The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (1 Viewer)

[CGRdrJoe]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

 

[Apple Jack]

I think part of it is that it's just fun to make fun of people who can't handle things you think they should be able to handle. It's fun to make fun of people panicking simple situations and acting like they are about to bunker down for a Chinese invasion.


But, yes, there are legit concerns because the area usually isn't equipped to handle storms of any size. I think the local jurisdictions just don't budget for very much snow. Up north, they budget for tons of snow and have the resources to keep roads clear even during the huge storms.

The hippy salt VA uses stops working below 25 degrees. So according to my math, it has only seven degrees where it has any usefulness. Wtf? Oh well, sorry guys, whatareyagonnado?

 

[dgreen]

My in-laws are always worried about the weather. Part of that is just their general worry, but also because they are getting old. They live down in Williamsburg, but we still get weather updates from them before we even know about them up here. Once, my wife was alerted of a nearby tornado by her parents calling and letting her know. Nice people, just looking out for us.

Several years ago, my MIL was at our house and this was the conversation:

MIL: You don't have much food in your pantry.

Wife: We rarely ever buy food for more than a couple days.

MIL: Well, you really should have more just in case of a storm.

Wife: It's pretty rare that we get a storm that keeps us off the roads for more than a day or even a few hours. But, even if we did, we can walk to Giant if absolutely necessary.

MIL: But if there's a nuclear attack, you really aren't supposed to leave your house.

Wife:

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

Ballston's pretty convenient, assuming you're near the metro stop. Obviously you're better off in the city- especially in February when it will still be too cold to just take the train into town and wander around all day. But if you can't find a decent place in town, Ballston's a better option than the surrounding areas in other directions like the MD suburbs. Much quicker and easier trip.

 

[Apple Jack]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

It's easy to get into town, but all things being equal you'd want to stay in the city. Ballston has a few good restaurants and the Capitals practice facility is there, but that's about it for an out-of-towner.

 

[MattFancy]

My in-laws are always worried about the weather. Part of that is just their general worry, but also because they are getting old. They live down in Williamsburg, but we still get weather updates from them before we even know about them up here. Once, my wife was alerted of a nearby tornado by her parents calling and letting her know. Nice people, just looking out for us.

Several years ago, my MIL was at our house and this was the conversation:

MIL: You don't have much food in your pantry.

Wife: We rarely ever buy food for more than a couple days.

MIL: Well, you really should have more just in case of a storm.

Wife: It's pretty rare that we get a storm that keeps us off the roads for more than a day or even a few hours. But, even if we did, we can walk to Giant if absolutely necessary.

MIL: But if there's a nuclear attack, you really aren't supposed to leave your house.

Wife:

My MIL is the same way. She watches our daughter for us everday at our house (I know can't beat free day care that comes to you!). She was freaking out about the snow. She lives literally 2 miles away. The rain and snow terrify her when it comes to driving. She stayed at our house last night so she wouldn't have to drive in the morning. Okay not a big deal I know she hates driving in the snow. But for someone who didn't have to go anywhere at all yesterday or today, she was more worried about the snow than anyone I know. Constantly checking to see how much we had and everything. Maybe it's just older folks?

 

[(HULK)]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.

I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

 

[Apple Jack]

Four months in Frostburg?

 

[MattFancy]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.

I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

Nice job on the age. Turn 28 in March! Have an 18 month old now lol. I spent a day in Dundalk and that was way more than enough for me haha.

Wife and I loved living in/near the city. But once we had our daughter, it made sense to move back to St. Mary's where both our families were. My MIL watches our daughter every day so free day care is a nice incentive to move lol.

 

[MattFancy]

Four months in Frostburg?

Biggest mistake ever. That's where I started college. Don't ever go to Frostburg.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

 

[dgreen]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

I would think you could get a decent place in the city in February within the gov rate.

Where are you going to be for work? In the city?

