Elementary School Recommendations for Just Outside of DC?

[Anonymous]

We are considering moving from DC next year to either a) a different part of DC with a better elementary school or b) Montgomery County near DC and not far from the Bethesda /Glen Echo area (to be closer to family). We are a young professional couple but we can't afford a $600,000 + home right now, so we'd probably have to rent something in the $2-3,000 per month range. Although I grew up in Montgomery County I only attended Catholic schools so I know very little about public elementary schools.

Any recommendations for good elementary schools in an affordable and somewhat urban environment? Or suburban but not far from the city? Something probably in the greater Bethesda area.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

They are all fine. They have varying degrees of overcrowding and test scores that demonstrate that most parents are involved and well-off.

[Anonymous]

http://www.weichertrents.com/search/realestate/searchresults.aspx?search=bkr&cityid=4236&minpr=2000&maxpr=3000

Here is some idea of what rentals will be like in the bethesda area.

Make sure you check which schools they are associated with.

[Anonymous]

A good friend's son goes to Bethesda Elementary and they love it. And there are some really great apartments in downtown Bethesda that would enable you to have a "walking" life where you can walk to do most things and enjoy the town.

[Anonymous]

There are a number of houses available to rent in either the Bradley Hills or Burning Tree district, both of which have a wide variety of stock, from small homes to mega-homes.

[Anonymous]

OP: Thanks everyone!

[Anonymous]

Just add that you asked for "greater Bethesda" but you could also find what you are looking for, at a lower price, in Silver Spring. On weekends it's about 10 minutes or so from downtown SS to downtown Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

There are some house and apartment rentals in the Wood Acres district which is just over the line. Westbrook also draws from a few neighborhoods with smaller houses which may include some rentals.

[Anonymous]

There is currently a house for rent in the area surrounding Rosemary Hills on Sundale. The rent is 2300. Kids living in this house would go to Rosemary Hills, then North Chevy Chase, then either Westland or the new middle school being planned for that area and then BCC.

I currently live in Chevy Chase ES school district in a rental in the price range you describe. Houses at this price do not come open often, but you can definitely find a handful or more which do open up over the course of the year if you are looking in the Rosemary Hills/CC/NCC/Bethesda area.

These rentals are usually older, but a little on the smaller side (but still w/ at least 3 bedrooms). IME, they are primarily rented out by landlords who have been renting for a long time or who have several properties. The landlord's interest is usually to get a tenant in the property who will stay for a number of years, so if you are a family who looks likely to stay for awhile for the schools until they can save up to buy in the same area, then you will look good to the landlord.

Watch Craigslist, the major real estate rental MRIS sites (I use long and foster.com) and get out and drive around the neighborhoods you are interested in and look for rental signs.

[Anonymous]

Look around Carderock and Bannockburn districts; you may find something on the higher end of your range. These are very close to Glen Echo Heights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look around Carderock and Bannockburn districts; you may find something on the higher end of your range. These are very close to Glen Echo Heights.

Beautiful areas, but, sadly don't think you'll find something in your $ range. We looked and it's hard to find something much under $1m. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I think you can find something in these areas if you are renting, pp, but op should be prepared to have a less-modern house and pay at the upper end of her range (or higher).