Would you move to Arlington or Mclean for SFH living?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

You've got it OP - you are not priced out. At all. The wave of posters saying that I think just had different expectations in mind and jumped a bit too quickly.

here's another one walkable to shops: https://www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/5012-22nd-St-N-22207/home/11236192

In Mclean I looked at sales in the last 6 months by the downtown area and there are multiple:

https://www.redfin.com/VA/McLean/1239-Providence-Ter-22101/home/9388189

https://www.redfin.com/VA/McLean/6635-Langdon-Ct-22101/home/9393086

https://www.redfin.com/VA/McLean/1431-Cedar-Ave-22101/home/9391070

https://www.redfin.com/VA/McLean/1604-Aerie-Ln-22101/home/9406310

It is true what one poster said, you'll likely have to make multiple bids so don't get your heart set on the first house and get a great realtor who is really connected to the area wherever you decide. it's a hot market but your budget is completely reasonable.

[Anonymous]

I think that OP can get just about everything she wants if she keeps her finger on the trigger and is ready to buy. We bought a 4 bedroom with office in a very walkable part of Arlington. It was $1.1M and on a busier street. I couldn't be happier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

This pp makes a good point. what may look walkable to you on a map, may not feel walkable when you are there if it's a large road so that may be part of the issue. Though they may be walkable enough for your needs for your family, it is likely that most in the neighborhood don't walk most places, for example. The ones I just posted in Mclean I can't speak to how walkable to the downtown area they are because I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood. The ones in arlington I posted should meet that though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

This pp makes a good point. what may look walkable to you on a map, may not feel walkable when you are there if it's a large road so that may be part of the issue. Though they may be walkable enough for your needs for your family, it is likely that most in the neighborhood don't walk most places, for example. The ones I just posted in Mclean I can't speak to how walkable to the downtown area they are because I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood. The ones in arlington I posted should meet that though.

This is why the walkability score that was mentioned a few pages back is useless. A house can have a score of 75 yet be located next to a busy highway and the only thing that is “walkable” is a random gas station and a quickie-mart, while it stay may take almost a mile to the nearest shopping center or bus stop.

Sure it’s “walkable” as in you’re not in the country. But in NOVA summers and winters??? No way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

This pp makes a good point. what may look walkable to you on a map, may not feel walkable when you are there if it's a large road so that may be part of the issue. Though they may be walkable enough for your needs for your family, it is likely that most in the neighborhood don't walk most places, for example. The ones I just posted in Mclean I can't speak to how walkable to the downtown area they are because I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood. The ones in arlington I posted should meet that though.

This is why the walkability score that was mentioned a few pages back is useless. A house can have a score of 75 yet be located next to a busy highway and the only thing that is “walkable” is a random gas station and a quickie-mart, while it stay may take almost a mile to the nearest shopping center or bus stop.

Sure it’s “walkable” as in you’re not in the country. But in NOVA summers and winters??? No way.

Agreed, but if the OPs needs are for his family who is visiting from overseas to be able to get around without a car - they may have a bigger radius of what they consider walkable. I agree fully that whether something is considered walkable (and actually used) by the average person in Arlington or Mclean has almost as much to do with distance as it does how enjoyable that walk is (eg not on very large arteries, with difficult to cross streets). The areas near the Harrison street shopping center in Arlington for example, you can certainly walk to them and my friends that live nearby do sometimes, but a lot of people in the neighborhood still drive because that is easy for them and Lee highway is set up for drivers not walkers. Westover is better set up for walkers, and not as convenient when you drive (parking can be a bit difficult), so many in the neighborhood walk up. I feel like I'll get flamed for this, but this is why I've always felt Mclean was less walkable because more neighborhoods don't have sidewalks, etc. it's just a little less likely people will walk. it's set up for cars. There are a lot of factors that influence whether someone chooses to walk or drive. But the OPs family visiting doesn't drive, so may be more comfortable walking to shops that some would often drive to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

This pp makes a good point. what may look walkable to you on a map, may not feel walkable when you are there if it's a large road so that may be part of the issue. Though they may be walkable enough for your needs for your family, it is likely that most in the neighborhood don't walk most places, for example. The ones I just posted in Mclean I can't speak to how walkable to the downtown area they are because I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood. The ones in arlington I posted should meet that though.

