The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (2 Viewers)

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

oso... you might check the Ballston area to see if the hotels are cheaper before going all the way out to Tyson's. Rosslyn, Courthouse and Old Town/Alexandria really aren't going to save you much most of the time, but I've had family stay in the Ballston area (right on the Orange Line) for pretty good rates in the past.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Yeah, that doesn't surprise me. I think you can get some rooms downtown at some of the Kimpton hotels for about $120 or so from travel sites. ToughAsNails once got a room at the Palomar in Dupont Circle for that. Of course, it was just two people, not five.

Well, only two people checked in.

You could sleep in a potted plant. I'm assuming Oso's kids need a bit more.

 

[Mr. Ected]

i can get the Crowne Plaza in Tysons Corner for a pretty good rate (using IHG club points). Looks like that is right next to a Silver Line station.

One of the issues about the area around the Metro Stations in Tysons is the lack of good sidewalks and street crossings. Before jumping in on that, you might want to see if the hotel has a van going to the Metro.

You may also want a car out there as restaurants are further apart.

I'll check with Mrs. Ected about that part of Rt 7 for walking.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Crowne Plaza is right between Tysons and Tysons II. I know they have the shuttle to both of those, so restaurants wouldn't be a problem. I haven't been there for a conference or anything since the Metro opened, so I'd probably call to make sure the shuttle goes there too. But its hard to imagine it wouldn't.

Mr. Ected is right in that the Tysons station doesn't leave an easy way to cross 7 and 123 for pedestrians, so you'd want to make sure the shuttle was available.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Crowne Plaza is right between Tysons and Tysons II. I know they have the shuttle to both of those, so restaurants wouldn't be a problem. I haven't been there for a conference or anything since the Metro opened, so I'd probably call to make sure the shuttle goes there too. But its hard to imagine it wouldn't.

Mr. Ected is right in that the Tysons station doesn't leave an easy way to cross 7 and 123 for pedestrians, so you'd want to make sure the shuttle was available.

It's one of the stupidest things going. You'd think public transportation would bring people who needed to walk, therefore you would add nice sidewalks and stuff around the stations. They had plenty of time to work on this, since they took over 5 years to build the new system.

My wife works at 7 and 123 and is afraid to use the station because there is no good way to walk there.

 

[Don Quixote]

I think people have had success using Priceline.

Rather than Tysons, if you need a shuttle anyway, you can also be a bit closer in in Arlington or Alexandria down the 395 corridor off the metro. There's a Hilton in Shirlington (food options there), and Best Western and Sheraton's in less interesting neighborhoods closer to the Pentagon. You probably would want to verify, but I think they all have shuttles to the Pentagon or Pentagon City metro.

 

[oso diablo]

found a vrbo 2-bdrm condo in Alexandria (at a Wyndham midrise) for $120/night. Right across the street from the King Street station.

haven't booked yet, but this is quite appealing on the surface.

also considering the Hamilton (Crowne Plaza) near the McPherson station. Can use my IHG points there for a portion of the stay.

 

[(HULK)]

found a vrbo 2-bdrm condo in Alexandria (at a Wyndham midrise) for $120/night. Right across the street from the King Street station.

haven't booked yet, but this is quite appealing on the surface.

also considering the Hamilton (Crowne Plaza) near the McPherson station. Can use my IHG points there for a portion of the stay.

The Old Town Alexandria area in nice. You'll enjoy that probably.

 

[Mr. Ected]

found a vrbo 2-bdrm condo in Alexandria (at a Wyndham midrise) for $120/night. Right across the street from the King Street station.

haven't booked yet, but this is quite appealing on the surface.

also considering the Hamilton (Crowne Plaza) near the McPherson station. Can use my IHG points there for a portion of the stay.

This area is fine, quiet at nite because it is mostly businesses. You are at most a block from the metro.

 

[oso diablo]

grrr! vrbo condo was taken (although calendar didn't show that). instead, they recommended a similar place at the National Harbor. that area looks nice, but it's not near a metro stop.

 

[Swing 51]

grrr! vrbo condo was taken (although calendar didn't show that). instead, they recommended a similar place at the National Harbor. that area looks nice, but it's not near a metro stop.

Yeah Natl Harbor is out of the way from what you plan to do. How about AirBnB around a metro stop?

