairfax county and nearby areas. Good thing is that our commercial rental rates are pretty attractive compared to Fairfax county, so more folks may move in!!

Here is an interesting study on electric bills and environmental impact (source: Computer World). Ashburn is ranked one of the lowest, relatively high on carbon emission.

Buy in Brambleton or wait?!!

[First of all, I am not a realtor (though I have some association with real estate), hopefully I may not influenced by any factors].

Lots of times, people wonder if it is a good idea to buy a house at any time. Obviously, this depends very much on you, not so much on market conditions.

Take a moment to ponder! Are you practical person? How can you figure out, just look at your life style and spending habits. If you are conservative or practical, may be you want to analyze and wait for lowest house price.On the other hand, if it is your primary home and kids stay with you, nothing can substitute for your own home. You look for a good home at a nice location (including school district). If it is an investment, do your math carefully, think long term. Remember when Brambleton released first batch of condos, almost all were sold out (relatively high priced, even in those market conditions). Now we have another section of them (from Centex), surprisngly they are being sold quickly too!! Why is it so??! Location..Location..Location. Next to High school, walking distance to elementary school, major shopping & entertainment area, next to a popular golf course, close to toll road exit, new models, matured community, planned child care center (right across Belmont Ridge Road)…what else do they need?? Downside: high condo fee.

Another healthy sign: Ashburn area is not included in recent foreclosure listing (sorry, Sterling is listed at bottom; Woodbridge is top in Virginia. On the whole, Virginia looks pretty good. Top four among ten spots taken by Michigan!).

Washington Post has a nice “local” site

Washington post developed a pretty nice web site for Loudoun County. Take a look, covers quite a lot of community activities, social matters, news, and lot more stuff. This is developed over six months, with active support from journalists. It includes traffic info (cool cameras on Route 28, etc). Look at additional blog sites mentioned on their site here.

Major Shopping Centers along Loudoun County Pkwy

As we know there are two major shopping centers coming with a couple of years along Loudoun County Parkway, close to Brambleton.

* At Moorefield Station (almost next to Exxon gas station, in about a hundred yards from Green Way/267).

* Arcola Center (close to Route 50). As Loudoun County Parkway gets extended through South Riding, this will be within a couple of minutes of drive.

There are a number of super-sized strip malls coming at a number of locations. Latest in this list is Moorefield Market Place, expected to be completed by end 2008.

There is also rumor that amphitheater is expected to be opened within a year, at corner of Claiborne Parkway and Loudoun County Parkway!!

Brambleton’s freedom festival

This Wednesday at Legacy Park, includes lots of fun activities. Free food, entertainment activities, kids firework items (no real fireworks) and plenty of social events.

* Blood donation starts at 10 AM till 2 PM, near Chevy Chase Bank. Surprise gifts are expected for all donors.

* Movies may include special screening (not listed at their site).  For show times: 703-957-1035 / box office: 703-957-1027

Which one is better??!!

I noticed that lots of us struggle with a simple question: Given a choice A and B, which one is better?

A friend of ours was so confused with different options given to him while buying a house. Just like most of us, he was not sure on how to evaluate his choices objectively. I advised him to jot down all his wants & needs. Compare against choice A and B. Here is a small excel sheet I prepared for this purpose.

This type of decision making is also used in many fields, such as operations management. In the above table, second column is a figure to be given by you (user). Next two columns are values given by you, based on your judgment (for features listed on first column). Last two column values are from column2 * column 3 and column 2 * column 4 respectively. Finally you will arrive at a figure by adding all values in last two columns. Above calculation says, Choice A is better.

Long awaited movie theaters

Last weekend, I strolled around village center and movie complex, hoping to get a peek. All doors were padlocked and there was no activity of any kind. I thought it would take a couple of months to get everything ready. Surprisingly, here is an announcement from movie theater operators: movies

I am a little skeptical, if everything around village center would be ready by then. At least, walk areas, landscaping, etc. I think they should open theaters after everything else is done, including all retail stores. BTW, Borders is expected to be there next year (change of schedules). I am not so much into restaurants, as there are enough of them in Ashburn area now!