 

[(HULK)]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

It's easy to get into town, but all things being equal you'd want to stay in the city. Ballston has a few good restaurants and the Capitals practice facility is there, but that's about it for an out-of-towner.

You know how DC is shaped like a diamond (or tilted square) expect a piece of that diamond is cut out by Virginia? Ballston is in that area. Very close to downtown. The Metro from there to the city is underground as well, so no issues getting in and out regardless of the weather. Plus, there are some decent places to drink @ then walk back to your hotel.

 

[dgreen]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

That seems to be the case for a lot of people, but definitely not across the board. I'd love to live in the city with my family. For many, it's not that we don't want to, it's that we don't want to pay what it takes to live in a decent neighborhood.

But, I'd definitely agree with the suggestion to live in the city while single with no kids just to try it out. That may lead to wanting to stay in the city when you have kids. If not, you at least got to experience the city life. That's one thing I'd do over again if I could. We/I never lived in the city.

 

[(HULK)]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.

I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

Nice job on the age. Turn 28 in March! Have an 18 month old now lol. I spent a day in Dundalk and that was way more than enough for me haha.

Wife and I loved living in/near the city. But once we had our daughter, it made sense to move back to St. Mary's where both our families were. My MIL watches our daughter every day so free day care is a nice incentive to move lol.

Yeah, I get you on that. I was living in the city when I had my first. And am now back in MoCo to be near family. Although we don't get the daily daycare, we still get a lot of free babysitting and the kids love seeing family frequently.

St. Mary's isn't so bad. I just saw PG and Baltimore and I was thinking, yuck, those places suck! If you work down that way in St. Marys I guess you're set. That commute to the city can be terrible sometimes I hear. Of course, its terrible everywhere. Even though my job bores me to tears, the fact that I only commute 4 miles means I'm going to be here for a while.

 

[tom22406]

Just a reminder for the animal lovers to throw out some feed for the birds and other animals when it gets like this.My feeders were hit pretty hard this AM with hungry critters.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

That seems to be the case for a lot of people, but definitely not across the board. I'd love to live in the city with my family. For many, it's not that we don't want to, it's that we don't want to pay what it takes to live in a decent neighborhood.

But, I'd definitely agree with the suggestion to live in the city while single with no kids just to try it out. That may lead to wanting to stay in the city when you have kids. If not, you at least got to experience the city life. That's one thing I'd do over again if I could. We/I never lived in the city.

To be fair, my kids aren't school age yet. We'll probably be leaving the city in the next 5-6 years unless we get lucky with the charters.

 

[dgreen]

Just a reminder for the animal lovers to throw out some feed for the birds and other animals when it gets like this.My feeders were hit pretty hard this AM with hungry critters.

Oh, look at the stupid animals panicking after just a few inches of snow!!!! They should have hit the store yesterday and stocked up.

 

[(HULK)]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

That seems to be the case for a lot of people, but definitely not across the board. I'd love to live in the city with my family. For many, it's not that we don't want to, it's that we don't want to pay what it takes to live in a decent neighborhood.

But, I'd definitely agree with the suggestion to live in the city while single with no kids just to try it out. That may lead to wanting to stay in the city when you have kids. If not, you at least got to experience the city life. That's one thing I'd do over again if I could. We/I never lived in the city.

Bing!

We were in a good area in NW (Nebraska Ave) when we had our first, and would've even been comfortable sending the kids to the public elementary school there. But it was too damn expensive, the schools in MoCo are better, and it was closer to both our families.

 

[tom22406]

Just a reminder for the animal lovers to throw out some feed for the birds and other animals when it gets like this.My feeders were hit pretty hard this AM with hungry critters.

Oh, look at the stupid animals panicking after just a few inches of snow!!!! They should have hit the store yesterday and stocked up.

 

[MattFancy]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.

I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

Nice job on the age. Turn 28 in March! Have an 18 month old now lol. I spent a day in Dundalk and that was way more than enough for me haha.