 

[Apple Jack]

grrr! vrbo condo was taken (although calendar didn't show that). instead, they recommended a similar place at the National Harbor. that area looks nice, but it's not near a metro stop.

Yeah Natl Harbor is out of the way from what you plan to do. How about AirBnB around a metro stop?

National Harbor is not a place I would want to stay, but I think there are water taxis to and from a dock just south of the Lincoln and/or Georgetown.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm hoping to pick some DC FFA brains on real estate/neighborhoods.

Here's the deal: My wife is pregnant with a surprise (to put it mildly) child #3. We're gonna throw the other two together in a single bedroom for a year or two but we'll likely move out of the city in 2016 or 2017. We're having a LOT of trouble finding possible destinations so far. Here's our criteria:

- We both dislike bland suburban neighborhoods; places where the homes are all virtually identical layouts built at the same time in entirely residential neighborhoods with nothing in walking distance. I grew up in a neighborhood like this and it still haunts me. We want something kinda funky, whether it's an old downtown area of a suburban town or something in the middle of nowhere or something else we haven't even considered.

- We need something affordable: 4+ BR with a cap around $700K.

- Schools are obviously a factor, but we don't want it to dominate. We'd rather live in a great place with decent schools than a decent place with great schools.

- Commute is less of a factor. I'm willing to do up to an hour, but obviously would prefer less. I work near the Cap South metro.

- Also a significant factor- my folks live in Rockville and help out a lot with the kids, which we need (they're 2 and 1 and will still be 2 and 1 when the third child is born). So we also want to be within an hour of them so they can help us out with toddler madness and then we can help them out when they're old and decrepit.

So geographically the areas out 66 in Virginia make the most sense, but we're struggling with the suburban-ness of what we've seen there so far. Are there neighborhoods or towns out that direction that we don't know about that might be worth a look? We've also tried thinking outside the box and have checked out places that have some outdoorsy appeal like the Western Shore south of Annapolis (Deale and thereabouts) or Frederick. But Deale is just a little too far from my folks, and Frederick is just a bit too long a commute for me to Cap South. Any similar out of the box ideas that work just slightly better geographically?

Happy to hear anything you all have to offer; stuff we should check out, stuff we should rule out, factors we should consider that I didn't mention, whatever you've got.

 

[(HULK)]

I'm hoping to pick some DC FFA brains on real estate/neighborhoods.

Here's the deal: My wife is pregnant with a surprise (to put it mildly) child #3. We're gonna throw the other two together in a single bedroom for a year or two but we'll likely move out of the city in 2016 or 2017. We're having a LOT of trouble finding possible destinations so far. Here's our criteria:

- We both dislike bland suburban neighborhoods; places where the homes are all virtually identical layouts built at the same time in entirely residential neighborhoods with nothing in walking distance. I grew up in a neighborhood like this and it still haunts me. We want something kinda funky, whether it's an old downtown area of a suburban town or something in the middle of nowhere or something else we haven't even considered.

- We need something affordable: 4+ BR with a cap around $700K.

- Schools are obviously a factor, but we don't want it to dominate. We'd rather live in a great place with decent schools than a decent place with great schools.

- Commute is less of a factor. I'm willing to do up to an hour, but obviously would prefer less. I work near the Cap South metro.

- Also a significant factor- my folks live in Rockville and help out a lot with the kids, which we need (they're 2 and 1 and will still be 2 and 1 when the third child is born). So we also want to be within an hour of them so they can help us out with toddler madness and then we can help them out when they're old and decrepit.

So geographically the areas out 66 in Virginia make the most sense, but we're struggling with the suburban-ness of what we've seen there so far. Are there neighborhoods or towns out that direction that we don't know about that might be worth a look? We've also tried thinking outside the box and have checked out places that have some outdoorsy appeal like the Western Shore south of Annapolis (Deale and thereabouts) or Frederick. But Deale is just a little too far from my folks, and Frederick is just a bit too long a commute for me to Cap South. Any similar out of the box ideas that work just slightly better geographically?

Happy to hear anything you all have to offer; stuff we should check out, stuff we should rule out, factors we should consider that I didn't mention, whatever you've got.

No offense to people who live there, but I have no idea why you would move out 66.

I'd say MoCo. Specifically Kensington up through Rockville. You can get in a good school district and several of the neighborhoods will meet your needs. Another area would be Takoma Park.... schools aren't as good over that way though, but otherwise it would fit.

