So tired of the crappy housing stock in the DMV combined with skyrocketing prices

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

+1 I did the same. I grew up in northern VA and found it so depressing. After traveling a lot in college I saw just how much more pleasant life could be, but was torn because I wanted a government job. I decided to look for government jobs outside of the DMV and found a great one in the northeast. I love it here and am never leaving. Not all suburbs are created equal. On the flip side, if aesthetics and community are not important to you, the DMV has a great balance of cool jobs with relatively low cost of living and short commutes.

I grew up in northern VA too and did not find it depressing at all.What exactly did you hate, just the fact that it was a boring suburb? Or you hated the aesthetics even as a kid?

Don’t get me wrong, I love NYC and the tristate area and agree that there are quaint towns in the NE ther you don’t see around DC. But I really don’t get how you can call an entire large metropolitan area ugly and make it sound like everywhere else is so beautiful. If it were so ugly why do so many people choose to live here and pay a ton for houses. It can’t only be because of the jobs.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:OP here -- sorry, I realized I failed to include the link!

https://bungalowsandcottages.com/properties/listing/crmls/AR22260198/Monrovia/216-Monroe-Place

That is a stinking cute house.

It is, but look at the house next door. Boring bungalow. Most of CA suburbs homes are boring bungalows. I used to live in Socal for 25 years. I lived in a few of the boring bungalows, and one really cute spanish bungalow.

There are a few homes in the DC burbs that have nice architecture, but like I said before, they tend to be victorians that are money pits.

Yeah, the notion that this is typical of all homes in SoCal seems misplaced.

pp here.. exactly. The vast vast majority of homes in CA are boring bungalows or two story boxes.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

Really, you moved to another city because you couldn't find a suburban house that you like? Seems like a weird reason to choose a city.

It wasn’t about finding a house. It was how ugly and unattractive the suburbs are in DC. You only live once and I wanted to live in a prettier area with closer proximity to the outdoors. Earning a lot of money but living in Arlington didn’t seem like how I wanted to spend the next 20 years of my life.

Well you didn’t have to live in Arlington if that’s not your cup of tea!

[Anonymous]

I find myself in the strange position of supporting rather than attacking the DC area in this thread. But whatever. One person is repeatedly spamming this thread with the same agenda based on the timestamps of the posts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find myself in the strange position of supporting rather than attacking the DC area in this thread. But whatever. One person is repeatedly spamming this thread with the same agenda based on the timestamps of the posts.

Lol me too! I’m actually beginning to second guess whether the DMV is a nice place to live or not….based on a few anonymous posts in a forum.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

+1 I did the same. I grew up in northern VA and found it so depressing. After traveling a lot in college I saw just how much more pleasant life could be, but was torn because I wanted a government job. I decided to look for government jobs outside of the DMV and found a great one in the northeast. I love it here and am never leaving. Not all suburbs are created equal. On the flip side, if aesthetics and community are not important to you, the DMV has a great balance of cool jobs with relatively low cost of living and short commutes.

I grew up in northern VA too and did not find it depressing at all.What exactly did you hate, just the fact that it was a boring suburb? Or you hated the aesthetics even as a kid?

Don’t get me wrong, I love NYC and the tristate area and agree that there are quaint towns in the NE ther you don’t see around DC. But I really don’t get how you can call an entire large metropolitan area ugly and make it sound like everywhere else is so beautiful. If it were so ugly why do so many people choose to live here and pay a ton for houses. It can’t only be because of the jobs.

It certainly can be.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

+1 I did the same. I grew up in northern VA and found it so depressing. After traveling a lot in college I saw just how much more pleasant life could be, but was torn because I wanted a government job. I decided to look for government jobs outside of the DMV and found a great one in the northeast. I love it here and am never leaving. Not all suburbs are created equal. On the flip side, if aesthetics and community are not important to you, the DMV has a great balance of cool jobs with relatively low cost of living and short commutes.

+1

Strip Mall Hell. But for those who don't know better - hooray you.

[Anonymous]

Basically, what you want you can’t afford and what you can afford, you don’t want.

Showing real estate in other markets to make your point is irrelevant. I’m sure there are stunning homes for 1.2M in the midwest but they’re in the midwest.

You found a tiny home that was stunning in the suburbs of LA but would your job transfer there?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

Really, you moved to another city because you couldn't find a suburban house that you like? Seems like a weird reason to choose a city.

