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Living in close in Bethesda or DC
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Anonymous
| We're moving to the DC area at the end of the summer. We’ll both be working in DC and most likely send our kids to private all the way through. We’ve seen some nice houses in both DC and Bethesda and the house I personally like the best is in upper NW DC. However a colleague of my spouse told him it would be “easier living in Bethesda” and now he’s set on not living in DC. Any real truth to this? |
Anonymous
| I have lived in both and prefer Bethesda, DC sucks. |
Anonymous
|
I agree, Bethesda. DC is nice but there are almost always parking issues and anywhere you want to go driving is a hassle.
I guess if you like walking or taking public trans DC is a good choice. But in Upper NW I can't imagine you'll be taking the public transit route? |
Anonymous
| You pay higher income tax in DC and have poor city services. In maryland, you have better services, better schools if you end up going public (for special needs instance) and have higher property taxes. |
Anonymous
| easier for what reasons? |
Anonymous
| OP here. Where we want to buy I don't think parking will be an issue at all. It's up past American university and the neighborhood seems very nice. We don't need special needs education so I don't care about the publics, and we're not counting our tax dime. This person just spoke as if our lives would be such a nightmare and it freaked us out. |
Anonymous
spend an entire day in DC then spend an entire day in Bethesdsa, you will find your answer |
Anonymous
eh, I've lived in both, and if you aren't worried about those issues (AND found a house you like), definitely go with DC. |
Anonymous
| I actually think it is easier living in D.C. - the city empties out on the weekends, so much easier to run errands than in the suburbs (including Bethesda/Rockville). In terms of services, I wish we had better offerings for parks and rec type classes, but other than that we're happy. |
Anonymous
Agree. (also, it's a complete myth that the DC tax burden is so much greater than the Montgomery County tax burden, considering all taxes on an individual.) Sounds like you're talking about Wesley Heights or Spring Valley, and I think thats apples:apples with most of Bethesda. The OP isn't weighing Columbia Heights vs. Avenel, people. Tell your DH as much. |
Anonymous
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DC is closer in, so you could argue that it is easier. Yes, DMV is a pain, but how often do you have to go? You used to be able to argue that your snow does not get plowed in DC, but during this winter, DC got a lot done before Maryland.
I have lived in both and the lines are pretty blurred. The income tax is a big deal. For us, we save $25,000 a year by living blocks over the DC in Maryland. |
Anonymous
|
On one side of Western Ave. the inhabitants eke out a desperate existence: starved of even basic services like running water or garbage collection, they rot and fester in their own feces. Criminal gangs and rats run riot, taking advantage of the post-apocalyptic anarchy to spray the area with bullets and hantovirus. An urban wasteland of boarded-up shops, set to the haunting backing track of wailing crack-whores.
On the northern side of the Avenue, a scene of idyllic bliss: neighbors stop to chat by white picket fences lined with roses: streets so immaculate you could eat your dinner off them, children running free safe in the knowledge that no harm could ever come to them, restaurants and shops tinkling with the happy laughter of their prosperous customers. |
Anonymous
| LOL PP. DC is fine. Yes, income tax is higher, but property tax is significantly lower. The commute will be less arduous. The issue is schools, so if you already know you want to do private, then that's not a problem. The NW neighborhoods you're talking about are very wealthy and almost suburban in feel on the neighborhood streets. They're also (slightly) more diverse than Bethesda. |
Anonymous
Don't forget the zombies. And the fact that the DC stores charge an entire 5 cents if you forgot to bring your own bag. |
Anonymous
OP, I am glad that you are called out the ridicious "parking" statement. We live in UA Park (close to Mass Ave) and I think it is a great area. Tons of parking. Most streets are limited to residents only (unless under 2 hours). Frankly since you are not worried about schools and are not counting tax dime (not that I think there is much of a difference) the only difference between living in AU Park/Spring Valley/Wesley Heights and Bethesda is that if you are in DC you will have a NW after your street address. Another thing to keep in mind is that "Bethesda" is not a clearly definded area, some sections sections are actually very remote and maybe be a hassle if you plan to commute. Personally, I would look at house in both areas and go with what you like best. |