Personally, I would say if you can get within a walkable distance of downtown Kensington it would be very nice for you. The old town area over by the MARC is exactly what you're describing, but a 4 BR for 700K might be tough. It might happen though, it'd be right around there I think. Alternatively you could live in North Kensington and just have a 5 minute walk to all that stuff.

 

[Apple Jack]

I'd look for something along MARC (Brunswick/Point of Rocks) or the Virginia train. I despise of 66 corridor, for exactly the suburbanness you mention.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I like the suggestion from both people so far to focus on MARC or VRE. I've been orienting my search around metro stations so far (for western shore I figured I'd drive to Largo and park, same for Frederick/Shady Grove), that might be a way to expand the horizons. Thanks.

The allure of the 66 corridor is geography- straight shot to my office on blue/orange/silver metro and less than 30 minutes for my folks. That's why I'm wondering if there's some hidden gem out there somewhere.

 

[Sweet J]

I'm hoping to pick some DC FFA brains on real estate/neighborhoods.

Here's the deal: My wife is pregnant with a surprise (to put it mildly) child #3. We're gonna throw the other two together in a single bedroom for a year or two but we'll likely move out of the city in 2016 or 2017. We're having a LOT of trouble finding possible destinations so far. Here's our criteria:

- We both dislike bland suburban neighborhoods; places where the homes are all virtually identical layouts built at the same time in entirely residential neighborhoods with nothing in walking distance. I grew up in a neighborhood like this and it still haunts me. We want something kinda funky, whether it's an old downtown area of a suburban town or something in the middle of nowhere or something else we haven't even considered.

- We need something affordable: 4+ BR with a cap around $700K.

- Schools are obviously a factor, but we don't want it to dominate. We'd rather live in a great place with decent schools than a decent place with great schools.

- Commute is less of a factor. I'm willing to do up to an hour, but obviously would prefer less. I work near the Cap South metro.

- Also a significant factor- my folks live in Rockville and help out a lot with the kids, which we need (they're 2 and 1 and will still be 2 and 1 when the third child is born). So we also want to be within an hour of them so they can help us out with toddler madness and then we can help them out when they're old and decrepit.

So geographically the areas out 66 in Virginia make the most sense, but we're struggling with the suburban-ness of what we've seen there so far. Are there neighborhoods or towns out that direction that we don't know about that might be worth a look? We've also tried thinking outside the box and have checked out places that have some outdoorsy appeal like the Western Shore south of Annapolis (Deale and thereabouts) or Frederick. But Deale is just a little too far from my folks, and Frederick is just a bit too long a commute for me to Cap South. Any similar out of the box ideas that work just slightly better geographically?

Happy to hear anything you all have to offer; stuff we should check out, stuff we should rule out, factors we should consider that I didn't mention, whatever you've got.

Well, my first plug is for Del Rey Alexandria. The only problem is that could be a *little* out of your price range, particularly if you want 4 rooms. But a couple of years ago we bought a 3BR +full basement for $675, so it's doable. Neighborhoods are great, schools are great. Does NOT have the "suburban" feel. If you could go to $800k, you could probably find a perfect house for you.

Second plug: Have you thought of the Edsel Road neighborhood just off 395 S? (Edsel Road exit -- I actually think the neighborhood is called "Lincolnia"). My in-laws live in a little neighborhood off that exit. Probably could get 4+ bedrooms in your price range, and although a lot of cul-de-sac kind of streets, it does not have a "suburban" feel (i.e., these are not cookie cutter homes or neighborhoods).

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

We just went through this same process a year ago Tobias. I lived in orange line VA for almost 15 years and my wife was in Old Town for five. And we both liked the high density urban thing.

But funky + 4BR (with enough space for three kids) + not terrible commute + decent or better schools is a tough ask. You can any three, but all four is tough.

Falls Church would fit, except that even the walkable areas aren't really very urban/funky.

The one area you might try is South Arlington -- near Columbia Pike. It's not cheap anymore (at all), but there are still some properties there that might fit. We looked at an old farmhouse, but ultimately decided we liked the value and schools out here more.

FWIW, I wasn't traumatized by bland growing up, but I've still been surprised how easy the suburban transition has been. Affordable, nice neighborhood, VRE train into the city, plenty of house/yard/green/kids in neighborhood, fantastic school system turned out to be a good trade for us it to us.

