Move, stay, wait?

[Anonymous]

If you don't mind a bit of snow shoveling in the winter, college towns in the Northeast are hard to beat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd also note that it's sometimes hard to break into to a social scene in a small city when you're an outsider-- most of the people there have grown up together and at least where I grew up (Cincinnati) it's all about what high school you went to, and if you're not from there, people are skeptical of you. Definitely not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.

OP here. This is the reason my husband keeps tossing out about moving. He's nervous to move somewhere small and then have a hard time making friends anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:4 kids are gonna be expensive no matter where you move.

Plus, you never know if you will be able to have that many (I wish you the best, though! and hope you do!). I'd pick a place you'd be happy living with a small family too. Or, do you have crazy expectations? Do you need 4,000 sq ft and a huge yard? If so, maybe adjust those since city living is better than owning a mcmansion. Trust me on that one.

No, I do not want a huge house (because then I have to clean it!). I just want a nice community. A neighborhood where people aren't moving every couple years, or talking about moving. A place where maybe the parents aren't working 70 hours a week and we can actually have friends. I have made some nice SAHM friends, but literally NONE of them have long term plans to stay.

[Anonymous]

I was super-impressed w Cleveland when we visited pals there w 5 kids a few years back. Lots of culture, no traffic, nice people, etc.

[Anonymous]

We have good friends that live in Derwood, MD. It's a lovely little community with lots of friendly people and neighbors that look out for one another. It could be a good compromise for you- still close to all the great cultural aspects of DC, but far enough away from the rat race. You can also buy a lot of house for your money there.

[Anonymous]

Check out Olney/Brookeville.

Nobody leaves. In fact, many people grew up here. Very small town feel. Centrally located to lots of things.

[Anonymous]

We used to think DC was so transient and lots of people we met moved once they began to settle down - similar to what you are experiencing. We then moved to Chevy Chase, DC and discovered this whole world in Chevy Chase - both DC and MD - where people have lived for generations. They often grew up here, went away to college, and maybe even got their first job in somewhere like NYC, but then they came back and have chosen to raise their family here. They love it here, their parents and siblings are still here, and they haven no intention of moving. It is a totally different experience than other parts of the city, which I agree can be very transient. If you are looking for that feel, nice community where people stay for generations, then check out Chevy Chase, DC and MD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We used to think DC was so transient and lots of people we met moved once they began to settle down - similar to what you are experiencing. We then moved to Chevy Chase, DC and discovered this whole world in Chevy Chase - both DC and MD - where people have lived for generations. They often grew up here, went away to college, and maybe even got their first job in somewhere like NYC, but then they came back and have chosen to raise their family here. They love it here, their parents and siblings are still here, and they haven no intention of moving. It is a totally different experience than other parts of the city, which I agree can be very transient. If you are looking for that feel, nice community where people stay for generations, then check out Chevy Chase, DC and MD.

If the op can afford that, great! Then she should also check out Chevy chase view in Kensington (but only if you're Catholic and lean republican).

But based on the op's post, it looks like she's looking for a more affordable area where they can raise 4 kids. If that's the case, then she should check out Olney/Brookeville.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you are being led somewhere new. My husband and I have considered moving too. We thought God was calling us to Tennessee but then doors shut. I would pray and then pray some more. If you are Christian, ask for guidance from trusted people. If not, I pray God will lead you and show you the best way. I personally think living in a more country area is wonderful. I wouldn't move to California personally, but that's between you guys and God. I pray you get all the direction you need, and have peace about you desicion. And I pray God will bless you, your marriage and your children!
Mary