Where would you live?

[Anonymous]

DH and I currently live in NW DC, but are outgrowing our small place and would like to live somewhere with better schools. Here are our priorities and budget -- which neighborhoods would you choose?

-Great schools
-Decent-size house/yard (4BR, 2BA, at least a small yard; doesn't need to be in perfect shape).
-Walkable area (both in terms of neighborhood and being able to walk to at least some shops, parks, etc.)
-Easy commute (to downtown DC (currently Metro Center and L'Enfant))

-$1 million budget (but lower is always better!)

We don't care between MD and VA; public transit isn't super important (unless it'll help the commute time); and as far as schools go, since DS is still little, we're just looking for strong schools overall (who knows if he'll need GT, special needs, strong sports, strong math, etc, etc, etc,). Mostly I see Bethesda, Chevy Chase (MD), McLean and Arlington recommended for this sort of thing, but I'm wondering if people can recommend specific neighborhoods within those towns.

[Anonymous]

I would also include Falls Church City (zip 22046, neighbhorhoods surrounding Cherry Hill Park and near W&OD trail).

[Anonymous]

The Yorktown HS pyramid in Arlington.

[Anonymous]

What about Silver Spring?

[Anonymous]

Are there a lot of people living in million dollar homes in Silver Spring who send their kids to public?

[Anonymous]

I think your best bets are N. Arlington or Falls Church City. In N. Arlington, look at the neighborhoods around Westover or Cherrydale to start. Falls Church City is very walkable. Vienna is also an option, but I'm not as familiar with it, it is however further out from the city. McLean is not very walkable, unless you live right near downtown McLean, which itself is not that pedestrian friendly.

You are largely priced out of the walkable areas of Bethesda or Chevy Chase, although if you are okay with an older smaller house you might possibly find something in Edgemoor or Chevy Chase. You could definately find something in your price range in the more suburban (car-dependent) parts of Bethesda. You might want to take a look at the areas closer to Glen Echo, which has a few shops, is close to the city, but not near metro.

Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Kensington are also options, but I think the schools are better in Arlington and FC City.

[Anonymous]

to 12:34 - why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:to 12:34 - why not?

Well, well, well... because THOSE people live there!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:to 12:34 - why not?

Why not what?

[Anonymous]

In N Arlington, Westover, Lee Heights, Lyon Park/Ashton Heights/Lyon Village, Cherrydale, Maywood

[Anonymous]

If I had a million dollars to plunk down on a house, I would not plunk it down in Silver Spring. And I say that as a happy Silver Spring resident.

[Anonymous]

I live in the East Bethesda neighborhood and though you may have to compromise on your bedrooms, I recommend it! Close to downton, Capital Crescent Trail, metro,.. it's great! Of course, once Walter Reed integrates, I can't be sure you'll be able to drive anywhere...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I had a million dollars to plunk down on a house, I would not plunk it down in Silver Spring. And I say that as a happy Silver Spring resident.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Garrett Park/Timberlawn/Windermere/Luxmanor - the North Bethesda Market is opening its new Whole Foods next month (April 9) Seasons 52 is opening in April/May. LA Fitness is there as well. More shops and stuff coming over time. Park at Strathmore - 30 minutes to Metro Center. Walter Johnson HS, Tilden MS or North Bethesda MS, and lovely elementary schools no matter where you picked.

[Anonymous]

Chevy Chase, MD. You can buy a decent 3bd+1 bd in basement for that here.