Tucked just off the intersection of two major roads in Springfield is the townhouse community of Charlestown. With tree lined streets, community parks and easy access to shopping and commuter routes this secret neighborhood is well worth checking out.
One of the benefits of the Charlestown neighborhood is the outside maintenance that the HOA provides. Besides the lawn care, trash pickup and snow removal the HOA also paints the exterior trim of the townhouses on a three year cycle, replaces the roofs when needed and the brick walls that run around the perimeter of the backyards.
Commuting to the Pentagon is as simple as stepping outside your door and walking 2 to 3 blocks to Forrester Blvd. If you aren't picked up by a commuter looking for slugs then you can grab the 18G Metro Bus. If you take the 7:18 bus you will be at the Pentagon at 7:50. How great is that? If Fort Belvoir is your destination then the commute is also 30 minutes or less depending on stoplights!
Charlestown is located in the West Springfield HS Pyramid, both the elementary school and HS are within walking distance. Want to shop? If you are just going to get a few essentials you can walk to the Giant or Whole Foods, we used to do it all the time and while you are at the shopping center you can stop by Starbucks, Austin Grill or Chicken Out for bite to eat. 
For those in the know Lake Accotink Park has a back entrance off of Carrleigh Parkway. Years ago the only way to get into the park from the neighborhood was to take a dangerous walk across the railroad tracks. Fortunately the Fairfax County Park Authority built an enclosed pedestrian bridge so now you can ride your bike or walk to the park safely. Once at the park there is a 3.75 mile trail around the 55 acre lake for you to run, bike or walk.
If you have orders to the area then give me a call at 703-346-2213 Let my team put our knowledge of the area to work for you. We've been in your shoes numerous times and know how to help you make a smooth transition to your new home.
Cindy
Charleston One townhomes are in a great location in Springfield, Virgina.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
A bike "tunnel" through the trees. Wow.
Was it the trains or something else that made the railroad dangerous?
Cindy,
Are you the one who had the blog post showing how to make maps like yours?
Lou-They are terrific townhouses. I owned and lived in the community for a number of years.
Jim-before they made the bridge you had to walk your bike across the railroad tracks if you want to come into the park from Charlestown or Cardinal Forest.
Jim-I've written a couple of posts about my maps. There are a variety of tools available depending on how detailed you want to be. Many of my maps are copyright protected by the US Copyright Office which some say is overkill but if you check with Lenn Harley also here on AR you will find out why the extra step can help you with your intellectual property.