anyone raising kids in condos in upper NW?

[Anonymous]

Loads of families in NW condos. Some buildings (like anywhere) skew older or younger and some have more families. You won’t have any problem finding a family-friendly building. Also, lots just over the line in Friendship Heights, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where do you keep bikes, scooters, sleds etc if you live in a Condo permanently? Yes I know let people do it but there’s something to be said for having a garage/shed to put that kind of stuff in.

It’s pretty typical for a condo to come with a storage unit. The storage unit size is goes up based on how many bedrooms you have in your condo. A 2 bedroom condo can have a pretty big storage unit. Plus some buildings also have bike rooms.

We have a largish garden condo and do not have a storage room. Kids are 6 & 8. We are very thoughtful about what we own and how we use our space. We have to be creative and flexible. I suspect that before the kids are out of the house, we will probably have to rent a storage space for off-season gear. It’s not as easy as a suburban home, but we love the easy commutes and vibrant communities.

[Anonymous]

Right across the street from Janney Elementary school. We rent in a condo building. It's right on top of the Target.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where do you keep bikes, scooters, sleds etc if you live in a Condo permanently? Yes I know let people do it but there’s something to be said for having a garage/shed to put that kind of stuff in.

Many condos have bike and storage rooms, but also special area for bikes in underground garage. We keep the sled in the car in winter and take it out as we walk through the garage to the local hill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mclean Gardens and Glover Park. Good elementary schools and very close to several private schools. We have lived in 3 different condo buildings before children and with children. I don't care for a house. I grew up on a farm and will retire on my farm. I just don't want to deal with a house and land when I'm raising kids. So far so good.

Would you be willing to share some of the buildings?

Mclean Gardens have several types of building. I'm still confused about which ones are rentals and which ones are owned by individuals. I've hear that the older buildings have thick walls.
4000 Tunlaw is a lovely building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you just move a little farther out, and avoid condo living? As kids get older, they like having places where they and their friends can hang out.

I live in DC, but I would move out in a heartbeat if it made a difference between living in a house and living in a condo. It's not like DC is London or Paris.

Some people don’t want to live further out. Not everyone likes the same thing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where do you keep bikes, scooters, sleds etc if you live in a Condo permanently? Yes I know let people do it but there’s something to be said for having a garage/shed to put that kind of stuff in.

Buildings have bike rooms for these things.

[Anonymous]

There were tons of families with kids in McLean Gardens when I rented there. It’s a great neighborhood. We considered staying but moved back to the burbs where I’m from instead. I’d definitely recommend it though

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could you just move a little farther out, and avoid condo living? As kids get older, they like having places where they and their friends can hang out.

I live in DC, but I would move out in a heartbeat if it made a difference between living in a house and living in a condo. It's not like DC is London or Paris.

Some people don’t want to live further out. Not everyone likes the same thing

Don't settle. Get out of your comfort zone and find a place with more space, for the sake of your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mclean Gardens and Glover Park. Good elementary schools and very close to several private schools. We have lived in 3 different condo buildings before children and with children. I don't care for a house. I grew up on a farm and will retire on my farm. I just don't want to deal with a house and land when I'm raising kids. So far so good.

Would you be willing to share some of the buildings?

Mclean Gardens have several types of building. I'm still confused about which ones are rentals and which ones are owned by individuals. I've hear that the older buildings have thick walls.
4000 Tunlaw is a lovely building.

McLean Gardens is the neighborhood of garden-style brick buildings. All the units are individually owned, though many are then rented out (we once rented a unit there from a private landlord). We didn't have kids then but would think it would be a great place to live with kids, especially considering the pool and barbecue/picnic areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you just move a little farther out, and avoid condo living? As kids get older, they like having places where they and their friends can hang out.

I live in DC, but I would move out in a heartbeat if it made a difference between living in a house and living in a condo. It's not like DC is London or Paris.

Condos usually have rec rooms etc

[Anonymous]

OP here- anything other than Mclean Gardens seem especially family friendly? While we definitely like aspects of that community, having half of the unit be in the basement is off putting. Seems like any of the 2+ BR/2+ BA units are like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- anything other than Mclean Gardens seem especially family friendly? While we definitely like aspects of that community, having half of the unit be in the basement is off putting. Seems like any of the 2+ BR/2+ BA units are like this.

We live in one of those units. Its really not that bad and makes for a great space for kids to be kids. If it's done right, it's bright, clean and dry. But it's not for everybody and there are compromises and decisions that every family needs to make based on their priorities. You should keep an eye out for open houses and go have a look for yourself. There are a few 2-Br/1-Ba lofts.

Good luck finding what fits your family!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here- anything other than Mclean Gardens seem especially family friendly? While we definitely like aspects of that community, having half of the unit be in the basement is off putting. Seems like any of the 2+ BR/2+ BA units are like this.

We live in one of those units. Its really not that bad and makes for a great space for kids to be kids. If it's done right, it's bright, clean and dry. But it's not for everybody and there are compromises and decisions that every family needs to make based on their priorities. You should keep an eye out for open houses and go have a look for yourself. There are a few 2-Br/1-Ba lofts.

Good luck finding what fits your family!

Thank you for this - everyone we've met who lives in Mclean Gardens has been so nice

[Anonymous]

An experienced realtor will know the buildings that are popular with families. I’m sure you’ll have great luck.
Not a Realtor. Have had priceless help from ours over the years.