This is why the walkability score that was mentioned a few pages back is useless. A house can have a score of 75 yet be located next to a busy highway and the only thing that is “walkable” is a random gas station and a quickie-mart, while it stay may take almost a mile to the nearest shopping center or bus stop.

Sure it’s “walkable” as in you’re not in the country. But in NOVA summers and winters??? No way.

Agreed, but if the OPs needs are for his family who is visiting from overseas to be able to get around without a car - they may have a bigger radius of what they consider walkable. I agree fully that whether something is considered walkable (and actually used) by the average person in Arlington or Mclean has almost as much to do with distance as it does how enjoyable that walk is (eg not on very large arteries, with difficult to cross streets). The areas near the Harrison street shopping center in Arlington for example, you can certainly walk to them and my friends that live nearby do sometimes, but a lot of people in the neighborhood still drive because that is easy for them and Lee highway is set up for drivers not walkers. Westover is better set up for walkers, and not as convenient when you drive (parking can be a bit difficult), so many in the neighborhood walk up. I feel like I'll get flamed for this, but this is why I've always felt Mclean was less walkable because more neighborhoods don't have sidewalks, etc. it's just a little less likely people will walk. it's set up for cars. There are a lot of factors that influence whether someone chooses to walk or drive. But the OPs family visiting doesn't drive, so may be more comfortable walking to shops that some would often drive to.

Yep agreed. And even Arlington And McLean arent very walkable in the same way a Philly or Boston are unless you’re near the metros. If op has kids without a car, eek, that’s going to be even tougher.

I almost want to say that OP should consider moving further out due to their budget and limited walking options they’ll be able to get with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

This pp makes a good point. what may look walkable to you on a map, may not feel walkable when you are there if it's a large road so that may be part of the issue. Though they may be walkable enough for your needs for your family, it is likely that most in the neighborhood don't walk most places, for example. The ones I just posted in Mclean I can't speak to how walkable to the downtown area they are because I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood. The ones in arlington I posted should meet that though.

This is why the walkability score that was mentioned a few pages back is useless. A house can have a score of 75 yet be located next to a busy highway and the only thing that is “walkable” is a random gas station and a quickie-mart, while it stay may take almost a mile to the nearest shopping center or bus stop.

Sure it’s “walkable” as in you’re not in the country. But in NOVA summers and winters??? No way.

Agreed, but if the OPs needs are for his family who is visiting from overseas to be able to get around without a car - they may have a bigger radius of what they consider walkable. I agree fully that whether something is considered walkable (and actually used) by the average person in Arlington or Mclean has almost as much to do with distance as it does how enjoyable that walk is (eg not on very large arteries, with difficult to cross streets). The areas near the Harrison street shopping center in Arlington for example, you can certainly walk to them and my friends that live nearby do sometimes, but a lot of people in the neighborhood still drive because that is easy for them and Lee highway is set up for drivers not walkers. Westover is better set up for walkers, and not as convenient when you drive (parking can be a bit difficult), so many in the neighborhood walk up. I feel like I'll get flamed for this, but this is why I've always felt Mclean was less walkable because more neighborhoods don't have sidewalks, etc. it's just a little less likely people will walk. it's set up for cars. There are a lot of factors that influence whether someone chooses to walk or drive. But the OPs family visiting doesn't drive, so may be more comfortable walking to shops that some would often drive to.

Yep agreed. And even Arlington And McLean arent very walkable in the same way a Philly or Boston are unless you’re near the metros. If op has kids without a car, eek, that’s going to be even tougher.

I almost want to say that OP should consider moving further out due to their budget and limited walking options they’ll be able to get with that.