Wife and I loved living in/near the city. But once we had our daughter, it made sense to move back to St. Mary's where both our families were. My MIL watches our daughter every day so free day care is a nice incentive to move lol.

Yeah, I get you on that. I was living in the city when I had my first. And am now back in MoCo to be near family. Although we don't get the daily daycare, we still get a lot of free babysitting and the kids love seeing family frequently.

St. Mary's isn't so bad. I just saw PG and Baltimore and I was thinking, yuck, those places suck! If you work down that way in St. Marys I guess you're set. That commute to the city can be terrible sometimes I hear. Of course, its terrible everywhere. Even though my job bores me to tears, the fact that I only commute 4 miles means I'm going to be here for a while.

St. Mary's is a nice area for families. Being in your early/mid 20's down here would be terrible. Nothing but dive bars and not much really to do. But with a family, you don't really care about those things and focus more on the schools. Now St. Mary's schools' aren't the best in the state, but they're better than Baltimore City/County. And there's no way I'm spending a ton of money on private school.

 

[Apple Jack]

Four months in Frostburg?

Biggest mistake ever. That's where I started college. Don't ever go to Frostburg.

My family had a house at Deep Creek so we used to drive through, but never stopped in. Seems like the kind of place where they call valleys hollars. Appalachia, which I love being close to, but couldn't handle living in.

 

[(HULK)]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

That seems to be the case for a lot of people, but definitely not across the board. I'd love to live in the city with my family. For many, it's not that we don't want to, it's that we don't want to pay what it takes to live in a decent neighborhood.

But, I'd definitely agree with the suggestion to live in the city while single with no kids just to try it out. That may lead to wanting to stay in the city when you have kids. If not, you at least got to experience the city life. That's one thing I'd do over again if I could. We/I never lived in the city.

To be fair, my kids aren't school age yet. We'll probably be leaving the city in the next 5-6 years unless we get lucky with the charters.

What part of the city?

Its tough to leave. A part of me wanted to buy into the development down by where they were building the Nats stadium (when they were building it) and I just couldn't pull the trigger. Just didn't feel safe enough for kids, and the schools there were epically terrible.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

It's easy to get into town, but all things being equal you'd want to stay in the city. Ballston has a few good restaurants and the Capitals practice facility is there, but that's about it for an out-of-towner.

You know how DC is shaped like a diamond (or tilted square) expect a piece of that diamond is cut out by Virginia? Ballston is in that area. Very close to downtown. The Metro from there to the city is underground as well, so no issues getting in and out regardless of the weather. Plus, there are some decent places to drink @ then walk back to your hotel.

My training is over by Bolling airfield but I plan on taking metro over renting a car. There are plenty of places in the city for the govn't rate but I wasn't sure if the night life is better in Ballston or the city as I've heard conflicting things. Sounds like the city might be the way to go.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

That seems to be the case for a lot of people, but definitely not across the board. I'd love to live in the city with my family. For many, it's not that we don't want to, it's that we don't want to pay what it takes to live in a decent neighborhood.

But, I'd definitely agree with the suggestion to live in the city while single with no kids just to try it out. That may lead to wanting to stay in the city when you have kids. If not, you at least got to experience the city life. That's one thing I'd do over again if I could. We/I never lived in the city.

To be fair, my kids aren't school age yet. We'll probably be leaving the city in the next 5-6 years unless we get lucky with the charters.

What part of the city?

Its tough to leave. A part of me wanted to buy into the development down by where they were building the Nats stadium (when they were building it) and I just couldn't pull the trigger. Just didn't feel safe enough for kids, and the schools there were epically terrible.

We're in Petworth now, been there for less than a year.

We actually lived in a high-rise by the stadium when we only had one infant child. We wanted to stay around there, but we couldn't afford anything close to big enough for two kids down there, not even a 3 BR apartment. That area has really turned the corner. Went from warehouses and sketchiness to pricing out an upper middle class family of four.

 

[dgreen]

Wow. We need to find better parts of Maryland for you to live in. At this rate you're probably scheduled to move to Dundalk in a week.


