Where to buy - Kensington or Woodmoor

[Anonymous]

Community culture of Kensington-Parkwood or Woodmoor?? Where to buy a house? Please share advice - despite the long set up ……

In the next week, my husband and I are planning to put an offer on a house. I know I am asking an impossible question, but I hope with context folks can offer some insight on the culture of these two communities Kensington-Parkwood or Woodmoor. I’d greatly appreciate any feedback.

We hope to remain in our new home (first purchase!) for the next 10-15 years - until our kids (8 and 6) are out of high school. After that, we may stay or move to DC proper... not sure about that yet. And, with husband's industry, a move would not be inconceivable.0

Background - Husband and I both grew up in suburbs, went to solid public schools, college/grad school, and then lived/worked in NYC in the nonprofit sector. We are both white, different religions (catholic and jewish), and financially okay (phew). He works in DC (metro), I currently work from home. Our daughter (8) spends most of her time on crafts and art stuff. This is our first home purchase. Our son (6) is more a smarty then a sports kid, though he is not anti-sports.

We are grateful and feel we are in a fortunate position to have these two awesome areas to choose from. However, we are having a hard time comprehending the nuances between the two communities.


Other major considerations (not necessarily in this order) are: location, solid schools, commute, price and community culture/fit. Community/Culture is our greatest area of uncertainty.

Location – We love that both are near parks/nature. As for the commute, husband is fine with either. Woodmoor would be a bit longer of a commute for him. Kensington would be faster to husband's work and to visit our aunt/uncle.

Schools - We have checked out the school data, talked to many parents/students and are okay with the public schools in both areas (though a bit more impressed with the Kensington cluster).

Price - We have seen in each neighborhood a house that we like and can afford. Kensington is more of a stretch for us, but workable. Advice of a friend in real estate feels Kensington would be a better investment, which is not a bad thought in this economy and age of school and community budget cuts. But we don’t want to get too swayed by that b/c who knows what future offers may come and whether we will stay.

Culture – This is where we are less certain. Can anyone offer thoughts or impressions on the culture or vibe of those communities? Actual or perceived (though please indicate which).

We currently live near and have a vague sense of Woodmoor; we like the energy, which seems comfortable, welcoming and fun. Kensington seems nice as well, but we have not seen it up close as much. Because there appears to be more money in Kensington, are folks still down to earth, welcoming/accepting?

I appreciate and look forward to any feedback!

[Anonymous]

Woodmoor is very nice, lots of young couples with kids which is great. People in Four Corners are generally very nice and welcoming. I would say there is less of a cultural mix in Woodmoor than in other sectors of Four Corners but that is not to say there is no mix, there is. I think that immediate area in general is lacking in amenities in terms restuarants, shopping and the like. Colesville Road is also really really congested during the AM & PM rush which makes it difficult to run to the store for anything. Not sure Connecticut Ave would be any different.

[Anonymous]

I would take Parkwood without a second thought. Schools are better, and an easier commute than having to deal with Colesville Road or 16th st every day. Not that CT Ave is a picnic, but I think you have much better options for getting downtown from that area than you do from Colesville Rd.

[Anonymous]

Kensington is a closer commute so I would buy there if I were in your situation.

[Anonymous]

Where would your kids go to school? In Woodmoor, much (but not all) of the community goes to St. Bernadette. A lot of the socializing revolves around St. B's schedule and events, but non-St. B's families are included too.
Woodmoor is pretty homogenous - lots of white catholics, mostly irish. The group is young, fun, many big families, people like to party and to drink. I think the neighborhood is a wonderful place to raise small children and to have fun and make friends.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP -- first off, I think you might want to be a little more specific about where in Kensington you are looking. Saying "Woodmoor" pinpoints you pretty well in terms of community here, but Kensington can mean a lot of things.

I am a Woodmoor resident. We lived in NW DC condo and apts before buying nearly 8 years ago in Woodmoor.

I don't know much about Kensington so can only speak for Woodmoor. At the time, we got more for our money in Woodmoor. Still, it definitely lacks the cache of Kensington -- esp the sought-after parts of Kensington. Fortunately for me, I don't care b/c I love it here.

