valentinosdcpulse: December 2009

Somehow the history, the diversity, the political power and future technology aspects all blend together creating this dazzling and vibrant city. It is a city full of history and promise of tomorrow. This city is a proud reflection of the strength and character of those who live and work here. It is a city where people are investing in tomorrow. It's a great place to live heading into 2010.

Here are some "More Good Reasons to Feel Good About Calling Washington DC Home": 

1) It's a City of the Future

Researchers here are developing ideas that could revolutionize the world. According to the Washington Post, "The boom in government spending is attracting keen interest from big utilities, technology firms, start-ups and the lobby firms they employ. And it has foreign investors scouting real estate opportunities." Read article

2) The City's Backdrop is Dazzling

Prominently sitting on the crest of the hill facing the city is The "Congress House" which sets the tone for the city. At times, it can seem like you are living in a picture book. Just a few spectacular pictures are posted here if you'd like want new wallpaper for your desktop. Check out the beauty of DCs famous sculptures.

3) World Class Shopping and Dining

Located just inside the DC line, on Wisconsin and Connecticut Avenues, you will find the "Rodeo Drive of the East" with high-end shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany and Cartier.

Get Expert Advise on DC Dining from Travelers Magazine Best of Washington, D.C.: Restaurants offers expert recommendations of the best places to eat in four price ranges: budget ($), moderate ($$), expensive ($$$), and luxury.

Washingtonian's list of  101 Favorite Restaurants offers a list of the finest dining in DC, Maryland, and Virginia-ranked in order plus much more.

4) So Much to See and Do

Best of Washington, D.C.: Must-Dos Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

DC is also home to a number of artists. Here is a map of DC area art locations of Studios, Galleries, Personal Artist Studios, and Art Centers. And there is the city wide effort of "Art on Call" Learn More

5) We Have The Capitals

The Capitals have fun on the ice, and that makes them fun to watch. The players are actively involved in the community in such events as Toys for Tots inspiring & motivating kids and adults alike.  Get your "Courage" hat or shirt today to show your support.

6) It's Clean and increasingly Green!

There are many programs working to make affordable housing and its neighborhoods green in Washington, D.C. and the National Capital Region. Along with the federal funding for corporations in the area to take advantage of, Washington DC is indeed a "Green City" of the future.  

7) There Are SO Many Housing Options

There really is something to meet everyone's needs in the DC Metro area. Within the many neighborhoods you will find different and distinct stylistic varieties and periods. There are historic homes available along with many newly built options. There are single family homes, townhouses, row houses, condominiums, & new waterfront developments - all the way up to horse ranches and glorious mansions and estates.

With so many residential options, everyone can find a place to call home within Metro DC. One can find excellent schools, a booming economy and a variety of recreational activities. To find a perfect home only depends on defining your specific needs and working with the right Realtor^® such as Rachel Valentino. You can visit her Atlantic Coast Connection website today to see what's available.

2010 is indeed the perfect time to live and work in the Washington DC area. And don't forget that the first time home-buyer credit has been extended to include repeat buyers.. But taxpayers must purchase or be locked into a contract to close before midnight on April 30, 2010 to qualify. So call Rachel today to see if you qualify and get started on finding your new home for 2010.

As the year 2009 comes to a close, it seems like a fitting and proper time to reflect on just how rewarding and exciting it can be living in Washington DC as it boldly steps into 2010 as a great American city to live in. It is emerging from the global recession known as a "world class city". The pulse of this city is so strong and vibrant that some residents actually claim to "feel" the excitement and electricity" in the air.

Here are "5 Good Reasons to Feel Good About Calling Washington DC Home":

1) Employers Want to Be Here and are Bringing Their HQ's to the DC area

Big corporations are coming here and staying here. Big names like Volkswagen, Hilton Hotels, Google and many more now call this area home. Big corporations bring in larger number of jobs. There's more coming from all over the world as the DC area increasingly attracts the attention of the international business world.

2) Location Location Location

Three airports with increasing international flights from Dulles along with an extended Metro route make the region an ideal gateway. With increased federal contracting,this makes proximity to Congress and the agencies a big plus.

Oh, and by the way, when you live here, you're within a few hours from everything nature can offer. It's like having "post card views" at your fingertips. You've got mountains, rivers, vineyards, the ocean, and tons of parks."  And its "location, location location" filled with tons of history. Imagine who came before you, in another time, as you live in an area where we stroll through Capital Hill and float down the Potomac River.

3) It's a Spectacular Place to Live During the Holidays

What do people do in DC during the holiday that's special? Click here to visit About.com's "Top 10 Washington, DC Holiday Activities" list to make sure you've covered all your bases.

