I may be relocating to Washington, DC for my job. I'm trying to get an idea on what areas would be best. I'm married, with a child coming, any thoughts or ideas on a city nearby that would work would be appreciated. I'd commute up to an hour.
2007-01-10 11:08:13 · 13 answers · asked by jason_heffel 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
This very much depends on your income, interest in public education, and concept of what is "nearby." Here is a list of places I think many enjoy living:
Capitol Hill, DC - Houses around $500,000 and small, but a great walking community, functions like a small town, very supportive with local arts/businesses; mostly left, but diverse. Lots of attention now on improving elementary schools.
Cheverly, MD- about a 25 minute commute. Popular and attractive neighborhood just east of DC off route 50. Metro's orange line. I know little about the schools there.
Takoma Park, MD - 30-25 minute commute into the city from this cute, progressive community abutting Silver Spring. Loaded with great houses, parks, cool downtown, etc.
Del Ray, VA - If you can deal with Virginia's discriminatory politics, Del Ray is one of the best neighborhoods in the area. Great local business, good restaurants, close to Old Town Alexandria. Even if you don't move there, visiting is a good idea.
Glover Park, DC - North of Georgetown. Great neighborhood West of Wisconsin Ave., $450K for a house.
2007-01-12 17:12:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a married couple with a child, Montgomery County in Maryland is best. Bethesda is a good area but expensive. Lots of people live in Germantown or Gaithersburg. You get a lot more house for your money (still going to be around $500,000) but the commute to DC is horrid.
Virginia has a property tax, Maryland has a county income tax.
Get Saturday and Sunday of the Washington Post and look at ads for housing. Contact realtors for their opinions - even though most realtors are sleazier than used car salesmen.
2007-01-13 13:52:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't want a long commute. If you want to live in the suburbs
In Maryland-I would choose Silver Spring, Takoma, Bethesda.
In Virginia I would choose Arlington, Alexandria. All of these places I lisited are great family communities and less than 20 mins from DC. Personally I live in the city now (I use to live in Silver Spring) and there are great neighborhoods. Don't let people tell you otherwise. People walk their dogs and babies in the city, go to playgrounds, and everything else people do in the suburban areas.
2007-01-12 06:00:48 · answer #3 · answered by the librarian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're working downtown DC, do NOT let a realtor sell you on something South on Rt 95!
Possibly West on 66, but that is pretty bad traffic as well.
I'd much rather get something in Herndon/Reston Virginia area, preferably Herndon. There are lots of alternative routes from there, including 66 on a good day, Rt 7 or 193 on normal days. The neighborhoods are lovely, the houses modest to really fancy. I'd bet the median home price is around $500,000.
Another possibilty, but maybe a bit more pricey, is Davidsonville, MD. BEAUTIFUL horse country, large lots, nice houses, great neighborhoods, but probably more like $700,000 for a house. Crofton is a little cheaper, and very close to Davidsonville as well. Bowie is closer in in MD, not quite as lovely, but much less expensive.
2007-01-10 14:21:09 · answer #4 · answered by firefly 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are going to work in D.C. try getting into D.C. proper or very close unless you want to waste 3 hours of your life in traffic every day. The previous person mentioned Herndon. Be aware of the day laborer situation that's occurring there.
If you were to live in out in Herndon/Reston, I'd recommend Oak Hill area which is south of Reston and the toll road. (267).
Do not live in Woodbridge or on I-95 south of D.C. Previous poster is correct. It's a traffic nightmare and a dump.
Do not live on I-66 past Vienna. Same problem minus dumpiness.
2007-01-11 01:26:43 · answer #5 · answered by thunder_dan2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Arlington is close. Bethesda is close to DC and not bad commute, but snooty people. For nice people go to Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, or Leesburg. Kentlands is a nice neighborhood in Gaithersburg set up to walk to work, shops, and restaurants. Prices are high 850,000-1 million for a 4 or 5 bed, but you get so many amenities.(and a white picket fence)
2007-01-13 15:02:06 · answer #6 · answered by Paul 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from anything off 1-95 South and 1-66. If you buy there you will spend your life in a car!
I really like the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria. I would avoid being right off Rt 1 south, but farther East is nicer.
2007-01-13 08:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by MitoMom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Columbia, Maryland. Rated one of the best places to live. I don't think there's an ugly area to be found there. It's probably right around a 1 hour commute though.
My bro-in-law lives there.
2007-01-11 09:53:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would stick to Fairfax or Montgomery Counties.
If you are right leaning and like to pay less taxes, stick with VA. If you are a little more left leaning go to MD. I think the commuter routes into the city from MD are a bit better
2007-01-11 06:12:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anywhere in Montgomery County, MD is nice (although expensive.... but anywhere in DC is expensive). Montgomery County has one of the best public school systems in the country and a lot of really nice communities. I'm not as familiar with the Northern VA suburbs.
2007-01-11 05:58:35 · answer #10 · answered by Mike R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