possibly relocating - neighborhoods?

jerseygirl81 · July 2011

We've been considering a move to the DC area for about a year now, and we think we're finally ready to take the plunge. I'm a little unsure where to start in terms of neighborhoods and areas to look into. I know the cost of living is vastly different compared to Cincinnati, where we are now. Ideally, we want to be somewhere close to public transportation - my office would be in Dupont Circle, right off the metro.

I'm out there a ton for business, but I've never really looked at the area through the eyes of a resident. I'm mostly familiar with Dupont and Woodley Park, but those are probably out of our price range

A co-worker suggested Arlington and Shady Grove, but he hasn't lived in the area long, either.

Thanks for any help you have to offer!

kastle · July 2011

where would your partner be working & how much is your budget. these 2 things are vital to get good suggestions.

VAJuneBride07 · July 2011

Based only on the information you've provided, I would suggest some place on the Red Line (Montgomery county MD suburbs). But like Kastle said we really need to know your budget first. Just to give you an idea, metro accessible SFHs in Arlington start in about the 700K range. But there is lots of variety in the DC area depending on budget and what you're looking for.

jerseygirl81 · July 2011

VAJuneBride07:
Based only on the information you've provided, I would suggest some place on the Red Line (Montgomery county MD suburbs). But like Kastle said we really need to know your budget first. Just to give you an idea, metro accessible SFHs in Arlington start in about the 700K range. But there is lots of variety in the DC area depending on budget and what you're looking for.

Yeah, this is what I noticed last time and what I was afraid of. We'd like to stay under $500K, which I know will put us farther out. We're also ok with not having a stand-alone house, and we're looking at 3 bedrooms.

We're also very pro public schools, which may prove to be somewhat of a stumbling block for us.

kastle · July 2011

jerseygirl81:
VAJuneBride07:
Based only on the information you've provided, I would suggest some place on the Red Line (Montgomery county MD suburbs). But like Kastle said we really need to know your budget first. Just to give you an idea, metro accessible SFHs in Arlington start in about the 700K range. But there is lots of variety in the DC area depending on budget and what you're looking for.
Yeah, this is what I noticed last time and what I was afraid of. We'd like to stay under $500K, which I know will put us farther out. We're also ok with not having a stand-alone house, and we're looking at 3 bedrooms.
We're also very pro public schools, which may prove to be somewhat of a stumbling block for us.

where is your partner/spouse working?

first off, I think everyone on this board would *strongly* suggest renting for a year before purchasing anything. this area is so diverse & commute times can really make-or-break you. You may find that living further out isn't worth the hour-long metro ride or you may find that you really enjoy having an hour to read a book & relax before you're home.

Assuming your partner is also working in the city, then I would probably recommend an area in MD on the red line. I defer to those ladies for neighborhood suggestions. I do know that MoCo has some excellent public schools, so no worries there!

Mrs.Handy · July 2011

You can find something in Arlington for $500K on a bus-line, probably not the Metro.

I live in a nice family friendly neighborhood in Arlington, called Fairlington. The commute to Dupont Circle would probably be around 45-55 minutes with the bus/Metro.

I don't know much about Maryland neighborhoods but I'm sure of the MD peeps can weigh in.

You probably should rent for a year or so before buying so you get a better feel for where you want to live.

jerseygirl81 · July 2011

We are definitely open to renting first, I think that's a great way to go about it.

I didn't mean to ignore the question of where husband works, just forgot about it before I hit post. He's self-employed so will be working from home.

I'm good with bus to metro, too.

WinesNot Whines · July 2011

Dupont Circle is on the Metro's red line, so your commute will probably be easier if you also live along the red line in Maryland. Traffic is horrid around here, so most people choose where to live based on price and/or commute. Home prices in Maryland are a little cheaper than Virginia, and the schools in Montgomery County are very good. There have been several homes in my neighborhood for sale in the $500-$600k range (SFH, 3 bedrooms, older but well-kept). But I agree with pp about renting before you buy. Here's the Metro map. Based on your work location, I'd look for housing along the left-side of the red line (Bethesda, Grosvenor, Rockville, Shady Grove). Bethesda is expensive, but the other areas are pretty reasonable.

Arlington is great, but it's more expensive and you'd be on a different Metro line.

