My wife is probably getting a position at Dulles airport, and I need to know where some good places to move to would be. Preferably anything that might also have a decent job market or commute to one, and no more than an hour or so out of Dulles. But we don't want to get stuck in any of those suburbia clone house places that seem to be spreading around Dulles, they're a bit scary. I don't want her to come home from work and get lost trying to find which house is ours when they all look identical.

For now we're going to rent, but we'd like to maybe look to buy if we can find the right place for us.

I researched Warrenton... is it safe? it showed a high ratio of sex offenders, or at least higher than seemed normal. I don't want to move someplace that isn't safe.

Haymarket is a good option you should look at. It's in Prince William County, which has some of the top schools in the area. You'll pay more (quite a bit) but if you can afford the property there you'll probably love it. It's an easy drive in to Dulles, too.

If it turns out to be too expensive, take a look at Gainseville. It's seeing more growth, though, so check it out yourself first. If you have children in highschool, I would avoid Purceville, it's served by Loudoun Valley High School as well as all of West Loudoun, which is badly overcrowded. A new school is due to open in the next couple years, but if you do have kids who will be entering or are already in high school, look elsewhere..