I take it you're 27ish? Why not live in the city? You're not going to want to live there when you're older and have kids, so why not do it now? Its fun.

That seems to be the case for a lot of people, but definitely not across the board. I'd love to live in the city with my family. For many, it's not that we don't want to, it's that we don't want to pay what it takes to live in a decent neighborhood.

But, I'd definitely agree with the suggestion to live in the city while single with no kids just to try it out. That may lead to wanting to stay in the city when you have kids. If not, you at least got to experience the city life. That's one thing I'd do over again if I could. We/I never lived in the city.

To be fair, my kids aren't school age yet. We'll probably be leaving the city in the next 5-6 years unless we get lucky with the charters.

What part of the city?

Its tough to leave. A part of me wanted to buy into the development down by where they were building the Nats stadium (when they were building it) and I just couldn't pull the trigger. Just didn't feel safe enough for kids, and the schools there were epically terrible.

If I had to make a prediction, I'd say Waterfront and Navy Yard area are going to be awesome in 10 years and perfectly safe/nice for raising a family. I mean, there's going to be a Whole Foods, so how could it not be safe? What would that mean for schools, though? No idea.

 

[Apple Jack]

I have four good friends who live in DC with their families. Two are loaded and not the least bit concerned with the cost of living. The other two each bought in Petworth five or six years ago. Everybody seems happy with their decisions.

 

[dgreen]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

It's easy to get into town, but all things being equal you'd want to stay in the city. Ballston has a few good restaurants and the Capitals practice facility is there, but that's about it for an out-of-towner.

You know how DC is shaped like a diamond (or tilted square) expect a piece of that diamond is cut out by Virginia? Ballston is in that area. Very close to downtown. The Metro from there to the city is underground as well, so no issues getting in and out regardless of the weather. Plus, there are some decent places to drink @ then walk back to your hotel.

My training is over by Bolling airfield but I plan on taking metro over renting a car. There are plenty of places in the city for the govn't rate but I wasn't sure if the night life is better in Ballston or the city as I've heard conflicting things. Sounds like the city might be the way to go.

Look for something around Gallery Place/Chinatown, U Street, Columbia Heights. Probably some of the best parts of the city right now. That will give you a direct ride on the Green Line to Anacostia and then I assume there is some connection there to Bolling (I see military people using the Anacostia station every day, so I assume that's where they are going).

 

[Apple Jack]

The neighborhoods on the west side of the stadium are still old school DC sketchtown. I'd say that and the freeway are the barriers to that area taking off.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm headed to DC for my first time at the end of Feb and have a few questions on where to stay. Right now I'm booked in to the Hilton in Ballston, good area? I'm not paying (work) but I do have to stay within the govn't rate. My question is should I change up and stay downtown so that after my training is over and I can walk around and see the sights or am I fine launching from Ballston to do all of this?

It's easy to get into town, but all things being equal you'd want to stay in the city. Ballston has a few good restaurants and the Capitals practice facility is there, but that's about it for an out-of-towner.

You know how DC is shaped like a diamond (or tilted square) expect a piece of that diamond is cut out by Virginia? Ballston is in that area. Very close to downtown. The Metro from there to the city is underground as well, so no issues getting in and out regardless of the weather. Plus, there are some decent places to drink @ then walk back to your hotel.

My training is over by Bolling airfield but I plan on taking metro over renting a car. There are plenty of places in the city for the govn't rate but I wasn't sure if the night life is better in Ballston or the city as I've heard conflicting things. Sounds like the city might be the way to go.

Look for something around Gallery Place/Chinatown, U Street, Columbia Heights. Probably some of the best parts of the city right now. That will give you a direct ride on the Green Line to Anacostia and then I assume there is some connection there to Bolling (I see military people using the Anacostia station every day, so I assume that's where they are going).

