Virginia is for lovers -- of wine, steeplechasing, dog shows and for its rich southern heritage, and the recent love of high tech and planned communities built to look like typical ranch-style California homes.
Sugarland Run, on the outskirts of Washington, DC, is one of the nicer areas taking on this guise in home building development. It's a sweet and almost self-contained community neighborhood of Sterling. Just 25 miles from our country's capital city, the stability of the neighborhood and the amazing amenities included in the places to live in Sugarland Run are a world away from the traditional brick and colonial homes of Virginia's past. You get what you pay for here and you're rewarded with a lovely affordable place to hang your hat.
Moving to Sugarland Run
When Should I Start Looking?
If you want to live here, start your search now. It may take a while because homes for rent here are in demand. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find home rentals.
Getting Around
Public transportation is non-existent in Sugarland Run, which means you'll need a car. Most drivers have a 15-minute commute; some days, and some hours, it takes longer. The closest passenger airport is Dulles International Airport, 10 miles south of the community.
Where Should I Look?
Think of elegant condos and townhouses for rent in Sugarland Run. You'll find lovely places to live here, in Sterling and in Leesburg with views along the Sugarland Run, on the north side of the community. It's actually a creek that runs north into the Potomac River along banks lined with sugar maple trees that have stood here since the American Revolution. You might want to contact an apartment locator to help you keep up with the changing market.
What You Need to Move There
You'll need your credit score, a letter verifying employment and salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure a home for rent in Sugarland Run. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and security deposit. Bringing your pet? Bring more money for a deposit.
Neighborhoods
While Sugarland Run is too small for proper neighborhoods, the town consists of many single-family homes and townhomes, built not too long ago, in the '70s and '80s. Plus, many homes come with large lots leading to paved walking trails, woods or streams. Unlike the colonial-style neighborhoods nearby, Sugarland Run homes tend to be more modern ranch-style architecture.
Life in the City
Culture
Sugarland Run is in eastern Loudoun County, site of historic events dating from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and possibly even pre-Colonial times. Nearby Leesburg has a wonderful regional museum highlighting the history of the area.
Shopping
Next door to Sugarland Run, Cascades Town Center provides convenient shopping at major department stores and standard boutique shops.
Further west, Dulles Town Center or the Premium Outlet Malls, just outside of Leesburg, provide hours of shopping pleasure.
Dining
Strip mall dining seems to be the trend here. Some of the best eats are hidden away past aisles of shops. Mokomandy is one of these. Serving Korean, Cajun / Creole and American, they hit all the bases in a most delightful way. Tiny, hard to find, not at all hard to take!
DD Barbecue trucks open your eyes to new dining possibilities. Only operating Saturday and Sunday, this place is in an old gas station. No place to park, so expect to eat in your car or make a picnic at the shopping mall across the street. People drive miles to eat here.
Get Outdoors
Man-made Willow Lake provides a watery playground for non-motorized boating, birding, fishing and 26 miles of walking trails that surround the lake.