Moving to Shannondale

[cgarlitz]

Hello,

I've been lurking around your board for a couple of weeks, and I'm impressed with the communications. I'm relocating to Shannondale the first weekend of August. The family and I are moving from Woodbridge VA. We have three children, from driving thru the community I'm sure my kids will be able to make friends. If anyone can provide any info that would make the move easier for us I would appreciate any input.

I already know that the phone company is Frontier, the cable company is Adelphia, and the power is provided by Allegany Power. What other companies provide service in the area?

Does anyone know if there is a good preschool for a 3 1/2 year old?

Thanks in advance.
Cary Garlitz

[Tony Rosati]

Welcome!
Some of the stuff below assumes you are buying an existing house rather than a newly built one. If it's new, then some may take a slightly different twist but I think you'll get the drift.

One hint, if you have not come across it yet, is to get a mailshed box number now if you are in the gate 2 or gate 3 / 4 areas. There is no reason to wait until closing or anything, since the boxes are free and not currently assigned by street or current owner of the house. This way you can start giving it to people like credit card companies and magazines, etc, now rather than waiting so not as much has to be delayed and forwarded from your old address. If you are in the Gate 1 area, I believe you can set up your own also, as long as the current resident is still using their RR # and box # rather than one of the handful of people using street addresses.

As you may have noticed, trash service is Waste management.

I have heard for preschool, that Grammy's Place on Mission road (725-1993) across from Gate 2 (Lower Clubhouse intersection) is good in terms of taking care of the kids and very friendly. I guess I'm not sure how people compare these things, like what and how much "education" people look for (like second language exposure).

One other general hint to pass on to both new and as a reminder to current people. Since many people like to move in the summer, there are a lot of cars with inspections that expire in July and August. With people also taking vacations, there tends to be a last minute rush, so some places run out of stickers on the last few days. So, when you transfer your drivers license and get your plates (don't forget DMV wants their 5% tax, ouch!), you have 10 days to get an in state inspection. Don't leave it to the last Saturday of the month.

Speaking of which, DMV needs 2 things like utility bills or something for proof of address, so another reason to try to start some mail earlier rather than later.

Odds are good that your sales contract calls for the septic tank to be pumped. Ask the current owner both who they use, and where is the clean out if it was done earlier in the year. (Otherwise, remember to mark where the dug up grass is when you move in.)

Newspapers: Washington Post is usually home delivered on Sundays to most houses and some people pick it up at Webers or 7-11, etc on weekdays Excellent journalistic quality but don't expect any local news in it. Daily delivery is available for the Martinsburg Journal or a Hagerstown paper which will do a better job of some local discussions and issues, but can be spotty both on what is covered and the quality of the end product. The weekly Spirit is the only county paper, very skinny, which might be more interesting for legal notices, and a few headlines, but the columns seem to have a pretty limited audience, unless you are looking for new menu items to try cooking at home.

Good Luck!

(Don't be afraid to ask questions. Some of us like to hear ourselves ramble on more than we should...)

[Tony Rosati]

Welcome!
Some of the stuff below assumes you are buying an existing house rather than a newly built one. If it's new, then some may take a slightly different twist but I think you'll get the drift.

One hint, if you have not come across it yet, is to get a mailshed box number now if you are in the gate 2 or gate 3 / 4 areas. There is no reason to wait until closing or anything, since the boxes are free and not currently assigned by street or current owner of the house. This way you can start giving it to people like credit card companies and magazines, etc, now rather than waiting so not as much has to be delayed and forwarded from your old address. If you are in the Gate 1 area, I believe you can set up your own also, as long as the current resident is still using their RR # and box # rather than one of the handful of people using street addresses.

As you may have noticed, trash service is Waste management.

I have heard for preschool, that Grammy's Place on Mission road (725-1993) across from Gate 2 (Lower Clubhouse intersection) is good in terms of taking care of the kids and very friendly. I guess I'm not sure how people compare these things, like what and how much "education" people look for (like second language exposure).

One other general hint to pass on to both new and as a reminder to current people. Since many people like to move in the summer, there are a lot of cars with inspections that expire in July and August. With people also taking vacations, there tends to be a last minute rush, so some places run out of stickers on the last few days. So, when you transfer your drivers license and get your plates (don't forget DMV wants their 5% tax, ouch!), you have 10 days to get an in state inspection. Don't leave it to the last Saturday of the month.

Speaking of which, DMV needs 2 things like utility bills or something for proof of address, so another reason to try to start some mail earlier rather than later.

Odds are good that your sales contract calls for the septic tank to be pumped. Ask the current owner both who they use, and where is the clean out if it was done earlier in the year. (Otherwise, remember to mark where the dug up grass is when you move in.)

Newspapers: Washington Post is usually home delivered on Sundays to most houses and some people pick it up at Webers or 7-11, etc on weekdays Excellent journalistic quality but don't expect any local news in it. Daily delivery is available for the Martinsburg Journal or a Hagerstown paper which will do a better job of some local discussions and issues, but can be spotty both on what is covered and the quality of the end product. The weekly Spirit is the only county paper, very skinny, which might be more interesting for legal notices, and a few headlines, but the columns seem to have a pretty limited audience, unless you are looking for new menu items to try cooking at home.