Generally, schools in the area *outside of DC proper* are very good. If you live in DC itself, it's very hit-or-miss.

kbalb · July 2011

jerseygirl81:
We're also very pro public schools, which may prove to be somewhat of a stumbling block for us.

I wouldn't worry too much in terms of schools. Montgomery County and Fairfax County are always at the top of the nationwide list for school systems. Of course, there are poorer performing schools in each, but overall they are fabulous school systems.

vtkgirl77 · July 2011

I agree to rent first. There are so many options here and it will help you weigh all of your options (bigger house but farther out vs. smaller house but closer in, etc.). I would definitely recommend living somewhere near the red line because if you commute from the orange line (Virginia), you're going to have to have to switch lines which will increase your commute and just make it a bit more complicated as there are sometimes delays on the metro and it can be annoying. Many of the stops that are farther out on the red line have parking lots or you could ride the bus if you don't live within walking distance.

I used to live in a neighborhood in Rockville where there were 3 BR/2 BA SFHs for around $370K. It was 2 miles from the White Flint metro. It was one of the neighborhoods built in the 50's and while it wasn't one of the new, nice neighborhoods, we really liked living there. So, I just mention that because there are lots of options in terms of price, home types, and areas. Also, most of the Red line is in Montgomery County where the schools have been ranked pretty well.

mssaint · July 2011

I live on the east side of the Red Line near Wheaton Metro. It's a slightly longer metro ride to Dupont Circle vs. living on the Rockville/Bethesda side, but more affordable. I actually work on the Red Line, but drive to work (it's slightly faster than metro-ing for me).

Houses in my neighborhood are selling in the mid-high 300s now for 3 bedroom SFH's with nice yards. And we're walking distance to the metro.

ch ch ch chia · July 2011

mssaint:

I live on the east side of the Red Line near Wheaton Metro. It's a slightly longer metro ride to Dupont Circle vs. living on the Rockville/Bethesda side, but more affordable. I actually work on the Red Line, but drive to work (it's slightly faster than metro-ing for me).

Houses in my neighborhood are selling in the mid-high 300s now for 3 bedroom SFH's with nice yards. And we're walking distance to the metro.

I live about a mile from mssaint, also a SFH, also walking distance to Metro. It takes about 30 minutes to ride the train from Wheaton to Dupont (the actual ride)...It takes me about an hour to commute (15-20 min walk, 5-10 min wait for train, 25 minute ride, 5 min walk on the other side).

Our public school (elem) has a high percentage of ESL kids, but, it's a good school. There are also a lot of different magnet programs in the MoCo school system.

This house is very typical of homes in my 'hood: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2819-Ivydale-St_Silver-Spring_MD_20902_M55176-16733

Hey Jellisy · July 2011

We have friends who live in Kensington, it's a short bus or bike ride (or a longer walk) to the red line in MoCo, and they bought nice ranches in the mid 300s. There are a lot of affordable neighborhoods out there. It might just take a bit of looking to find what you want. Are you on the south side of Dupont or the North for work? If you're on the south, you may want to consider neighborhoods in Virginia as well if the walk from Farragut west or Foggy Bottom is not too onerous.

DCtoLowcountry · July 2011

I agree with renting first. You can definitely get a SFH in Shady Grove for under $500K - Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Derwood are all close to Metro stops. It depends if you want to walk or drive/bus for a few minutes. A commute to Dupont would likely be an hour door to door. Welcome!

preissless1 · July 2011

Depending on when you are looking to move, I have some friends who will be renting out their townhouse in Wheaton (walking distance to Metro) for $2100/month starting in August. It's a 2BR, 2.5BA, 3 levels, uncovered parking.

JessieP76 · July 2011

Also look at income and property tax differences between MD and VA. They vary quite a lot between the two states and even from county to county.

mcatmay · July 2011

Just moved to the area myself and we live in gaithersburg. There are plenty of houses there for below $500,000 and we're a ten minute ride from the end of the red line. DH commutes in to central DC (gets off at metro center) and the commute right now takes him about an hour - counting from when he gets ouf the door at work to when he walks through the door at home. Our home is a SFH with a backyard and the neighborhood is beautiful - there are definitely good options for you out there!

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