 

[thecatch]

I like the suggestion from both people so far to focus on MARC or VRE. I've been orienting my search around metro stations so far (for western shore I figured I'd drive to Largo and park, same for Frederick/Shady Grove), that might be a way to expand the horizons. Thanks.

The allure of the 66 corridor is geography- straight shot to my office on blue/orange/silver metro and less than 30 minutes for my folks. That's why I'm wondering if there's some hidden gem out there somewhere.

Your concerns about the VA 66 corridor are sort of a moot point as I'm not sure you'd find a decent 4 BR for $700k in a nice neighborhood without stretching your commute out beyond an hour.

 

[Don Quixote]

I don't know of too much out by 66. If you find a place close to downtown/historic Fairfax that might work, I guess, but I don't know prices out that way.

 

[(HULK)]

We just went through this same process a year ago Tobias. I lived in orange line VA for almost 15 years and my wife was in Old Town for five. And we both liked the high density urban thing.

But funky + 4BR (with enough space for three kids) + not terrible commute + decent or better schools is a tough ask. You can any three, but all four is tough.

Falls Church would fit, except that even the walkable areas aren't really very urban/funky.

The one area you might try is South Arlington -- near Columbia Pike. It's not cheap anymore (at all), but there are still some properties there that might fit. We looked at an old farmhouse, but ultimately decided we liked the value and schools out here more.

FWIW, I wasn't traumatized by bland growing up, but I've still been surprised how easy the suburban transition has been. Affordable, nice neighborhood, VRE train into the city, plenty of house/yard/green/kids in neighborhood, fantastic school system turned out to be a good trade for us it to us.

I got a buddy who lives over there and I play in his monthly poker game w/ a lot of people from that neighborhood.

You would be able to do it there if you can find something that hasn't been updated. Any of the renovated ones would go for north of 750K I believe.

 

[(HULK)]

The city is the heartbeat of the region... don't move too far away from it imo.

 

[Apple Jack]

We just went through this same process a year ago Tobias. I lived in orange line VA for almost 15 years and my wife was in Old Town for five. And we both liked the high density urban thing.

But funky + 4BR (with enough space for three kids) + not terrible commute + decent or better schools is a tough ask. You can any three, but all four is tough.

Falls Church would fit, except that even the walkable areas aren't really very urban/funky.

The one area you might try is South Arlington -- near Columbia Pike. It's not cheap anymore (at all), but there are still some properties there that might fit. We looked at an old farmhouse, but ultimately decided we liked the value and schools out here more.

FWIW, I wasn't traumatized by bland growing up, but I've still been surprised how easy the suburban transition has been. Affordable, nice neighborhood, VRE train into the city, plenty of house/yard/green/kids in neighborhood, fantastic school system turned out to be a good trade for us it to us.

I got a buddy who lives over there and I play in his monthly poker game w/ a lot of people from that neighborhood.

You would be able to do it there if you can find something that hasn't been updated. Any of the renovated ones would go for north of 750K I believe.

Yep. I rent in S. Arlington in a new (2012) house valued at 1.2.

I like the Kensington idea over Del Ray, but both are preferable to a train haul if possible. Point of Rocks and Brunswick are quaint for a day trip, but I don't know anything about what the locals are like. I love riding my bike up there. TOns of history and gorgeous surroundings. Then again, I'm always happy to drive back home to inside the beltway.

 

[Swing 51]

Falls Church would fit, except that even the walkable areas aren't really very urban/funky.

The walkable areas in FC might be urban/funky in a few years with plans to redevelop the "Little City". Lots in the works.

 

[tom22406]

I know you wouldn't consider moving down this way(Fredericksburg)but I would highly recommend it for price,especially given your need for a 4BR.Just a quick glance at the listings you could get a 5BR/4bath with over 3 acres in a great neighborhood very close to VRE and decent schools for just over 600K.

Best of luck finding something though and congrats on the 3rd addition.

 

[Don Quixote]

I'm hoping to pick some DC FFA brains on real estate/neighborhoods.