Agreed, we're talking about variants of walkabilty and no suburb around here is walkable like a city is unless near metros. I don't think the OP doesn't have a car. But they have family visit from a different country, who do not drive while here and it would be nice for them to not be isolated in the house and at least have some shops to walk to. I don't think OP is looking for more than that and disagree that they need to look farther out. They have a plenty hefty budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to open another can of worms and make it a 20-page thread, but I am starting to see another topic/concern emerging. Are people with our budget of 1.2m considered a "financially struggling" category? We like to live below means and could up our budget, but I don't see the necessity as I see properties meeting the needs in this budget, maybe not to everyone's standards, but ok for us. I am just looking for feedback on the feel and character of the the areas as well as schools more so than to try to find out if we are going to feel poor in one area vs. another, but maybe that's important too.

To add to this, someone posted a house in Mclean for under 900K which in my books is totally livable with some updates for which there is certainly room in the budget. Seems walkable to DT Mclean too, what am I missing? Not that we are ready to get over there now and look at this house, but if such options exist as well as others posted here, I don't necessarily feel like we are "priced out".

If you are talking about the house on Mayflower, the house is perfectly livable but it’s four bedrooms (not 5), on the corner of a busy road (Route 123), and not super convenient to those who want to be able to walk around the central McLean area (you’d have to cross Route 123). But assuming you’re OK with that, you do get good school and a short drive to amenities and Metro. The same house would be at least $925K in some other areas of McLean or Arlington.

This pp makes a good point. what may look walkable to you on a map, may not feel walkable when you are there if it's a large road so that may be part of the issue. Though they may be walkable enough for your needs for your family, it is likely that most in the neighborhood don't walk most places, for example. The ones I just posted in Mclean I can't speak to how walkable to the downtown area they are because I'm not as familiar with the neighborhood. The ones in arlington I posted should meet that though.

This is why the walkability score that was mentioned a few pages back is useless. A house can have a score of 75 yet be located next to a busy highway and the only thing that is “walkable” is a random gas station and a quickie-mart, while it stay may take almost a mile to the nearest shopping center or bus stop.

Sure it’s “walkable” as in you’re not in the country. But in NOVA summers and winters??? No way.

Agreed, but if the OPs needs are for his family who is visiting from overseas to be able to get around without a car - they may have a bigger radius of what they consider walkable. I agree fully that whether something is considered walkable (and actually used) by the average person in Arlington or Mclean has almost as much to do with distance as it does how enjoyable that walk is (eg not on very large arteries, with difficult to cross streets). The areas near the Harrison street shopping center in Arlington for example, you can certainly walk to them and my friends that live nearby do sometimes, but a lot of people in the neighborhood still drive because that is easy for them and Lee highway is set up for drivers not walkers. Westover is better set up for walkers, and not as convenient when you drive (parking can be a bit difficult), so many in the neighborhood walk up. I feel like I'll get flamed for this, but this is why I've always felt Mclean was less walkable because more neighborhoods don't have sidewalks, etc. it's just a little less likely people will walk. it's set up for cars. There are a lot of factors that influence whether someone chooses to walk or drive. But the OPs family visiting doesn't drive, so may be more comfortable walking to shops that some would often drive to.

Yep agreed. And even Arlington And McLean arent very walkable in the same way a Philly or Boston are unless you’re near the metros. If op has kids without a car, eek, that’s going to be even tougher.

I almost want to say that OP should consider moving further out due to their budget and limited walking options they’ll be able to get with that.

Can't go further out, we need to be in DC frequently, and sometimes on short notice due to elderly family members living there.

[Anonymous]

I would not pick a house for house guests. They can uber if they need to.

[Anonymous]

Commute wise. McLean isn’t that close to Dc, though...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Commute wise. McLean isn’t that close to Dc, though...

Depends where in DC. DH works in Georgetown and it is plenty close.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Commute wise. McLean isn’t that close to Dc, though...

Depends where in DC. DH works in Georgetown and it is plenty close.

How early does he have to leave in order to get there? The GW parkway can be a disaster...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Commute wise. McLean isn’t that close to Dc, though...

Closer-in parts of Mclean are a fast drive to DC if not during height of rush hour and if there are not accidents. It can be the same or less as driving from more traffic congested dense parts like Ballston and FC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Commute wise. McLean isn’t that close to Dc, though...

Depends where in DC. DH works in Georgetown and it is plenty close.

+1. Kind of doubt it would be that expensive if it were in West Virginia.