Amazing, there are free movies for kids for a few weeks. Parents & adults are admitted free too. Who says nothing comes free?!!

Commercial Developments

Did you ever hear a real estate agent boasting about new commercial cool developments in your vicinity?!! I was never sure how accurate those claims are. Even if developer wanted something right close to your home, lots of factors can come in their way. Look at Brambleton Village Center. It is delayed by many months, the way it is getting completed makes me wonder if we can expect it any time this year (2007).

New commercial & shopping centers make me more interested than office buildings in our area. I came across way cool site that gives some insight into new developments & tenants. Not sure how big these folks are in commercial arena. Click here for active ones in Loudoun County

NOTE: If you wanted to buy or lease these properties, they may no longer be available. Did you ever come across displays claiming ‘lease’ or ’sale’, though that property is gone eons back. Looks like real estate professionals like “exposure” of their name as much, with those displays staying there long after that property is taken.

Nice Real Estate tool

Last time I spoke to a realtor in our area, I asked her a simple question. Do you have any statistics on per sq ft comparison against $. There was “no comment” from her. There are lots of such things you can access for commercial real estate, including county’s projected growth, etc. No such things were readily available for folks like you and I.

Here is a nice tool that gives such results. Not sure how valid they are, at least, it gives us some idea.
Residential Real Estate Comparison Tool

Train Station to Brambleton??!!

In about eight years, we are expecting a train station at Ryan Road (behind Home Depot). Here are some details:

Ryan Road Station (aka, Brambleton Stations??)

A little surprising to note that Brambleton is considered as a “landmark”.

Elementary Schools and their boundaries

As more and more folks are moving into Brambleton & Ashburn area, we have yet another new elementary school for southern part of Ashburn, known as Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School. This school seems to be located behind Loudoun Valley Estates, if you are on Loudoun Country Parkway / Ryan Road.

Street Address: 43330 Loudoun Reserve Drive [could not be located on Map Quest, Google or Yahoo].

If you want to know what are the boundaries, here. This is a rough guide (not official??) .

Companies in Ashburn area

I am about to update with all major companies in Ashburn area, with over 100 employees or sizable national level company. Please include suggestions, in comment section below. This will be helpful to lots of us, especially if we need shorter commute!

Data Center next to train track & train station, how does that work???

I am a little amazed how a data center next to 267 (almost behind Home Depot, Ashburn) could operate once train track goes close to it. I get a feeling that it is more logical and viable for them to turn that “prime” real estate into a shopping center!!

In case you are still wondering what I am talking about…..take a look here: Data Center. Three buildings next to 267. You can zoom in or out using controls on the left top corner (”+” and “-”).

More on Moore Field Station

More details are available for Moore field station. Shops are now available for lease (15K sft and more), also restaurant space is now released (sit & dine type). Here is their web site: shops

Make sure to take a look at aerial view (top right corner of main page). You can also download same as a PDF.

Another “likely” major development is for new Loudoun County Government office. As all of us know, their offices at Leesburg are difficult to access & there is little room for them to expand there. New County Office location. I feel this is a very logical choice as it is (if built) now located at future train station, green way (267), Loudoun County Parkway and even close to airport!

More happenings…in Brambleton & around it

It was taking way too long for all of us to do basic shopping, even to get stationary items or to buy books. Now comes a major book store to Brambleton.

Barnes and Nobles book store

Vow, some more reputed big players on the way to Brambleton village centre (not sure about their websites!!):

• Birkenstock
• The Papery fine stationery: Not sure their site
• The Nest Egg home furnishings
• Classic Closets & Design
• Cradle & Crayon maternity wear

and lots more. There are more restaurants coming at all places in Ashburn area. In Brambleton there are lots of dine-in type restaurants, like Scotto’s Rigatoni Grill (Italian), My Thai Place (at least one more Thai or far east cuisine), one more American expected, apart from Dishes of India (Indian Restaurant).