Here's the deal: My wife is pregnant with a surprise (to put it mildly) child #3. We're gonna throw the other two together in a single bedroom for a year or two but we'll likely move out of the city in 2016 or 2017. We're having a LOT of trouble finding possible destinations so far. Here's our criteria:

- We both dislike bland suburban neighborhoods; places where the homes are all virtually identical layouts built at the same time in entirely residential neighborhoods with nothing in walking distance. I grew up in a neighborhood like this and it still haunts me. We want something kinda funky, whether it's an old downtown area of a suburban town or something in the middle of nowhere or something else we haven't even considered.

- We need something affordable: 4+ BR with a cap around $700K.

- Schools are obviously a factor, but we don't want it to dominate. We'd rather live in a great place with decent schools than a decent place with great schools.

- Commute is less of a factor. I'm willing to do up to an hour, but obviously would prefer less. I work near the Cap South metro.

- Also a significant factor- my folks live in Rockville and help out a lot with the kids, which we need (they're 2 and 1 and will still be 2 and 1 when the third child is born). So we also want to be within an hour of them so they can help us out with toddler madness and then we can help them out when they're old and decrepit.

So geographically the areas out 66 in Virginia make the most sense, but we're struggling with the suburban-ness of what we've seen there so far. Are there neighborhoods or towns out that direction that we don't know about that might be worth a look? We've also tried thinking outside the box and have checked out places that have some outdoorsy appeal like the Western Shore south of Annapolis (Deale and thereabouts) or Frederick. But Deale is just a little too far from my folks, and Frederick is just a bit too long a commute for me to Cap South. Any similar out of the box ideas that work just slightly better geographically?

Happy to hear anything you all have to offer; stuff we should check out, stuff we should rule out, factors we should consider that I didn't mention, whatever you've got.

Well, my first plug is for Del Rey Alexandria. The only problem is that could be a *little* out of your price range, particularly if you want 4 rooms. But a couple of years ago we bought a 3BR +full basement for $675, so it's doable. Neighborhoods are great, schools are great. Does NOT have the "suburban" feel. If you could go to $800k, you could probably find a perfect house for you.

Second plug: Have you thought of the Edsel Road neighborhood just off 395 S? (Edsel Road exit -- I actually think the neighborhood is called "Lincolnia"). My in-laws live in a little neighborhood off that exit. Probably could get 4+ bedrooms in your price range, and although a lot of cul-de-sac kind of streets, it does not have a "suburban" feel (i.e., these are not cookie cutter homes or neighborhoods).

I'll second Del Ray. Price may be the one issue. I'm one neighborhood to the west in North Ridge. I found it a little bit cheaper than Del Ray; it's an old neighborhood, not cookie-cutter. There are a couple of restaurants and bars, and a strip mall in walking distance from me, but I mostly just drive to Del Ray, Shirlington, or someplace else if I want to head out.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The city is the heartbeat of the region... don't move too far away from it imo.

I've lived in the city for 20 years. I'd stay here (Petworth) for another 5-10 or even more, schools be damned, if it wasn't for the new arrival. Especially since I'm a huge Wiz/Nats fan, to the point that being on the green line was a factor in the last decision and would be if possible in the next decision. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

Fredericksburg is exactly the sort of thing I'd look at if it wasn't for the distance from Rockville. I can do an hour commute, and having an office on the SE edge of the "downtown" makes it easier to look in that direction. Speaking of, anyone know if there's anything worth checking out in PG County? We've never really looked at that. Would be great for me from a commute and price standpoint but I know the schools are a big question mark.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Seems weird to me that commute time and schools are so low on your priority list. Those would seem to have a far more significant impact on your life than whether a place is sufficiently funky.

 

[TobiasFunke]

BTW this place is awesome. Tons of helpful feedback within a half-hour of my post. Great stuff

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Speaking of, anyone know if there's anything worth checking out in PG County? We've never really looked at that. Would be great for me from a commute and price standpoint but I know the schools are a big question mark.

I'd say they're more like an exclamation point, and not the good kind. Comparable to DC schools I think.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Seems weird to me that commute time and schools are so low on your priority list. Those would seem to have a far more significant impact on your life than whether a place is sufficiently funky.

Commute: I have the option of telecommuting once a week. Between that, compflex, and the fact that we're not gonna be doing much traveling any time soon with three small kids leaving me lots of leave to spare, I'm looking at easily fewer than 150 round-trip commutes a year. I also don't mind waking up really early so even with an hour commute I can still get home in plenty of time to hang out with the kids on the days that I do go to the office.