Try the Mt Vernon Square metro area. They built the new convention center there a few years ago, should be a few reasonably priced business travel type hotels in the vicinity, and it's on the green line and walkable to the Verizon Center area.

 

[Apple Jack]

The odd thing about Mt Vernon Square is that while it is conveniently located between U Street and Chinatown/Verizon and to a Metro station, there is nothing whatsoever happening there at night. It's a dead zone. But I agree that it's a good home base for a stay.

 

[(HULK)]

I assume the public schools in Petworth are currently ones you'd want to avoid, but I haven't paid much attention lately.

The area itself is doing a lot better than 15 years ago. I kinda view it as being on the "edge" of the nicer areas to the west.

Shady stuff still goes down. My wife had a highschool classmate murdered @ the NY Ave Metro stop about 2 years back. I've got a buddy who live @ a condo development @ 5th and Mass and that area seems to be improving. The first couple of years, there used to be street walkers and dealers out and about every night. In fact, one time I walked up to my car and a 200 lb hooker was sitting on the hood of my car resting. She politely moved her girth elsewhere when I politely asked her to do so. But, the past year or so, all of that stuff seems cleaned up.

Meanwhile, if you head farther into NW, it is super safe. Its just insanely expensive. My wife stopping work when we had our first also was a big big factor in the decision to move to MD. I love Kensington though, great neighborhood.

 

[(HULK)]

If I didn't have kids, I'd probably live near Eastern Market. Love it down there. Just love the feel on Capitol Hill.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The odd thing about Mt Vernon Square is that while it is conveniently located between U Street and Chinatown/Verizon and to a Metro station, there is nothing whatsoever happening there at night. It's a dead zone. But I agree that it's a good home base for a stay.

True, but I don't think you can do a place like the Monaco on a gov't budget, can you? There used to be a Radisson at like 5th and H but I'm not sure if it's still there.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

The odd thing about Mt Vernon Square is that while it is conveniently located between U Street and Chinatown/Verizon and to a Metro station, there is nothing whatsoever happening there at night. It's a dead zone. But I agree that it's a good home base for a stay.

True, but I don't think you can do a place like the Monaco on a gov't budget, can you? There used to be a Radisson at like 5th and H but I'm not sure if it's still there.

There is a Hampton Inn around 6th and I but I'm thinking that I would be better off at the Hilton Garden Inn at H and 14th?

 

[TobiasFunke]

The odd thing about Mt Vernon Square is that while it is conveniently located between U Street and Chinatown/Verizon and to a Metro station, there is nothing whatsoever happening there at night. It's a dead zone. But I agree that it's a good home base for a stay.

True, but I don't think you can do a place like the Monaco on a gov't budget, can you? There used to be a Radisson at like 5th and H but I'm not sure if it's still there.

There is a Hampton Inn around 6th and I but I'm thinking that I would be better off at the Hilton Garden Inn at H and 14th?

Yeah, probably. 14th and H is probably the better location- way better for sightseeing purposes, slightly better for dining and drinking options. It is about a seven block walk to the green line if that's how you're getting to Bolling, but it's a pleasant walk through a bustling part of town if the weather's nice, and if it's freezing you can just take the metro one stop to Gallery Place and transfer.

 

[tom22406]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

 

[Apple Jack]

The odd thing about Mt Vernon Square is that while it is conveniently located between U Street and Chinatown/Verizon and to a Metro station, there is nothing whatsoever happening there at night. It's a dead zone. But I agree that it's a good home base for a stay.

True, but I don't think you can do a place like the Monaco on a gov't budget, can you? There used to be a Radisson at like 5th and H but I'm not sure if it's still there.

There is a Hampton Inn around 6th and I but I'm thinking that I would be better off at the Hilton Garden Inn at H and 14th?

You'd have to change trains going to/from Bolling, but that's not the end of the world. Yeah, I'd probably go with 14th and H. I'd probably do most of my eating/boozing on 14th up by U, which is either a healthy walk or a quick cab ride.

