Moving to DC Area from Westchester, NY, Want a Different Vibe...Where Should We Definitely Avoid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kalorama is the answer. Might not be financially diverse but it is culturally diverse and folks are very well educated. It’s also is filled with very interesting and especially accomplished people. Not a bunch of big law first generation successful striver wannabes of different backgrounds but folks with real accomplishments on an international level.

Troll? Doubt this works with OP's budget!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No to North Arlington. (I live here).

I really disagree. I also live here and have lived in Ny and CT. I would definitely stay away from
Bethesda. The women there are generally not nice. Can you increase your budget? Our taxes are much lower than Westchester. Like $10k on a $1m house vs $20k in Westchester. Where will you be working? Maryland income taxes are pretty high too, on par with NY. VA is lower, but you’ll have to pay the car tax which can add up if you have nice cars.

When you factor in the taxes and fees, DC is actually less of an annual nut than either MD or VA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Hey OP, former Hudson Valley transplant here!
(born in Brooklyn, moved to Rockland at 15 & then lived in Carmel until 28, before moving down here).

I have to say, I really love it down here.
When I first moved here, my fiance at the time (now husband) moved us to downtown Bethesda, which was fantastic since you could walk everywhere you needed to go.
We stayed downtown for a few years and bought a home off of Old Georgetown Rd.

I still love it down here, and we love raising our family here.
There are beautiful areas, deep, rich diverse culture & interesting educational sites in a ton of places in the DMV area, you just have to know where to go (newsflash: Bethesda's not the place for that deep, rich diverse culture, lol).

My only complaint really is the awful congestion & the drivers... oh, the drivers.

If you're on the beltway and put on your directional (to let the drivers in the next lane over know that you're planning on entering their lane) plan for them to speed up not to let you in.

I've never lived anywhere where drivers due that more often than the DC area... they actually speed up NOT to let you in once you've indicated you're going into their lane (even if they're 30 feet back!).

You'll be fine wherever you go, glad to have another transplant!

Rockland County is not comparable to Westchester, for many, many reasons. Carmel is in Putnam County.

Try reading comprehension, you snob.

Point out where I said I was from Westchester?
I said I was a "Hudson Valley transplant".

Oh, and Carmel abuts Westchester, but based on your answer, you're the EXACT kind of person that the OP is dying to avoid down here. 🤡

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We moved from NY and I know exactly what you mean. We live in Kenwood Park (Bethesda) and it’s very culturally diverse. The lots are a lot bigger than some Bethesda neighborhoods. I would avoid Wood Acres. It has a mini-Martha Stewart vibe. We are in the Whitman district and have been extremely happy with our schools (Bradley Hills, Pyle, Whitman). At the end of the day, everyone who can afford to live here is “rich” but we have easily avoided any kind of country club feel by hanging out with a lot of international families. World Bank, Embassies, IMF, International journalists, etc. They couldn’t care less about old money and social status. And they’re way more fun than some of the socialite types.
One thing to note is that there is A LOT of money in DC, but there’s a difference between money in the bank and money in the driveway.

LOL I work for the World Bank and you will be utterly amazed at how many of us are old money "in our own countries". I.e. daddy is a finance minister @ Senegal, for instance, and daughter a program manager on her way up at the Bank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Foxhall and AU Park. Kalorama.

That won't be a problem with OP's budget.

[Anonymous]

If you liked the diversity of White Plains or New Rochelle go for Silver Spring, MD.

[Anonymous]

I have experience with Larchmont OP and there is really nothing quite the same in the DMV. As others have mentioned, Chevy Chase and Potomac would probably be the closest.

I think Rockville, either Flower Valley or Derwood might fit the bill.

I fear you won't care for the public schools but you never know. Some have good experiences.

I would highly suggest you consider commute as one of your top priorities as it can be very challenging. Right now what you will experience isn't quite as typical due to Covid. Our subway system is much younger than yours but also a hot mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington

+1

Only area that matches everything you're looking for.

[Anonymous]

Our friends from New York have loved takoma park

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Silver Spring or Takoma Park

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kalorama is the answer. Might not be financially diverse but it is culturally diverse and folks are very well educated. It’s also is filled with very interesting and especially accomplished people. Not a bunch of big law first generation successful striver wannabes of different backgrounds but folks with real accomplishments on an international level.

Translation: Only old money douches need apply.

[Anonymous]

Look for a nice SFH or townhouse in SE DC. Upcoming area and a lot of growth is expected within next few years.

[Anonymous]

Another recommendation for Takoma Park, MD. I think it has the vibe that you are looking for but I can’t comment on the schools. I live in DC and love Takoma Park, MD. Great feel to it, lovely houses.

[Anonymous]

I think coming from rich Westchester Bethesda Potomac Mclean NWDC CC are your choices. Nothing is quite like Westchester. Our friends moved to farther out Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

Takoma park strikes me as more like Brooklyn without the amenities.