Moving from Brooklyn to DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want a SFH and don’t mind the VA burbs, I would focus on McLean. It’s got good diversity and excellent public schools. As a second option but near to McLean, I would look in the Yorktown HS boundary.

OP, McLean is not where you want to be if diversity is a top priority. Stop it PP.

Agree. OP, have you considered Takoma Park? The rental market for SFH is very tight but otherwise has what you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

bainbridge1 wrote:OP here--it's funny you mention McLean. I did initially consider McLean because I went to little Langley and Langley High School. But after living in a neighborhood with so much socioeconomic diversity, I might feel like a fish out of water. Also, I am the type of person who says hi to pretty much every person I walk past in Bed Stuy. I feel like I would get some strange looks if I pulled that in McLean. But perhaps I am generalizing--if I am wrong, please correct me. Thanks again!

The people saying that McLean doesn’t have diversity don’t know McLean. McLean HS is 51% white. While it’s true that the population of Black students is low, it’s not clear to me that is the only diversity you value.
http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:13:::NO:0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID,P0_EDSL:030,0

If you are looking for a community that is more Black and more Jewish, Montgomery County is more likely a good fit. I would particularly look into the BCC cluster.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/regulatoryaccountability/glance/currentyear/schools/04406.pdf

In terms of chatty communities, DC and all the suburbs are not really like this. People will generally nod or give a weak hi passing neighbors on the street. Some neighbors that you like you will stop and chat. But it’s different than NY, so I’m not sure how long you’ve been away. People don’t really talk with strangers here like they do in NY.

Someone mentioned Takoma Park, but I don’t find it particularly friendlier than anywhere else, except that the historic district falls prey to a lot if gossipy behavior from a small number of annoying people.

I don’t find it a community that I particularly like.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a shepherd park or 16th street heights would be a great fit. A good amount of diversity, both racially and socioeconomic. People are very friendly in DC once you’re in the SFH neighborhoods. We live in AU Park and everyone says hi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

bainbridge1 wrote:My kids are 5 and 10 years old. And we are only looking for a single family house.

10 year old girl? Rising 4th? Come be my neighbor!!!

A current 10 year old would be rising fifth, or even sixth grader.

You're right. We have late birthday so math off oops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mantua. Has a JCC, zoned for Woodson High, a top high school. Can rent for maybe 3500+ till you buy for around 900k to $1m.

Agree. I think Mantua in Fairfax would be a good fit.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8947-Colesbury-Pl-Fairfax-VA-22031/51837822_zpid/

[Anonymous]

If you're open to commuting I would look at Columbia MD and surrounds in Howard County including Ellicott City, Fulton, Laurel and others. Not exactly near DC, but great public schools and (relatively) affordable for SFHs. So many great schools and neighborhoods to choose from, and nearly every school has a diverse mix of races/ethnicities. I used to commute to Bethesda from EC and the drive was 45 min, for reference.

When we moved here from NY we chose HoCo because most families sent their kids to public vs private. I really wanted my kids to have a local group of friends to connect with vs kids scattered all over.

[Anonymous]

I agree with first PP who suggested the Ludlow-Taylor zone on Capitol Hill. I really think you’d like it. But if you’re committed to Virginia, how about Falls Church City?

[Anonymous]

Shepherd Park
Mt Pleasant
I wouldn’t do Capital Hill with a kid that old unless you are 100% fine with private school once you hit middle school

[bainbridge1]

OP here--I just want to say a big thank you for all of your suggestions and links so far. It is also helpful to know how things differ between the DC area and NYC so that I can manage my expectations.

[Anonymous]

I cosign the Shepherd Park recommendation. Here's one in your budget

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1433-Floral-St-NW-Washington-DC-20012/469626_zpid/

[Anonymous]

I would also say to look at Shepherd Park. Really diverse and mostly UMC black families but lots of white Jewish families as well. Lower walkability than what you might be used to, but you can easily walk to downtown Silver Spring. We love it, but it lacks a "Brooklyn" vibe.

My only warning would be students with IEPs...we have not been really impressed with DCPS special education services (esp. at Deal). It kind of depends on what services your students need- if it is mostly speech/OT, I think you would be fine. If it is behavioral or lots of instructional hours I would strongly suggest taking a look at the forum for students with special needs to get a sense of how specific schools do with similar students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want a SFH and don’t mind the VA burbs, I would focus on McLean. It’s got good diversity and excellent public schools. As a second option but near to McLean, I would look in the Yorktown HS boundary.

OP, McLean is not where you want to be if diversity is a top priority. Stop it PP.

Agree. OP, have you considered Takoma Park? The rental market for SFH is very tight but otherwise has what you are looking for.

Also look into downtown Silver Spring area. It’s walkable, diverse, and schools are good. Also will have a bigger rental market.

[Anonymous]

bainbridge1 wrote:Hi, I had posted over a year ago and this forum was invaluable so I am back to ask for your help. We are relocating from Bed Stuy (Brooklyn) to the DC area and need to make it happen before the school year starts. I'm kind of in panic mode because I haven't figured out what area to focus on and we are running out of time. Due to COVID, I have the ability to work from home so I don't have to worry about a commute. We would prefer to live in Virginia as that is where my family lives but we are open to DC/MD if the right fit. Initially, it was most important that we moved to a diverse neighborhood as we are a biracial family (I am Black and my husband is White/Jewish). However, my kids have been through the ringer not being in school for over a year and lacking friends. So honestly, I would prioritize a neighborhood where kids actually go outside and interact with each other. That is #1 for us right now. Our second priority are the schools. We did private school in Brooklyn but we really need a good public school that works well with kids with IEPs. Our third priority is diversity. Being African American, I don't want to be the only one on the block. However, I will also be happy with diversity in any form. We are looking to rent the first year and then will consider buying. I'd like to stay around $5k for rent but would be willing to go over for the right neighborhood. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Montgomery County has one of the largest Jewish populations in the country and its more common to see interracial couples there as well. The good public schools in Montgomery County are the best in the area. I’d avoid the Whitman HS district because of your concerns about diversity but I think you’d do well to check out homes in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS district and in the Walter Johnson HS district. Here’s a SFH that is within your budget that’s walkable to Bethesda shops and restaurants and Metro. Bethesda is not Brooklyn but it’s the nicest “urban” suburb in the area.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4525-Maple-Ave-Bethesda-MD-20814/37173966_zpid/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shepherd Park
Mt Pleasant
I wouldn’t do Capital Hill with a kid that old unless you are 100% fine with private school once you hit middle school

+1

Come to Mount Pleasant and be friends with us!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

bainbridge1 wrote:My kids are 5 and 10 years old. And we are only looking for a single family house.

Currently for rent in Murch zone:
https://www.chatelrealestate.com/listings/detail/7648606a-73ce-49a1-994d-5ad967a91044

Good suggestion. We used to live a block from this house, and that neighborhood is so great with kids. Murch is fantastic, as are Deal and Wilson (where our kids are now). All are diverse in terms of race, nationality, and socioeconomics. Murch is particularly nice from a “community hub” perspective; the playground is always active.