Right now, if you are a resident, or will be visiting the area, you'll want to remember to visit The National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace in President's Park just South of the White House.  You won't want to miss seeing Santa's Workshop viewable up until Christmas Eve. And there is the nationally renowned free nightly musical performance going on each night until Jan 1, 2010 for everyone to enjoy.

4) Distinct Neighborhoods Make Being Unique Special

The district of DC has 127 total named neighborhoods. See Map. Of these, there are 46 designated historic districts, Each neighborhood new and old, has it's own individual history and unique character. Check out the renovated "Friendship Arch" in Chinatown. 

And there are great neighborhood and block parties to enjoy like Caribbean Parade, the Fiesta DC festival, the Gay parade, and the Emancipation Day parade.

Here is a nice page with interactive links to the various neighborhoods within the district of DC.

5) The Diversity

Washington DC is a great example of an "American Melting Pot". Here you can actually feel as if you have traveled around the world without ever leaving the city. There is such diversity found everywhere here. You'll find a wide array of everything from architectural structures and arts to the food, language and cultures found within the DC Metro area.

From Olympians, Foreign Dignitaries, Politicians, and Lobbyists to Artists, Performers and Actors or maybe even a Corporate Giant, you just never know whom you will meet on the social circuit in DC.

With such diversity, history and beauty, you can see why Washington DC real estate is still so popular. But real estate buying in the Metro area can be complex so you want a REALTOR^® you can trust, one who knows the area and has a proven track record.

Rachel Valentino is just such a person - she's a top specialist in the D.C. area no matter what your needs are. Contact her or check out her Atlantic Coast Connection website today.

And don't forget that the First time home-buyer credit has been extended to include repeat buyers. But taxpayers must purchase or be locked into a contract to close before midnight on April 30, 2010 to qualify. So call Rachel today to see if you qualify and get started on finding your new home for 2010.

All aboard as the new Dulles Metrorail permanently connects Northern VA to Washington DC! One sure to be popular new stop along the new Silver Line is the Wiehle Ave station in Reston,  VA that is scheduled to open in 2013. This will offer unprecedented access through the region, bringing new options to Reston residents who are seeing both work and residential options opening up for the first time in a long time.

With new access to the Capitol City, Restonians can now easily commute into the city for jobs. And even closer, just down the new Silver Line, is Tyson's Corner where the job market is set to take a dramatic increase over the next few years bringing even more new job opportunities to those living in the area. Dulles Metrorail Sliver Line is making Reston VA an ever more visible residential area along what is now being referred to the Dulles Technology Corridor.

Today there are approximately 63,000 residents of Reston VA (Restonians). Only 17 miles outside of Washington DC, this community (CDP) is now being referred to as "an edge city" but seems to still hold on to its originally intended charm. Left behind is the hustle and bustle of the big city; here life is much simpler. Here you can meet your neighbors out on a nightly stroll around a lake or down a nature trail, here the kids laugh and splash in a lake, and there are still those who enjoy a good tennis match after work as a fun & healthy way to end their day.

That's because it's a planned community that still follows the plans set forth in 1962 in regards to development of the area. In the creation of Reston, it was hoped that all Restonians could live, work and have recreation in their own community. Equally important was that everyone have access to common grounds and the scenic beauty shared equally among all income levels.

Originally one of the first parts of Reston was designed to look & feel like the Italian coastal town of Portofino. And even today, you still won't find any chain stores or chain restaurants in Lake Anne, because they're still not allowed. In true suburban contrast, in other parts of Reston, big business is definitely welcome - with more than 1 million sq. ft of office space available.

What Reston has to offer its residents reads like a resort brochure. The recreational facilities include16 pools, 47 tennis courts, and numerous multi-purpose courts that are used for basketball, soccer, etc. There are miles of beautiful groomed walking and bike trails throughout the area. In addition, there are 2 golf courses and 4 Lakes including beautiful Lake Anne. And ice-skating is still popular in the Town Center during the wintertime.

Aside from the plentiful recreational aspects, local residents also enjoy local art galleries, shops, restaurants, museums and even a local professional theatre group. Northern VA is also renowned for its top school systems. So when you add to the mix the upcoming addition of Dulles Metrorail, you can see why it's so popular for residential homebuyers.

Right now there are a lot of residential opportunities in the Reston area to consider.  With average home prices in the mid $400k range, Reston makes it easier for new homebuyers and those with families to become homebuyers. If you're interested in this area or any of the areas along the new Silver Line, give top Realtor^® Rachel Valentino a call today to look over your options.

And don't forget that the first time home-buyer credit has been extended to include more homeowner. But taxpayers must purchase or be locked into a contract to close before midnight on April 30, 2010 to qualify. So call Rachel today to see if you qualify and get started on finding your new home for 2010.