Schools: It is a big factor, didn't mean to suggest otherwise. I just meant that I don't want it to be an overriding one, like I don't want to restrict the search only to places that have elite type public schools. My wife's a full-time mom and she's pretty good at it, I trust her to make sure they get a good education as long as the schools are doing a decent job.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Speaking of, anyone know if there's anything worth checking out in PG County? We've never really looked at that. Would be great for me from a commute and price standpoint but I know the schools are a big question mark.

I'd say they're more like an exclamation point, and not the good kind. Comparable to DC schools I think.

Yeah I kinda figured.

 

[(HULK)]

We just went through this same process a year ago Tobias. I lived in orange line VA for almost 15 years and my wife was in Old Town for five. And we both liked the high density urban thing.

But funky + 4BR (with enough space for three kids) + not terrible commute + decent or better schools is a tough ask. You can any three, but all four is tough.

Falls Church would fit, except that even the walkable areas aren't really very urban/funky.

The one area you might try is South Arlington -- near Columbia Pike. It's not cheap anymore (at all), but there are still some properties there that might fit. We looked at an old farmhouse, but ultimately decided we liked the value and schools out here more.

FWIW, I wasn't traumatized by bland growing up, but I've still been surprised how easy the suburban transition has been. Affordable, nice neighborhood, VRE train into the city, plenty of house/yard/green/kids in neighborhood, fantastic school system turned out to be a good trade for us it to us.

I got a buddy who lives over there and I play in his monthly poker game w/ a lot of people from that neighborhood.

You would be able to do it there if you can find something that hasn't been updated. Any of the renovated ones would go for north of 750K I believe.

Yep. I rent in S. Arlington in a new (2012) house valued at 1.2.

I like the Kensington idea over Del Ray, but both are preferable to a train haul if possible. Point of Rocks and Brunswick are quaint for a day trip, but I don't know anything about what the locals are like. I love riding my bike up there. TOns of history and gorgeous surroundings. Then again, I'm always happy to drive back home to inside the beltway.

It is a super conveinent neighborhood (S Arlington) for getting downtown, and everyone I've met down there loves it. Plus there a lot to do on Columbia Pike, and thats walkable.

Under 700K and 4 BR though, I'm thinking you're looking for a house built in the 1950s-60s.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I'm in a similar situation to Tobias. I rent in Georgetown and have a kid on the way in early March. We've dipped our toe in the Arlington market and its just depressing how little $750K can get you. I'd love to stay in the city, but I'd need to find a place that was reasonable where I could keep a car (haven't had one is six years). In any case, I need to get out by the time Scrappygang is crawling as my place is seemingly nothing but stairs and lead paint.

I've lived in Ashburn and Woodbridge before I did the law school thing. I hated it. I enjoy the city a lot more. But I doubt I could convince my wife to take a chance on a still developing neighborhood like the Atlas District.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Re: Del Ray...in my experience the ACPS are not very good. Most of the teachers are in their first job and the turnover is crazy. It's also obvious that most of the administration's attention/energy/resources are tied up with remedial stuff. (Sincere apologies if I'm offending anyone.)

 

[(HULK)]

The city is the heartbeat of the region... don't move too far away from it imo.

I've lived in the city for 20 years. I'd stay here (Petworth) for another 5-10 or even more, schools be damned, if it wasn't for the new arrival. Especially since I'm a huge Wiz/Nats fan, to the point that being on the green line was a factor in the last decision and would be if possible in the next decision. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

Fredericksburg is exactly the sort of thing I'd look at if it wasn't for the distance from Rockville. I can do an hour commute, and having an office on the SE edge of the "downtown" makes it easier to look in that direction. Speaking of, anyone know if there's anything worth checking out in PG County? We've never really looked at that. Would be great for me from a commute and price standpoint but I know the schools are a big question mark.

If you want to pay for private school, its kinda nice over by National Harbor. Like, really close to it only though.

My wife used to live in Riva just outside of Annapolis... no idea on their schools but the area was pretty great. Shopping/dining is cookie cutter though, unless you head into downtown Annapolis.

I would take a hard look at the Kensington area just for the Rockville proximity. We live there, my inlaws are in North Potomac, my Mom in Leisure World just south of Olney, my dad over in White Oak. I've got a 4 year old and a 6 year old. I can't understate the importance of having several free and trusted babysitters close to home.