Here is a link to Brambleton Web site PDF document

Brambleton in a wiki-map-ia

An interesting wiki site with interactive images: wiki-MAP-ia

This is similar to google maps (actually based on same technology), except it is simple and easy to use.

Brambleton aerial view

Well, there are lots of map search sites that give you aerial view (to name a few, beta.mapquest.com, local.live.com, maps.google.com, among others). Here is an external site that gives you better idea, what is located where. Details in this picture are amazing.

Brambleton and Ashburn Aerial view

Side walk along Loudoun County Parkway

Just imagine a side walk all along Loudoun County Parkway starting from Route 7 to Brambleton. Personally, I would love to stroll along this any time of the day, any day!

• This greatly improves quality of life for both families and individuals.
• There is a great “open” area along the way, very enjoyable by most.
• Helps to build communities as we care more about our neighborhood.
• We even bring down crime, as more people are casual watchers.
• Helps to keep our kids happy!!
• More importantly, vastly improves health for all.

On the other hand, Toll brothers has extended trail connection to Brambleton. Once they complete all trails (I guess, will happen by end of 2007), we will have a pretty long well connected trails spanning up to 10 miles or more!! Great job, Toll Brothers!!!!

What is so great about Brambleton (Virginia) area

Personally, I like to stay away from either Route 7 or 50. Route 50 looks not as posh (sorry!). Route 7 is a stop & go traffic, if you are lucky. Else, it looks like a massive parking lot (sorry again!!).

• On the other hand, if you like to go some where quickly though it costs money, I prefer Green Way.

• Wait for a few more years, we will get a train station too.
• Unlike, Route 7 & 50 areas, Green way surroundings are recently developed and well planned.
• Loudoun County Parkway becomes a major artery and is expected to connect to Price William County Parkway. Most of the big roads around green way are expected to be four lanes.
• Lots of new shopping centers are expected all around, a new university campus between Route 50 and Green way (in Aldie), etc.

Brambleton and surrounding commercial real estate developments

Within a very short span of time, there has been tremendous development. Most of the main roads are in the process of getting widened with four lanes. Loudoun County parkway is set to get extended all the way to Route 50.

Slowly sprawl is spreading all around…now there are more shops. Brambleton town center is expected to be ready by summer 2007. Lots of shops, movies, etc., make this place even more lively. With high rentals, I do not expect these shops would offer much benefit prices wise. On the other hand, marketing research points out that folks at Brambleton and surrounding areas are afluent and willing to shell out big bucks!!

BRAMBLETON sites (limited details):

Brambleton

Brambleton Town

Brambleton Phase I

Brambleton Phase II

Brambleton had second thoughts about golf course, now looks like an appeal is lodged for proposed (scaled down) golf course:

Loudoun County, County Site

Wait, that is not it. There are lots of other shopping malls expected within a couple of miles. Near Home Depot in Ashburn, where future train station
Shoppes at Ryan Park
Ryan Park

On the other side of home depot is another commercial development:

loudounstation

On the other side of green way, Moorefield station is expected to be one of the top developments in the united states (ranked by Money Magazine)

Moorefield Station
Same is also mentioned in Washington Post recent article on developments in Loudoun county.

Some what “matured” Ashburn has Ashburn cross roads. This site is located opposite to Food Lion and Farmwell hunt sub-division
Ashburn Cross Roads

Close to Route 50, there is lots of development expected on Route 606 (Old Ox Road). Here is an article about this:About Arcola Center in news

County maintains lots of study details. Here is one such link:
Ashburn statistics from County
Some approved or proposed commercial development
Some more statistics from county on growth

Market Analysis

Here is an excellent document comparing various segments

Disclaimer: This web page does not intend to make any suggestions or recommendations. All sources are properly identified as external and no details are copied here on to this page. Some details or statistics may be outdated or even inaccurate. Please use your judgment in all matters. Owner of this web site or web page holds no responsibility or liability to any extent.