The commute to DC is tough. The metro bus from Woodmoor to SS Metro Station is only 2 miles, but it can be a real headache, and then of course there is Metro to deal with. That said, PLENTY of our neighbors do it. Driving is probably 35 mins to Farragut North area (that's what I know best), and there are a number of major routes to take (Georgia, 16th, etc). You can take Beach Drive and it's a slower yet more peaceful drive, but the exits might not be convenient depending on where you work.

In terms of convenience, the Woodmoor shopping center (as you've probably seen) has basically everything you need and you can WALK to it. I can't tell you what a convenience it is. The Safeway is also easily walk-able but not renovated in any way. Trader Joe's is also super close and technically walkable, although Rt 29 is so busy and there are no guardrail, so I would never do it. There are some restaurants but certainly not loads. Still, it some ways I'd prefer it that way b/c it helps cut down on congestion.

Don't know about the schools yet so can't comment.

The neighborhood is quite tight with an active listserv (general and moms). The local parks are often bustling and a great place to meet folks with kids if you want. The neighbors really watch out for each other too -- neighbors of all ages. There are definitely a lot of young families, but also empty-nesters who still love it and don't want to leave.

Still, the houses are generally small, unless you have $$ to add. Still, you see A LOT of renovations b/c people don't want to leave.

I have definitely heard talk of there being cliques in Woodmoor, particularly b/c of St. Bernadette's Catholic Parish and some folks feeling left out if they aren't part of the church. We aren't part of the church, aren't Catholic, but never feel excluded. In fact, I've attended a number of events up there without feeling out of place. So I guess it just depends on who your friends are.

My best advice is to really think about the commute, esp if your husband's job is a long-term location. I would even try to practice the morning and/or evening drive -- although I know you don't have much time before you make your offer. And maybe being more specific about Kensington and where in DC your DH is headed could help other posters give info.

GOOD LUCK! And if you buy in Woodmoor, even if you don't close on the house for a while, COME TO THE 4th OF JULY PARADE! Loads of fun and a wonderful introduction to our culture.

[Anonymous]

12:32 here -- sorry OP, I missed your Parkwood reference so please forgive my instruction to be more specific.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would take Parkwood without a second thought. Schools are better, and an easier commute than having to deal with Colesville Road or 16th st every day. Not that CT Ave is a picnic, but I think you have much better options for getting downtown from that area than you do from Colesville Rd.

Not OP but could you share the better options for getting downtown? I've taken just about every route you can imagine (by car) and there is no easy way that I know of whether it is Colesville, 16th, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Georgia, Rock Creek Park etc. Of course it all depends what time of day.

[Anonymous]

to 13:33 this is 13:08-- I think you have all of the options covered in your response- what I meant was that you at least HAVE a lot of options from KP, from Woodmoor, it's pretty much Colesville Road, so if that's backed up you're kind of stuck. From KP, if Rock Creek Park is backed up you can do CT, or Wisconsin, or 16th, or a combination of all of those.

[Anonymous]

Do all homes in Kensington-Parkwood feed into the same high school? I know Kensington splits between BCC and Einstein, so be sure to check on that.

I live in Woodmoor and think it's a great place to live. Here's what I love: 1) The neighborhood is absolutely beautiful. Tons of old growth trees (downside to that in snowstorms and thunderstorms though), everyone generally takes excellent care of their homes and yards and there are many beautiful gardens. When I drive into the entrance of the neighborhood on my way home, a sense of relaxation and appreciation for the natural beauty of the neighborhood washes over me. I know that sounds incredibly hokey, but I just feel a connection to nature in this neighborhood that I think is not present in every close-in neighborhood. 2) People are friendly and there is a real community spirit here. I'm sure there are some unpleasant people, but we just haven't run into them yet (been there 4 years). Everyone waves hi as they walk or drive by. Even though there are no sidewalks (which at first I was really opposed to), there are tons of people out walking all the time. There are community events like Oktoberfest, a tree lighting, and the 4th of July parade. 3) People are generally super down-to-earth. For one, not everyone is a high-powered self-important Washington lawyer or lobbyist. Love that! In fact, in all my interactions with neighbors, I have been asked what I do maybe 3 times. It's just not as much on people's radars. My kids aren't school-aged yet, but from what I see, people also seem to be a little more laid back about parenting than some of the posts you see here on DCUM. 4) It's a great place to raise a family. My neighbors bought me food when I had my baby; I still get hand me downs for my daughter from a family down the streeet. We can walk to the playground, and there are always kids playing outside in the neighborhood. I remember that sticking out to me when we were looking for houses - in Woodmoor, we saw kids playing outside and mowing the lawn. That's the kind of place I want to be - where people let their kids play outside (and their kids want to!) and then make them mow the lawn. OK - I've babbled on enough. I really like Woodmoor, and have been very happy here.