 

[(HULK)]

Seems weird to me that commute time and schools are so low on your priority list. Those would seem to have a far more significant impact on your life than whether a place is sufficiently funky.

Commute: I have the option of telecommuting once a week. Between that, compflex, and the fact that we're not gonna be doing much traveling any time soon with three small kids leaving me lots of leave to spare, I'm looking at easily fewer than 150 round-trip commutes a year. I also don't mind waking up really early so even with an hour commute I can still get home in plenty of time to hang out with the kids on the days that I do go to the office.

Schools: It is a big factor, didn't mean to suggest otherwise. I just meant that I don't want it to be an overriding one, like I don't want to restrict the search only to places that have elite type public schools. My wife's a full-time mom and she's pretty good at it, I trust her to make sure they get a good education as long as the schools are doing a decent job.

Just to share some thoughts... I used to work @ the Pentagon, but 2.5 years ago I switched jobs to be closer to home, I work @ Walter Reed in Bethesda now. My commute is 4 miles. It still takes me 15 minutes... but it adds an hour of time with my kids each and every day. Thats pretty cool (except when they're being brats )

 

[Apple Jack]

Kensington is like Chevy Chase (MD side), but less expensive. Plus, if you like to bike, the Rock Creek Trail is right there which connects you to everywhere.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm in a similar situation to Tobias. I rent in Georgetown and have a kid on the way in early March. We've dipped our toe in the Arlington market and its just depressing how little $750K can get you. I'd love to stay in the city, but I'd need to find a place that was reasonable where I could keep a car (haven't had one is six years). In any case, I need to get out by the time Scrappygang is crawling as my place is seemingly nothing but stairs and lead paint.

I've lived in Ashburn and Woodbridge before I did the law school thing. I hated it. I enjoy the city a lot more. But I doubt I could convince my wife to take a chance on a still developing neighborhood like the Atlas District.

How many kids do you have/are you planning on having? I LOVE Petworth, it's my favorite place I've ever lived by far. We bought a 3 BR renovation job for under $700 just last year that was zoned for Powell ES, which is a great elementary school. Parking is never a problem, commute is easy, and it has all the other good stuff that comes with being in the city. If it wasn't for the third kid I'd never leave. I even proposed that my wife and I move to the basement unit so we could stay for a decade or so. She was not enthused.

ETA: You also would be part of a huge community of new parents here, which I bet would help convince your wife. The recently-renovated Safeway on Georgia Ave has been nicknamed the Stroller Safeway. It's almost too much. The Park Slope of Washington DC.

 

[scorchy]

Ever consider Baltimore and/or its 'burbs? Way cheaper than DC, and several places that would fit your needs that are close to a MARC station. My wife takes MARC from BWI to Union Station everyday, and it's about an hour RT.

 

[(HULK)]

Kensington is like Chevy Chase (MD side), but less expensive. Plus, if you like to bike, the Rock Creek Trail is right there which connects you to everywhere.

Yup. You can take it all the way down to the zoo if you want to.

Stupid Lance Armstrong wannabees all over it though... I try and avoid driving on it on nice days for that reason. There is a freaking beautiful paved bike trail parrallel to it, but no, people feel the need to squeeze their belly into a tight Tour De France shirt and bike 7 mph in the road.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Ever consider Baltimore and/or its 'burbs? Way cheaper than DC, and several places that would fit your needs that are close to a MARC station. My wife takes MARC from BWI to Union Station everyday, and it's about an hour RT.

Haven't really yet but I plan to curl up with the MARC map when I have a couple hours to spare and expand the search. Definitely open to the idea.

 

[(HULK)]

I'm in a similar situation to Tobias. I rent in Georgetown and have a kid on the way in early March. We've dipped our toe in the Arlington market and its just depressing how little $750K can get you. I'd love to stay in the city, but I'd need to find a place that was reasonable where I could keep a car (haven't had one is six years). In any case, I need to get out by the time Scrappygang is crawling as my place is seemingly nothing but stairs and lead paint.

I've lived in Ashburn and Woodbridge before I did the law school thing. I hated it. I enjoy the city a lot more. But I doubt I could convince my wife to take a chance on a still developing neighborhood like the Atlas District.

