^^^ what he said. Can't go wrong staying west of Rte 28.

Other than the cost of living, it's an outstanding place to raise a family. Tons of biking trails, easy 40min trip to DC and west to the Appalachian Trail/Blue Ridge mins. If you want to settle there, now is the time...the Silver Line will open its westernmost station there in a couple years, called Loudoun Station - I'd be willing to bet that will cause house prices to rise.

You mentioned schools: Schools are awesome... Briar Woods High School ranked top ten in VA and in the low/mid 100s nationwide. Elementary and middle schools also very well run.

Ashburn is kind of divided into different sections, the main ones being Ashburn Village, Ashburn Farm, Broadlands, and Brambleton. Ashburn Village is one of the first established neighborhoods here and has seen its heyday - I'd look there last. Brambleton is the newest development and where most folks find the best deals. Broadlands and Ashburn Farm are also very nice and well established.

Like I said, you gotta pay some extra $$$ to settle there but well worth it IMHO. Townhouses are nice but plenty of families really want extra space and splurge for a single family home. Those run in the 600-700s around here. Town houses are in the 300-400 range. The further west you go, the cheaper it gets. Many folks moving west towards Purcellville, and south towards Aldie, for slightly cheaper real estate.

About a 40min drive to DCA, 12mins to IAD, and 1:10 to BWI.

Good luck and please PM me with any questions if u want.