DP here but I get it. The architecture of a neighborhood is very important to me too. I wouldn't be able to live in a soulless neighborhood either. We ended up leaving DC for other reasons, but we lived in architecturally gorgeous neighborhoods when we were there. It was a requirement for every home we bought (both the home and the neighborhood).

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

Really, you moved to another city because you couldn't find a suburban house that you like? Seems like a weird reason to choose a city.

DP here but I get it. The architecture of a neighborhood is very important to me too. I wouldn't be able to live in a soulless neighborhood either. We ended up leaving DC for other reasons, but we lived in architecturally gorgeous neighborhoods when we were there. It was a requirement for every home we bought (both the home and the neighborhood).

How very privileged of you. Bravo!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

+1 I did the same. I grew up in northern VA and found it so depressing. After traveling a lot in college I saw just how much more pleasant life could be, but was torn because I wanted a government job. I decided to look for government jobs outside of the DMV and found a great one in the northeast. I love it here and am never leaving. Not all suburbs are created equal. On the flip side, if aesthetics and community are not important to you, the DMV has a great balance of cool jobs with relatively low cost of living and short commutes.

I grew up in northern VA too and did not find it depressing at all.What exactly did you hate, just the fact that it was a boring suburb? Or you hated the aesthetics even as a kid?

Don’t get me wrong, I love NYC and the tristate area and agree that there are quaint towns in the NE ther you don’t see around DC. But I really don’t get how you can call an entire large metropolitan area ugly and make it sound like everywhere else is so beautiful. If it were so ugly why do so many people choose to live here and pay a ton for houses. It can’t only be because of the jobs.

DP here. If you don't know what you are missing, then it is not an issue. I have heard people from this area try to go off on stereotypes from other areas, without having so much as visited those areas.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

+1 I did the same. I grew up in northern VA and found it so depressing. After traveling a lot in college I saw just how much more pleasant life could be, but was torn because I wanted a government job. I decided to look for government jobs outside of the DMV and found a great one in the northeast. I love it here and am never leaving. Not all suburbs are created equal. On the flip side, if aesthetics and community are not important to you, the DMV has a great balance of cool jobs with relatively low cost of living and short commutes.

+1

Strip Mall Hell. But for those who don't know better - hooray you.

Did you wish you had lived somewhere more rural, then? With lots of nature? I ended up living in a big city for years because that seemed more exciting to me than the suburbs. But it doesn’t sound like that’s what you want. I didn’t know kids cared that much about nice architecture and living in quaint towns. Sounds just as boring as strip malls!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

Really, you moved to another city because you couldn't find a suburban house that you like? Seems like a weird reason to choose a city.

DP here but I get it. The architecture of a neighborhood is very important to me too. I wouldn't be able to live in a soulless neighborhood either. We ended up leaving DC for other reasons, but we lived in architecturally gorgeous neighborhoods when we were there. It was a requirement for every home we bought (both the home and the neighborhood).

Seems pretty superficial -- literally so, I guess. I mean, I think the Main Line in Philly has really nice houses. But in the big picture, it is just a middle class suburb of a second tier city. (And I know, I used to live in Philly.) Seems lame to have that be a primary decision point.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:OP here -- sorry, I realized I failed to include the link!

https://bungalowsandcottages.com/properties/listing/crmls/AR22260198/Monrovia/216-Monroe-Place

That is a stinking cute house.

It is, but look at the house next door. Boring bungalow. Most of CA suburbs homes are boring bungalows. I used to live in Socal for 25 years. I lived in a few of the boring bungalows, and one really cute spanish bungalow.

There are a few homes in the DC burbs that have nice architecture, but like I said before, they tend to be victorians that are money pits.

Yeah, the notion that this is typical of all homes in SoCal seems misplaced.

pp here.. exactly. The vast vast majority of homes in CA are boring bungalows or two story boxes.

Southern California has more natural beauty than DMV. Right around LA you have hills, mountains, and of course the beach. You can have tract homes set in cookie-cutter neighborhoods that would be blah here but there at least are set against more scenic backdrops.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

Really, you moved to another city because you couldn't find a suburban house that you like? Seems like a weird reason to choose a city.

DP here but I get it. The architecture of a neighborhood is very important to me too. I wouldn't be able to live in a soulless neighborhood either. We ended up leaving DC for other reasons, but we lived in architecturally gorgeous neighborhoods when we were there. It was a requirement for every home we bought (both the home and the neighborhood).

How very privileged of you. Bravo!

But that's what we're talking about in this thread. Many of us don't want to drop $2M for homes and neighborhoods that aren't even appealing.