I don't know much about Kensington because when we were looking it was more of a stretch for us. Also, Kensington is actually a worse commute for me into downtown than Woodmoor is (I drive to SS and then metro). I will say the one thing I'm not sure about with Woodmoor is the schools - we are not in them yet. It is true that maybe half the families here use St. B's - but I don't know whether that's a comment on the public schools here or just that those families would go to catholic school regardless of where they lived. If the house you're looking at in Kensington is in the BCC cluster, well that may be something to consider. While the parents I have talked to in Woodmoor are happy with the public schools here, you don't exactly jump for joy when you look at the schools' test scores either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:to 13:33 this is 13:08-- I think you have all of the options covered in your response- what I meant was that you at least HAVE a lot of options from KP, from Woodmoor, it's pretty much Colesville Road, so if that's backed up you're kind of stuck. From KP, if Rock Creek Park is backed up you can do CT, or Wisconsin, or 16th, or a combination of all of those.

Ok thanks, wish I had a helicopter either way but that's not really accurate. One can escape from Colesville Rd, just like CT Ave, there are plenty of outs. I know, I use them all daily.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:to 13:33 this is 13:08-- I think you have all of the options covered in your response- what I meant was that you at least HAVE a lot of options from KP, from Woodmoor, it's pretty much Colesville Road, so if that's backed up you're kind of stuck. From KP, if Rock Creek Park is backed up you can do CT, or Wisconsin, or 16th, or a combination of all of those.

I would disagree. First, Colesville Road south of University Blvd actually moves pretty well, especially if you stay to the left so you're not held up by people getting on the belway. And if it is backed up, there are other ways to get to the North-South arteries into downtown. I live in Woodmoor, and I actually find that the quickest (or at least it's less congested) way downtown during rush hour is N. Capitol Street. I take University to New Hampshire to North Capitol and then H west to where I work. Takes about 40-50 minutes. Still no picnic. Or if I still needed to get on to 16th, there are lots of other ways to do that as well.

[Anonymous]

I would disagree. First, Colesville Road south of University Blvd actually moves pretty well, especially if you stay to the left so you're not held up by people getting on the belway. And if it is backed up, there are other ways to get to the North-South arteries into downtown. I live in Woodmoor, and I actually find that the quickest (or at least it's less congested) way downtown during rush hour is N. Capitol Street. I take University to New Hampshire to North Capitol and then H west to where I work. Takes about 40-50 minutes. Still no picnic. Or if I still needed to get on to 16th, there are lots of other ways to do that as well.

Agree with this as well. While traffic is definitely a problem anywhere you live around here it is no worse in Woodmoor. In fact, you might have more options than others to get to where you are going. One of the nice things as well is the proximity of Holy Cross Hospital and two Metro's (SS & Forest Glen).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where would your kids go to school? In Woodmoor, much (but not all) of the community goes to St. Bernadette. A lot of the socializing revolves around St. B's schedule and events, but non-St. B's families are included too.
Woodmoor is pretty homogenous - lots of white catholics, mostly irish. The group is young, fun, many big families, people like to party and to drink. I think the neighborhood is a wonderful place to raise small children and to have fun and make friends.

This is correct - Woodmoor is very Catholic, revolves around St. B's, and consequently can be rather clique-ish in my experience.

We are also a Catholic/Jewish couple and moved out of Woodmoor in part because the Jewish partner felt uncomfortable, culturally, in Woodmoor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:to 13:33 this is 13:08-- I think you have all of the options covered in your response- what I meant was that you at least HAVE a lot of options from KP, from Woodmoor, it's pretty much Colesville Road, so if that's backed up you're kind of stuck. From KP, if Rock Creek Park is backed up you can do CT, or Wisconsin, or 16th, or a combination of all of those.

This is largely true, but depending on your destination, there is also University to Piney Branch to Georgia or 13th Street to get downtown.