something on the metro lines, i hate to drive if i don't have to.
2007-01-28 10:14:26 · 6 answers · asked by atlas shrugged and so do i 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
as far as price goes, how pricey?
i did not even give the crime element a thought. i know that i preference near alexandria, but know nothing of the area as far as safety/price/commute.
2007-01-28 10:49:48 · update #1
you have all been very helpful.
the home prices sound a little higher than what i have now but i 'm used to it, i have lived all over and parts of the DC metro area is still cheaper than CA.
if anyone has anymore info, please share and thanks.
i was planning on renting before trying to buy to see what area i would like the most.
2007-01-28 14:19:16 · update #2
I think the area down around Mount Vernon, Alexandria is nice. You would have to drive or bus it to the metro, but you could get away from the chaos of the commute. Stay away from Rt. 1 South. In Mt. Vernon you will pay upwards of 600k.
2007-01-28 12:09:35 · answer #1 · answered by MitoMom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the areas on the metro are pretty solidly illegal hispanics now. It's definitely effected both the school systems and the crime rate to their detriment. I'd suggest McLean as the best. Vienna, if you can't afford McLean. They are both in Fairfax Co...heavy bus and metro connections and central to DC. Good schools for the most part. Montgomery county in Maryland is also hit and miss. Some great areas, some not so great. The illegal hispanic population is growing tremendously there.
If you are willing to forego the metro and go out a little further, Leesburg is ideal for families. If you can afford it, Middleburg is the best.
As a general rule, the closer you are to DC, the higher the crime rate and the more expensive the properties. Alexandria's crime level is higher than the national average. Here's a link to a site that will give you crime rates per city...just plug in what you want to know. http://alexandriala.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm
You probably should rent short term in the metropolitan area and THEN weigh the pros and cons. You really need to check things out in person. It really depends on what you want in a neighborhood. There is a lot of variety. Tax situations also vary widely by counties. Oh, and it's VERY expensive to live here. A nice 4 bedroom home in a nice area of Alexandria on the water will probably run between 2-3 million dollars...on land...you can probably find something 1-2 million. (My friend is selling a 3 bedroom and asking 6.5 million..but it's a REALLY nice neighborhood). THAT is why most people choose to commute even though the commute time is terrible. Here is a link to some Alexandria real estate listings. ttp://www.homes.com/Real_Estate/VA/City/ALEXANDRIA Good luck!
2007-01-28 10:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Montgomery County,Md has the best schools in the area.(13th in the nation) So, Bethesda would be a good choice. There is a lot of families but, you have to go to downtown Bethesda to get the metro which is more like a city. Rockville is nice a lot a families and you feel like you are in a suburb and a city. Metro goes through Rockville. As far as prices Bethesda is very high. You'll be lucky to get a 4 bedroom under $650,000. Rockville is a little better,$650,000 will get you about a 10-year old 4 bedroom in okay condition about 10 minutes from metro. Good luck!
2007-01-28 12:09:27 · answer #3 · answered by Paul 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anywhere in the DC area is gonna be expensive unfortunately. The best public school systems are in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax Co., VA. I grew up in Montgomery Co. so I'm not too familiar with the VA suburbs... But in MD I would say Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring are all good areas in Montgomery County. All are on the Red Line of the Metro. (Taking the Metro is good... I'm not a fan of driving in any situation but especially in the DC area). Plus those areas are all safe, and have good local services (not only schools but libraries, parks, etc...).
2007-01-28 13:51:51 · answer #4 · answered by Mike R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All the neighborhoods on Conneticut Ave and the outlying areas are very nice and right on the metro line...just pricey, as you can imagine!
2007-01-28 10:17:49 · answer #5 · answered by fade_this_rally 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
how much house can you afford?
You can move out side of the area and catch the bus in.
2007-01-28 15:16:41 · answer #6 · answered by ron d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