We've been at Quantico for 3 1/2 years, and are getting ready to move. I didn't like Northern Virginia at first, but now I really do. The cost of living here is very high; almost ridiculous when it comes to off base housing. Rents and homes for sale are outrageous. Housing isn't all that great because they're redoing it. We were lucky enough to buy a townhouse in Fredericksburg (South of the base--15 mins typically via I-95 on a good traffic day). Travel stinks around here. There is just so much traffic, but there are options like the VRE (train) that runs directly into Quantico if you don't want the commute. There's a ton of stuff to do around this area. You do have to do some driving (Williamsburg takes us 1 1/2 hrs, DC 1 hr, Richmond 30-45 mins). There are great shopping areas around Quantico. Central Park is in Fredericksburg, and there is one in Stafford (10 mins South of the base), and Potomac Mills (15-20 mins North of the base). People tend to be nice, but then again, every place has it's jerks. There is so much going on here always, and you just have to take the time to look and you'll find all kinds of things. Weather is okay. You definately have 4 seasons here, but winter is terrible--too cold for the Southern girl. If we had a chance to be stationed here again, 3 years ago I would've said no way, but now I'd jump on the chance.
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