 

[(HULK)]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

In Kensington MD, thats like 300K unrenovated, 400K pimped out.

 

[(HULK)]

The odd thing about Mt Vernon Square is that while it is conveniently located between U Street and Chinatown/Verizon and to a Metro station, there is nothing whatsoever happening there at night. It's a dead zone. But I agree that it's a good home base for a stay.

True, but I don't think you can do a place like the Monaco on a gov't budget, can you? There used to be a Radisson at like 5th and H but I'm not sure if it's still there.

There is a Hampton Inn around 6th and I but I'm thinking that I would be better off at the Hilton Garden Inn at H and 14th?

You'd have to change trains going to/from Bolling, but that's not the end of the world. Yeah, I'd probably go with 14th and H. I'd probably do most of my eating/boozing on 14th up by U, which is either a healthy walk or a quick cab ride.

There is a hotel attached to my buddies condo @ 555 Mass Ave. Not sure which chain it is though.

 

[tom22406]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

 

[(HULK)]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

 

[dgreen]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

If we're assuming we are throwing out all the really undesirable hoods, I think $600-650k is probably your starting point for a place that's not a complete fixer-upper. That's for places like Waterfront, further east in Capitol Hill (to the point that it's really lying to call it Capitol Hill), Trinidad, Petworth, Bloomingdale, Brookland. In the nicer hoods, I agree with (HULK) that your'e look at $800k+ as the starting point.

That's for a row house. Detached probably adds about $200k. Condos maybe a tad less, but you have insane condo fees?

 

[dgreen]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

We've been single income for 10+ years. Wife will likely go back to work in some capacity sometime soon (youngest is now in 1st grade), but right now she's not considering starting a career so we likely wouldn't ever consider that income in a home buying decision.

We've discussed making it a goal of ours to move into a small place (2 BR) in the city after kids have moved out. We may change our mind when the time comes, but we'd both like to do that.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

I'm in a virtually identical situation. We pull it off, but only because I bought a condo in Adams Morgan in my 20s before the market really took off, so when I sold we had a lot of cash available for a down payment. And we're not anywhere anyone would consider all that nice- we're in Petworth, albeit in a newly renovated home. I love it, but Georgetown it is not.

90% of the reason we live there is for the commute, I work on the Hill and there's no reasonably priced parking available, I'd never see my kids if I had to get to Montgomery Country or Alexandria or something after work.

 

[(HULK)]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

I'm in a virtually identical situation. We pull it off, but only because I bought a condo in Adams Morgan in my 20s before the market really took off, so when I sold we had a lot of cash available for a down payment. And we're not anywhere anyone would consider all that nice- we're in Petworth, albeit in a newly renovated home. I love it, but Georgetown it is not.

90% of the reason we live there is for the commute, I work on the Hill and there's no reasonably priced parking available, I'd never see my kids if I had to get to Montgomery Country or Alexandria or something after work.

I live a very short walk from the MARC train Kensington stop. Its direct down to Union Station and pretty quick.

You should look into being my neighbor imo.

 

[Don Quixote]

90% of the reason we live there is for the commute, I work on the Hill and there's no reasonably priced parking available, I'd never see my kids if I had to get to Montgomery Country or Alexandria or something after work.

Metro to DASH bus isn't too bad to Alexandria from there. You can transfer to Yellow at L'Enfant, and it takes you right to the buses at the Pentagon. Both my wife and I did that for a time, but drive in now (despite the obscenely high parking fees).

 

[TobiasFunke]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

I'm in a virtually identical situation. We pull it off, but only because I bought a condo in Adams Morgan in my 20s before the market really took off, so when I sold we had a lot of cash available for a down payment. And we're not anywhere anyone would consider all that nice- we're in Petworth, albeit in a newly renovated home. I love it, but Georgetown it is not.

90% of the reason we live there is for the commute, I work on the Hill and there's no reasonably priced parking available, I'd never see my kids if I had to get to Montgomery Country or Alexandria or something after work.

