Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

There are a lot of great things that can be said about yesterday's Real Estate Bar Camp DC. Besides the knowledge shared by our peers across the area the biggest part of any ReBar Camp is the moment when we give back to our community.

ReBar Camp DC selected DC Central Kitchen as an organization to support with donations from the event. The DC Central Kitchen has been serving the DC by compating hunger and providing culinary training to "prepare unemployed, underemployed, previously incarcerated persons, and homeless adults for careers in the foodservice industry."

We were fortunate yesterday to have lunch catered by the staff of Fresh Start Catering part of the DC Central Kitchens program.

ReBar Camp DC raised $1000 from donations from the attendees and sponsors of the event. It is a great feeling to know that ReBar Camps not only in our area but around the country and make donations to help support our communities.

Thanks to everyone who donated to this terrific organization!

As native of the Northern Virginia area I've had a chance to see most of the extremes that have hit the area. Blizzards and hurricanes we've had a few. Sometimes you can even get three seasons in one week. As a military spouse I've also had the opportunity to experience the weather in a few other choice locations and learned a thing or two about how weather forecasters throw around terms that don't necessarily make sense unless you've never lived anywhere else.

When you hear the term "monsoon season" when you live in the Far East you know what that means. However when you later move to Arizona and you hear the weather guessers use the term "monsoon season" you think they are off their rockers. Trust me they aren't the same. In Europe the definition of "oppressively hot" is far different than spending August in Little Rock Arkansas and hearing that same term used. It is indeed "oppressively hot" in Little Rock!

So when it comes to the seasons in Northern Virginia I've learned to ignore what the calendar might say and have come up with my own definition to know when we've gone from one season to another.

When the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom around the Tidal Basin and you can't move for everyone stopping to take pictures then you know that spring has officially arrived.

Summer is here when you see the fireworks exploding around the Washington Monument and you hear the National Symphony Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture.

If you sense a change in the air and the leaves on the trees strut their brightly colored leaves like proud peacocks then fall has arrived.

Winter is the easiest season of all to spot. In fact you don't even have to open your eyes to know it has arrived. When your radio goes off in the morning and you hear the news that cars are sliding on the ice at the Springfield interchange, a veteran of the seasons in the area knows just what to do. Turn off your radio, pull the covers back over your head and wait until the Cherry Blossoms bloom again before you get up!

The great news is that Northern Virginia has all of the season to offer both visitors and residents alike to enjoy. So forget what the weather forecasters have to say and make up your own seasonal calendar. You will be just as accurate and maybe even more so than they are! Check today's weather in Northern Virginia.

If relocating to Northern Virginia is in your plans in the near future give me a call at 703-346-2213. I'd be glad to help you navigate not only our four seasons but the home buying process as well.

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This morning 30,000 runners took off through the streets of Arlington Va and DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon aka the Peoples Marathon. It is fitting that the end of the race everyone should see how the dedication and sacrfice of our military keep us free. Congratulations to all who ran and thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country.

Relocation is never easy. It doesn't matter how many times the PCS orders arrive there are the usual questions about your new area and this on-line guide is here to help you answer a few of them.

What is the BAH rate for Fort Belvoir? Use zip code 22060

Where is Fort Belvoir Located?

Northern Virginia
Fairfax County

What's On Post?

To know everything about the post you need to check out the official Fort Belvoir website. In addition here are a few posts on my personal perspective of Fort Belvoir:

Fort Belvoir Housing
Fairfax Village-Platinum Green Status
Fort Belvoir Accotink Trail
Fort Belvoir Not Your Usual Army Post
DeWitt Hospital

Where can I find out about local schools?

We have compiled a list of the local school systems in one place for you to be able to see both secondary and post secondary education opportunites.

Northern Virginia School Districts & Post Secondary Education

What types of neighorhoods are there close to the post?

Since housing is a very personal choice providing you information on every neighborhood in the area without knowing your needs could be confusing. Once you have your orders in hand we can talk about your housing needs and find the neighborhood that best suits your needs. Here is a sample of some local neighborhoods that are popular with military families in our area.

Belmont Bay
Burke
Daventry
Kingstowne
Lake Ridge
Landsdowne
Lorton
West Springfield

You can also check out my Fort Belvoir interactive map on with photos of some of these neighborhoods as well.

What attractions are there close to post?

Northern Virgina and DC are full of great things you can do, many of them for free. Here are a few that you can consider for anytime of year.

Lorton Workhouse Arts Center
Mount Vernon and Woodlawn
Five Great Local Attractions
Sorry You Can't Borrow A Cup of Sugar From These Neighbors

Do you have any recommendations for places to eat?

You can find plenty of great places to eat around the area. Whether you want formal or casual here are a few that our family frequents when we want to eat out.

Alexandria Pastry Shop and Deli
Dixie Bones
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Madigan's In Occoquan
Sunflower Café

If PCS orders to Fort Belvoir are in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213. I'll be glad to answer your questions about Northern Virginia, Fairfax County and the surrounding Fort Belvoir area. I've been in your shoes many times and understand the complexities that come with a PCS move.

©Cindy Jones/October 2009 Edition "Your Fort Belvoir On-Line Relocation Guide"

Cindy have you lost your mind? You can't walk to the Pentagon from Daventry in Springfield (VA). It's 20 miles. You will be arrested as soon as you set foot on I-395 aka Shirley Highway. What is wrong with you?

Alright already but you can walk to the direct Pentagon Slug Line at the entrance to the Daventry neighborhood. From there you will be whisked safely down the highway to the drop off point at the Pentagon. If you aren't familiar with the term "slug lines" in relation to Northern Virginia commuting don't panic. It is a unique and legal way to hitch-hike your way to the Pentagon, State Department, World Bank or many other locations in DC.

A free ride isn't the only reason that Daventry is a popular neighborhood in Springfield. The community offers a community pool, community center, tennis courts, four tot lots and access to walking paths connected to the huge Fairfax County Park Authority network of trails and access to Lake Accotink.

Daventry offers a variety of housing including 512 townhouses most with garages, 212 single family homes and Ramblewood at Daventry offers 160 condominiums. In addition to the ease of commuting to the Pentagon using the slug line, it is also within 5 miles of the Springfield Metro Station accessible by driving or taking the Metro or Fairfax County Connector Bus also located at the entrance to the community.

Multiple shopping centers are close by featuring Giant Foods, Trader Joes and Whole Foods. You can find plenty of places to eat including Mikes American Grill, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Austin Grill and Chicken Out.

If living in a neighborhood where you can "walk" to the Pentagon sounds appealing then give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me show you how to take advantage of the slug line and all of the other great benefits of the Daventry neighborhood. If you are headed to Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon or any of the Military District of Washington installations stop by my blog Military Relocation News to learn more about a PCS move to the Northern Virginia area.