Good Luck!

(Don't be afraid to ask questions. Some of us like to hear ourselves ramble on more than we should...)

[Tony]

Begin preparing yourself for the DMV now. Take a friend with you if you can, for moral support if not physical restraint.

They're not a relatively crowded outfit, but it just seemed their requirements for things changed even as one clerk discussed things with another. [88]
I think we got everything in 3 visits, not counting ancillary stuff like car inspections and Social Security cards.

And to stress what TonyR said: As soon as you know where your front door is get an address and file it with the local PO. Call in the morning and they'll tell you what to do. Report back please.

[Tony]

Begin preparing yourself for the DMV now. Take a friend with you if you can, for moral support if not physical restraint.

They're not a relatively crowded outfit, but it just seemed their requirements for things changed even as one clerk discussed things with another. [88]
I think we got everything in 3 visits, not counting ancillary stuff like car inspections and Social Security cards.

And to stress what TonyR said: As soon as you know where your front door is get an address and file it with the local PO. Call in the morning and they'll tell you what to do. Report back please.

[Tony Rosati]

PS, Two other quick thoughts:
- Directions: The new street signs are very helpful, but some of the on-line direction systems like mapquest / mapblast have problems with the Harpers Ferry zipcode of 25424, but work better is you use the Charles Town zip of 25414. I found it was helpful to have a set that I kept in a word doc, tested and verified, here and return to at least a larger road like Route 340 or 7, then did a cut and paste into emails. It's also good to keep a printed set next to the telephone so you can read it to people, rather than try to remember it.

Bugs: You're living in a forest. Lots of trees and assorted bugs, mean some (many?) people have someone come in 4 times a year to spray the outside foundation and inside doorways and corners to keep ants and other mini-critters outside.

[Tony Rosati]

PS, Two other quick thoughts:
- Directions: The new street signs are very helpful, but some of the on-line direction systems like mapquest / mapblast have problems with the Harpers Ferry zipcode of 25424, but work better is you use the Charles Town zip of 25414. I found it was helpful to have a set that I kept in a word doc, tested and verified, here and return to at least a larger road like Route 340 or 7, then did a cut and paste into emails. It's also good to keep a printed set next to the telephone so you can read it to people, rather than try to remember it.

Bugs: You're living in a forest. Lots of trees and assorted bugs, mean some (many?) people have someone come in 4 times a year to spray the outside foundation and inside doorways and corners to keep ants and other mini-critters outside.

[Willis]

Well, CG, welcome to our neighborhood- You're certainly headed in the right direction by asking questions. Tony R alluded to the fact that unless you've moved here from Bucksnort TN, our exurban lifestyle may take a little "getting used to".
I offer a couple rather self-evident caveats:

1) Bring along some common sense- Shannondale was designed as a spring and summer vacation community on the side of a mountain- It's never going to have well designed roads with curbs and gutters and same day snow removal, look like a cookie cutter subdivision with row after row of manicured lawns, yadda, yadda, yadda.

2) There is a problem with ingress and egress that will not be solved any time in the foreseeable future- expect delays getting in and out during inclement weather or, God forbid, a forest fire( regardless of YOUR brand of vehicle). During snowstorms there is always at least one pinhead with bald tires who goes catawampus on the hillsides. A mass evacuation during a catastrophe would be impossible. Extended delays caused by traffic accidents are occasionally encountered since there is only one way in/out.

3) And finally, not a caveat but a request from a longtime resident to a new one- Try to treat Shannondale gently to retain the charm that attracted you to our neighborhood in the first place!

I love it here and welcome good neighbors- to me and a whole lot of others, the positives of the country life far outweigh the negatives.

[Willis]

Well, CG, welcome to our neighborhood- You're certainly headed in the right direction by asking questions. Tony R alluded to the fact that unless you've moved here from Bucksnort TN, our exurban lifestyle may take a little "getting used to".
I offer a couple rather self-evident caveats:

1) Bring along some common sense- Shannondale was designed as a spring and summer vacation community on the side of a mountain- It's never going to have well designed roads with curbs and gutters and same day snow removal, look like a cookie cutter subdivision with row after row of manicured lawns, yadda, yadda, yadda.

2) There is a problem with ingress and egress that will not be solved any time in the foreseeable future- expect delays getting in and out during inclement weather or, God forbid, a forest fire( regardless of YOUR brand of vehicle). During snowstorms there is always at least one pinhead with bald tires who goes catawampus on the hillsides. A mass evacuation during a catastrophe would be impossible. Extended delays caused by traffic accidents are occasionally encountered since there is only one way in/out.

3) And finally, not a caveat but a request from a longtime resident to a new one- Try to treat Shannondale gently to retain the charm that attracted you to our neighborhood in the first place!

I love it here and welcome good neighbors- to me and a whole lot of others, the positives of the country life far outweigh the negatives.

[cgarlitz]

I'm going to check on the mailing address tomorrow, the paperwork I have includes the history of the house and has the same mailing address for 2 completely different people.

