? For those of you who have moved from DC NW to Mont. Cty - lifestyle?

[Anonymous]

We have a toddler and are expecting our 2nd child this year. We used to live in Friendship Heights and moved last summer to Bethesda. We are looking to move back in DC but also considering Bethesda and the neighborhoods along the Mass Ave corridor. One of the things I would miss about living in NW is the walkabilty to neighborhood restaurants, coffee shops, grocery, etc. Along Mass Ave Corridor (particulary Wood Acres where the houses seem more affordable than Sumner and Westmoreland Hills), you have to drive more. Already we have to drive to parks instead of walk which is different. I do like the location of the neighborhood off Western and Mass Ave across from Westmoreland but nothing suitable has come up for our needs.

My question is for those of you with 2 kids who have made this switch, am I making a big deal out of nothing? Should I be blessed with the public school options, Libraries, potentially larger yard, sense of neighborhood community, and forget my preference for walking everywhere and having sidewalks? And with 2 young kids is walking anywhere (other than the park) impossible anyways?

As we get closer to writing contracts, it's getting harder to make that decision of where to move next.
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I struggle with this dilemna - everyday. We could afford a small townhouse in G-town with one parking space - 3 beds - but small. Or for the same price - a nice house in Westmoreland or one of those nice neighborhoods......i like G'town for walking and the whole city-life. I think with a parking space - we would have the best of both worlds. That said - we did live in a suburban neighborhood in CT where the kids could walk to a neighbors house,etc. Had to drive everywhere - but the freedom for the kids is nice. we haven't decided on anything yet (renting a townhouse in Cleveland Park currently- kids in private school) But I do struggle with the pros and cons of each.......

[Anonymous]

I moved out of DC pre-kids, so I can't answer your Q directly. However, there are neighborhoods near you with walkability to grocery stores, parks, restaurants, etc.

Chevy Chase West, Somerset, Chevy Chase (the part to the East of Wisconsin) can all walk into Friendship Hts, Bethesda walk to Trader Joe's, Giant, lots of restaurants, 2 metros, etc.

And, public schools are great!

[Meconbear]

Agree with PP. Also Crestview and Brookdale are walking distance to everything in FH. Prices are comparable to stuff on Mass Ave but the houses are a little smaller.

[Anonymous]

I moved from Dupont Circle to Downtown (residential) Silver Spring. Both are equal walkable, but a different feel. I can still walk to Whole Foods, movies, AFI, restaurants, but it is much quieter. Less urban. It was a transition. I missed Dupont a lot in the beginning. But I love it here now that I have kids.

[Anonymous]

bump