How many kids do you have/are you planning on having? I LOVE Petworth, it's my favorite place I've ever lived by far. We bought a 3 BR renovation job for under $700 just last year that was zoned for Powell ES, which is a great elementary school. Parking is never a problem, commute is easy, and it has all the other good stuff that comes with being in the city. If it wasn't for the third kid I'd never leave. I even proposed that my wife and I move to the basement unit so we could stay for a decade or so. She was not enthused.

Is your situation one where you could buy an older house at a bargin price and then rehab it. If so, I might have something for you.

 

[VA703]

I'd look for something along MARC (Brunswick/Point of Rocks) or the Virginia train. I despise of 66 corridor, for exactly the suburbanness you mention.

pretty much anywhere in Loudoun you cant go wrong

 

[thecatch]

I'm in a similar situation to Tobias. I rent in Georgetown and have a kid on the way in early March. We've dipped our toe in the Arlington market and its just depressing how little $750K can get you. I'd love to stay in the city, but I'd need to find a place that was reasonable where I could keep a car (haven't had one is six years). In any case, I need to get out by the time Scrappygang is crawling as my place is seemingly nothing but stairs and lead paint.

I've lived in Ashburn and Woodbridge before I did the law school thing. I hated it. I enjoy the city a lot more. But I doubt I could convince my wife to take a chance on a still developing neighborhood like the Atlas District.

Arlington is crazy. I've lived here near the Orange line for 8 years and I'd love to raise our kid in the area (love the neighborhood, schools are amazing etc), but prices are insane. A buddy bought a 2 BR condo in a nice building for around $700k a few years ago, and many of the single family homes in my immediate area that we like are all north of $1m. We will be leaving the area later this year and home prices for places within short commuting distance (btw, it can still take me over 40 mins mins to drive 5 miles to work in the east end of the city) were a major factor in the decision.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I vote that Tobias and scooby combine their money and move into a McMansion together.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm in a similar situation to Tobias. I rent in Georgetown and have a kid on the way in early March. We've dipped our toe in the Arlington market and its just depressing how little $750K can get you. I'd love to stay in the city, but I'd need to find a place that was reasonable where I could keep a car (haven't had one is six years). In any case, I need to get out by the time Scrappygang is crawling as my place is seemingly nothing but stairs and lead paint.

I've lived in Ashburn and Woodbridge before I did the law school thing. I hated it. I enjoy the city a lot more. But I doubt I could convince my wife to take a chance on a still developing neighborhood like the Atlas District.

How many kids do you have/are you planning on having? I LOVE Petworth, it's my favorite place I've ever lived by far. We bought a 3 BR renovation job for under $700 just last year that was zoned for Powell ES, which is a great elementary school. Parking is never a problem, commute is easy, and it has all the other good stuff that comes with being in the city. If it wasn't for the third kid I'd never leave. I even proposed that my wife and I move to the basement unit so we could stay for a decade or so. She was not enthused.

Is your situation one where you could buy an older house at a bargin price and then rehab it. If so, I might have something for you.

You mean me or RHE?

We probably wouldn't have the time or energy with all the little ones scampering about, but I'd love to hear about it anyway.

 

[scorchy]

Ever consider Baltimore and/or its 'burbs? Way cheaper than DC, and several places that would fit your needs that are close to a MARC station. My wife takes MARC from BWI to Union Station everyday, and it's about an hour RT.

Haven't really yet but I plan to curl up with the MARC map when I have a couple hours to spare and expand the search. Definitely open to the idea.

We live in Catonsville, which would never be confused with Petworth, but isn't cookie-cutter suburbia either. 10 minute drive from the BWI or Halethorpe MARC and 10 minutes from downtown Baltimore, with the added benefit of Baltimore County schools and Patapsco State Park. The neighborhoods around Camden Yards Station and Penn Station are both much cooler, but the school system obviously sucks, and the commute is slightly longer (unless you can always manage to catch the express train).

 

[DCThunder]

Most likely, my NGO will be moving from a nice 18th and K location to Crystal City, Va in September. I live in Rockville, and drive in each day. Now I'm looking at having to go on to Crystal City, and I ain't enthused about it. Don't suggest Metro, I'm not getting on that POC ever again to commute....

 

[scorchy]

I vote that Tobias and scooby combine their money and move into a McMansion together.

I think you and Zilla moving into my basement would be a lot more entertaining.