Arlington or Montgomery County? [VA/MD]

[Anonymous]

Hello-- thank you all in advance for the help!

My family is considering a move to the DC Metro area from Northern California. We live on the Peninsula which we really like. We're looking at Montgomery County (Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington) and Northern Virginia (Arlington, McLean). We'd rather live in a neighborhoody area instead of a place with very large homes far from each other where small children can comfortably walk to school or a playground. But most important for us are great schools and we do plan to send our 4 and 2 year old children to public school. In a perfect world we'd be able to walk to a restaurant or coffee place without piling the kids in the car. Taxes are lower in Virginia than Maryland and so that's a plus, though we know more about the reputation of Montgomery County schools than Arlington's. Can you all help give us a steer? I will be working near Chinatown but only commuting 1-2x per week. Will the car commute be that much worse from the Virginia side? Housing budget is under $2 million.

[Anonymous]

Moco has much more compatible NorCal vibe. Arlington is slightly more southern. Schools in Moco are better. What is plan for college? VA has far more public options.

Look closely at Moco state and COUNTY income tax; if you are a high earner this will be significant difference.

Houses tend to be cheaper in Moco than Arlington, partly b/c of income tax.

Commute by car to Chinatown is radically easier from Arlington than Moco.

[Anonymous]

For 2M, you can get a house less than 10-15 years old, 4-5 beds, on lots less than 9000 sf zoned for Bradley Hill, Bethesda, and other close in elementary schools.
Or an older house on a larger lot:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8021-Hampden-Ln-Bethesda-MD-20814/37171086_zpid/

This house is walkable or bike-able to Bethesda.

I saw another house in the same area is under clean up/painting so may be on market soon.

[Anonymous]

Alexandria, and send the kids to private.

[Anonymous]

There are a couple great Virginia vs. Maryland videos on You Tube you should check out.

[Anonymous]

I don't think car commute is worst from VA and I don't think Nova has a southern vibe. I would look at Falls Church City. I think their school's are better than MoCo's (my kids don't go to school in either district). You would also like Westover in Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Lyon Village in Arlington

[Anonymous]

Hmm... I'm thinking based on this, maybe look at MoCo.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1079867.page

[Anonymous]

$2m will be tough in Arlington for something nice. I grew up in Bethesda, and I’d personally never love back. The people are so snobby and entitled. I’m in Arlington now and it’s much more down to earth. I’d probably look in 22205/22207 in Arlington. Glebe or Discovery elementary schools. Taxes will be lower in Va if you make more than about $300k. Commute will be quicker from Va.

[Anonymous]

This is walkable in arlington;

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/5130-26th-Rd-N-22207/home/11227702

[Anonymous]

Great neighborhood with a lot of kids who go to the local elem, nottingham.

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/2628-N-Potomac-St-22207/home/11225636

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lyon Village in Arlington

I didn’t think you could get into Lyon village for under $2m, but here’s one. Not huge, but definitely walkable.

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/1626-N-Adams-St-22201/home/11248137

[Anonymous]

MoCo is overall prettier than Northern Virginia, unless you are in Great Falls or Old Town, Alexandria.

Both have their pluses or minuses.

Check out Takoma Park, MD. It's as close as you will get to the Peninsula in terms of vibe. With your budget, you will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MoCo is overall prettier than Northern Virginia, unless you are in Great Falls or Old Town, Alexandria.

Both have their pluses or minuses.

Check out Takoma Park, MD. It's as close as you will get to the Peninsula in terms of vibe. With your budget, you will be fine.

Schools are Terrible though.

[Anonymous]

Really have to caution you on MCPS and it’s alleged reputation as good. This is maybe from the 1990s - and they have been COASTING for at least the past decade plus. Know nothing about Arlington. Gosh, can you ask for transfer to another region? Just wouldn’t come here - and schools are main reason. Now if you can swing private maybe… and then either Arlington or Moco work. Arlington would win because no need for a car. Walkable. But parts of Bethesda are like that too - in fairness.