I live a very short walk from the MARC train Kensington stop. Its direct down to Union Station and pretty quick.

You should look into being my neighbor imo.

I'm pretty happy in Petworth. It's a great neighborhood. Also I'm a DC sports lifer, so the other 10% of the reason is that it's super easy to get to Nats Park and even easier to get to Verizon Center. so we're gonna stay at least until our oldest is ready for school.

You seem like you'd be a good neighbor, though. Do you have Sunday Ticket? A pool table? A Big Green Egg? A hot wife?

 

[(HULK)]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

I'm in a virtually identical situation. We pull it off, but only because I bought a condo in Adams Morgan in my 20s before the market really took off, so when I sold we had a lot of cash available for a down payment. And we're not anywhere anyone would consider all that nice- we're in Petworth, albeit in a newly renovated home. I love it, but Georgetown it is not.

90% of the reason we live there is for the commute, I work on the Hill and there's no reasonably priced parking available, I'd never see my kids if I had to get to Montgomery Country or Alexandria or something after work.

I live a very short walk from the MARC train Kensington stop. Its direct down to Union Station and pretty quick.

You should look into being my neighbor imo.

I'm pretty happy in Petworth. It's a great neighborhood. Also I'm a DC sports lifer, so the other 10% of the reason is that it's super easy to get to Nats Park and even easier to get to Verizon Center. so we're gonna stay at least until our oldest is ready for school.

You seem like you'd be a good neighbor, though. Do you have Sunday Ticket? A pool table? A Big Green Egg? A hot wife?

Schools are great up by me. Unfortunately for me, I'm 2 blocks from the line for Walter Johnson HS (one of the best in the area and nation for public HS), but the elementary school for me is fantastic. I may move a couple blocks over when my eldest is in 8th grade.

Don't have Sunday Ticket anymore or a pool table. I do have a large playground setup out back, a firepit, and a normal grill. Wife is indeed hot. Her family also holds 4 lower level season tix to the Skins, sections 104 and 105 I typically get to 3 or so games a season.

What do you do on the Hill. I've looked @ a few jobs @ the SEC in the past but nothing has panned out there. I'm getting weary of being a defense contractor, but I currently work @ Walter Reed (formerly Bethesda Naval) and its 4 miles door to door and it would be tough to give that up.

 

[Swing 51]

Just wondering what price range you guys are talking about here?

Let's say a 3BR/2 Bath house?

In Chevy Chase DC, thats like 800K if it isn't renovated.

So I guess the old FBG myth of everyone being filthy rich is true or is this just a D.C. thing?

We went to 1 income when my 1st kid was born. I'll be blunt and forthright here, why not. I have made between 120K and 135K over the past 5 years. You can't support a family well on that in NW DC. Now that my wife is back to work, we could probably swing it. But really, it doesn't add enough to quality of life to make it worth the cost anyways.

I'm in a virtually identical situation. We pull it off, but only because I bought a condo in Adams Morgan in my 20s before the market really took off, so when I sold we had a lot of cash available for a down payment. And we're not anywhere anyone would consider all that nice- we're in Petworth, albeit in a newly renovated home. I love it, but Georgetown it is not.

90% of the reason we live there is for the commute, I work on the Hill and there's no reasonably priced parking available, I'd never see my kids if I had to get to Montgomery Country or Alexandria or something after work.

I live a very short walk from the MARC train Kensington stop. Its direct down to Union Station and pretty quick.

You should look into being my neighbor imo.

I'm pretty happy in Petworth. It's a great neighborhood. Also I'm a DC sports lifer, so the other 10% of the reason is that it's super easy to get to Nats Park and even easier to get to Verizon Center. so we're gonna stay at least until our oldest is ready for school.

You seem like you'd be a good neighbor, though. Do you have Sunday Ticket? A pool table? A Big Green Egg? A hot wife?

Wife is indeed hot. Her family also holds 4 lower level season tix to the Skins, sections 104 and 105

Does she have a sister?