Willis, I grew up in a small town in Ohio, so I don't think that I'll be a problem. My Harley might upset some people but I keep it in a higher gear when going down populated streets to keep the noise down.

[cgarlitz]

I'm going to check on the mailing address tomorrow, the paperwork I have includes the history of the house and has the same mailing address for 2 completely different people.

Willis, I grew up in a small town in Ohio, so I don't think that I'll be a problem. My Harley might upset some people but I keep it in a higher gear when going down populated streets to keep the noise down.

[cgarlitz]

I got me mailbox today, now I just have to call all the utilities.

[cgarlitz]

I got me mailbox today, now I just have to call all the utilities.

[jtravis]

Congrats & good luck on your upcoming move. My husband and I came out here almost two years ago and love the peace and quiet!! Our only complaint is Rt 9. We both commute into VA, but try to do it at times that avoid traffic. Still, it always seems like people don't like to do the speed limit. It never fails that we get behind people going 35 when the speed limit is 50.

I wouldn't worry about the distinct Harley sound. My husband had a Harley, but traded it in for a Big Dog Chopper this year. The trees actually help to muffle the sound a little. I have a bike also, but by no means can you compare it to the sound of a Harley. (& for the motorcycle enthusiasts, it's often a welcome sound). One nice thing about the area is that there are a lot of nice places to ride.

[jtravis]

Congrats & good luck on your upcoming move. My husband and I came out here almost two years ago and love the peace and quiet!! Our only complaint is Rt 9. We both commute into VA, but try to do it at times that avoid traffic. Still, it always seems like people don't like to do the speed limit. It never fails that we get behind people going 35 when the speed limit is 50.

I wouldn't worry about the distinct Harley sound. My husband had a Harley, but traded it in for a Big Dog Chopper this year. The trees actually help to muffle the sound a little. I have a bike also, but by no means can you compare it to the sound of a Harley. (& for the motorcycle enthusiasts, it's often a welcome sound). One nice thing about the area is that there are a lot of nice places to ride.

[cgarlitz]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with a bike in the area. I have all of the utilities ready to be connected. I will also be commuting to VA for work, but my truck will spend more time parked at the airport then at the office.

Look for the U-Haul truck on the 6th, that will be me, with a few of my friends trailing behind me in trucks.

[cgarlitz]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with a bike in the area. I have all of the utilities ready to be connected. I will also be commuting to VA for work, but my truck will spend more time parked at the airport then at the office.

Look for the U-Haul truck on the 6th, that will be me, with a few of my friends trailing behind me in trucks.

[cgarlitz]

We finally made it. After a couple of problems selling the old house and the closing on the new house we are here.

[cgarlitz]

We finally made it. After a couple of problems selling the old house and the closing on the new house we are here.

[betcsu]

welcome and glad you made it!!!

[betcsu]

welcome and glad you made it!!!

[Parker]

DMV needs:
Driver's License
Social Security Card
Birth Certificate
Utility Bill (take 2 to be safe)
Mortgage/Lease
Car Registration
Check Book

I was in tears after going there. I wanted to kill the guy. I too made three trips.

[Parker]

DMV needs:
Driver's License
Social Security Card
Birth Certificate
Utility Bill (take 2 to be safe)
Mortgage/Lease
Car Registration
Check Book

I was in tears after going there. I wanted to kill the guy. I too made three trips.

[Steveo]

Just read this thread, Welcome to the area, as you now know lots of places to ride. How does the BDC do on the roads? I got a AIM TC bumps pretty bad LOL. Again welcome.
Steve

[Steveo]

Just read this thread, Welcome to the area, as you now know lots of places to ride. How does the BDC do on the roads? I got a AIM TC bumps pretty bad LOL. Again welcome.
Steve

[Steveo]

PS PArker,
Try doing two vehicles and one motorcycle in a day there. I couldnt do it, it was just too much.
HAve to go back again YUCk
Steve

[Steveo]

PS PArker,
Try doing two vehicles and one motorcycle in a day there. I couldnt do it, it was just too much.
HAve to go back again YUCk
Steve

[AAT53]

We had to make two trips to get the vehicles registered. The people were very nice. I had forgotten to take our marriage license, so that's why we had to take the second trip.

It was much faster then the DMV in VA.

[AAT53]

We had to make two trips to get the vehicles registered. The people were very nice. I had forgotten to take our marriage license, so that's why we had to take the second trip.

It was much faster then the DMV in VA.

[d56r]

Congrat's on moving to the community. I just moved into a new house mid-sept. myself. I wish I had known about this site before I had moved, it would have helped me out a lot. Matter of fact, I came from Woodbridge area myself. I lived in Lake ridge. How about you?
Gary

[d56r]

Congrat's on moving to the community. I just moved into a new house mid-sept. myself. I wish I had known about this site before I had moved, it would have helped me out a lot. Matter of fact, I came from Woodbridge area myself. I lived in Lake ridge. How about you?
Gary

[cgarlitz]

I lived in Dale City. I will say that the information that I received from this board helped alot.

[cgarlitz]

I lived in Dale City. I will say that the information that I received from this board helped alot.