24 Oakton plantation homes sit amid countless other subdivisions but seem almost like a small city. Residents of the neighborhood of Fairfax County ten years socializing together, welcome newcomers, organize community events, lend one another gardening tools and sometimes even vacationing together. "The neighbors are what makes it really special," said Linda Blankenship. "We love it so much, we pretty much are going to be here forever."
This is a community of warm and enthusiastic extroverts who like to chat, watch out for other children and join regular cocktail party. As you're heading home from work, "you look to see who got the martini flag," Christopher Bright said. Susan Williams started that tradition after she moved to Oakton plantation about nine years ago with her husband, art, and daughter, Katy. They would relax in their backyard after work with beers and barbecue and liked when neighbors joined them.
"We wanted people to know when it's been good to come," he said. He found a decorative porch flag with a colorful martini motif. Now, whenever a resident feels like an informal happy hour hosting, Williams lends the flag. According to longtime residents and recent newcomers are warmly welcomed, though houses don't change hands very often. Pauline Knipe, an agent with Keller Williams Realty, sold the House, Ryan and Ana Cook. "That was first sold in a couple of years," said Knipe.
People are attracted to Oakton plantation of "the tranquility of the neighborhood, the size and the novelty of the House and the short guide to the Metro and shops, and still really are hiding in the area," Knipe said. "And it is such a nice neighborhood, so well cared for and welcoming." "I don't know how many people stop by when I was raking leaves," said Ryan Cook. "This is the best way to meet people." A neighbor has also provided a tool to help with the work.
Lawn work is new for cooks, newlyweds who have just moved to an apartment, but like having a garden. «Here lots are wide enough, you're not on top of each other, "said Ryan. The lots range from a quarter to a third of an acre, Knipe said. The friendly neighbors were a draw for Ana Cook. "I liked that it was a neighborhood with lots of families and children," he said.
And there are a lot of children. "We call them ' the gang '" Susan Williams said. "They're always biking up and down the road, "with traffic cones set by parents to make sure that sees them slow traffic cul-de-sac.