MCPS to Virginia - where do I start?

[Anonymous]

You could commute pretty quickly to Virginia Square from most neighborhoods feeding into Woodson, especially if you found something toward the Northern/Eastern part of the boundary. I commuted in from Vienna/Dunn Loring for years via metro and it was very pleasant. The drive wouldn't be terrible either.

The kids won't be the only Jewish kids in their class - there are plenty of jews in Arlington and Fairfax, just not as many as in Montgomery County. (I think Jews historically settled more in MD than VA because MD has a history for being more Democratic and progressive.)

[Anonymous]

You could commute pretty quickly to Virginia Square from most neighborhoods feeding into Woodson, especially if you found something toward the Northern/Eastern part of the boundary. I commuted in from Vienna/Dunn Loring for years via metro and it was very pleasant. The drive wouldn't be terrible either.

The kids won't be the only Jewish kids in their class - there are plenty of jews in Arlington and Fairfax, just not as many as in Montgomery County. (I think Jews historically settled more in MD than VA because MD has a history for being more Democratic and progressive.)

Yes, and thus had fewer covenants back in the day that kept Jews from buying homes in certain neighborhoods.

[Anonymous]

There are a couple of pockets of Jewish families in the Beltway. There's an active young families community in Alexandria at Agudas Achim (Conservative)-- many live close by but some are in Arlington or Falls Church. Beth El (Reform) is also in Alexandria-- I think they have draw from a wider area that goes further south. In Arlington/Falls Church there are families that affiliate with Rodef Shalom(Reform) and some at Etz Hayim (Conservative). Outside the Beltway, there is also a big community in Annandale near the JCC, as previously mentioned. It's definitely more diffuse but there are a lot of young families with Jews all over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Live in Silver Spring, MD and considering a job near Virginia Square metro. Two DD's in 1st and 3rd grade. One has ADHD and an IEP, the other has been designated "GT" by MCPS. We love our elementary but were considering moving to Olney, MD for middle school. If I am relocated to Alexandria that commute would be hellish, but we know NOTHING about Virginia - the schools, the neighborhoods, etc. We are pretty progressive, like a sense of community, Jewish, value public education and particularly want a well regarded middle school/HS district becuase once we move we're staying. We don't want our kids to be the only Jewish kids in their class. Max housing budget $600K for 4 bedroom. Where to start?

Just curious - how could it possibly be?
I moved to DC 5 years ago from another country, and I believe I know a lot about good schools in VA, MD and DC, the neighborhoods to live (and their price ranges), good restaurants and things to do with the kids in all three states.

Well you must be just smarter than the rest of us. Would you like a cookie?

[Anonymous]

Highly recommend the McLean/Falls Church/Arlington area around Rodef Shalom. Great temple, great schools, close-in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at area around Rodef Sholom. Haycock is the school and has many Jewish families. Near the West Falls Church metro stop.

I don't know what they could get for $600K for a 4 bedroom in that neighborhood!

Ha! No way, with budget of $600K. Maybe a starter townhouses off of Great Falls and Kirby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at area around Rodef Sholom. Haycock is the school and has many Jewish families. Near the West Falls Church metro stop.

I don't know what they could get for $600K for a 4 bedroom in that neighborhood!

Ha! No way, with budget of $600K. Maybe a starter townhouses off of Great Falls and Kirby.

There are townhouses in that price range in that area, but they usually have no more than two or three bedrooms. The Woodson HS area would give OP, who wants four bedrooms, more options.

[Anonymous]

SFH near the JCC on little river tpke. I would have suggested Vienna, but teardowns are now over 600k