Would you move to Arlington or Mclean for SFH living?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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...

He leaves around 6:30-7?

It just took Dh 25 minutes to get home in peak rush hour today. He left work at 5:30 and got home by 5:54.

[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.

We bought a SFH in McLean past summer for $1.25mil, we do not consider ourselves financially struggling and neither does anyone else, lots of UMC families buying expensive properties for schools and commute. I see more Toyotas and Hondas in McLean compared to my former neighborhood in the exurbs. Have no such thoughts even for a minute, UMC families like us are the backbone of public schools in McLean.

Agreed with this poster - absolutely not. my house is worth way less than 1.2 million in Arlington and I definitely don't feel out of place in the slightest. I think the people posting that your budget is low were more commenting that for the close in suburbs you often have to give in some areas - maybe a little less walkable for a little more house, or for us it was a little smaller house to be more walkable. But it sounds like you're willing to make those adjustments and honestly I don't think you'll have to make many with your budget. Your budget is NOT small OP. DCUM can be crazy - and is not always aligned with reality. it can be helpful, but is not always realistic and DEFINITELY not a representative sample. The only place where I think there is an even higher density of kids with very, very, very high income parents (or where it's more obvious? I'm not sure) is Langley I would think. But I could be wrong, that's just my perception.

I feel like this convo has devolved to feeling like when you go into the money and finances thread here and everyone seems to be a multi millionaire when obviously that's not actually representative.

Exactly. It’s not a “low” budget but it’s low for OP’s original wish list. Sounds like OP is flexible though and should find something. Just like the rest of us.

[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.

We bought a SFH in McLean past summer for $1.25mil, we do not consider ourselves financially struggling and neither does anyone else, lots of UMC families buying expensive properties for schools and commute. I see more Toyotas and Hondas in McLean compared to my former neighborhood in the exurbs. Have no such thoughts even for a minute, UMC families like us are the backbone of public schools in McLean.

The fleet of large black SUVs are all heading to private schools.

[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.

We bought a SFH in McLean past summer for $1.25mil, we do not consider ourselves financially struggling and neither does anyone else, lots of UMC families buying expensive properties for schools and commute. I see more Toyotas and Hondas in McLean compared to my former neighborhood in the exurbs. Have no such thoughts even for a minute, UMC families like us are the backbone of public schools in McLean.

Agreed with this poster - absolutely not. my house is worth way less than 1.2 million in Arlington and I definitely don't feel out of place in the slightest. I think the people posting that your budget is low were more commenting that for the close in suburbs you often have to give in some areas - maybe a little less walkable for a little more house, or for us it was a little smaller house to be more walkable. But it sounds like you're willing to make those adjustments and honestly I don't think you'll have to make many with your budget. Your budget is NOT small OP. DCUM can be crazy - and is not always aligned with reality. it can be helpful, but is not always realistic and DEFINITELY not a representative sample. The only place where I think there is an even higher density of kids with very, very, very high income parents (or where it's more obvious? I'm not sure) is Langley I would think. But I could be wrong, that's just my perception.

I feel like this convo has devolved to feeling like when you go into the money and finances thread here and everyone seems to be a multi millionaire when obviously that's not actually representative.

Exactly. It’s not a “low” budget but it’s low for OP’s original wish list. Sounds like OP is flexible though and should find something. Just like the rest of us.

If OP gives us walkability, she will have lots of options.

I do think expectations are different. It sounds like OP doesn’t care about the actual house as much. I hated our old kitchen. I hated sharing a driveway and lack of street parking in my old neighborhood. DH and I were extremely picky about curb appeal. We wanted sidewalks and a safe area that our kids could ride bikes around the neighborhood. Everyone has different priorities. Top schools were most important for us.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think 1.2mill budget is financially struggling by any means. I do think it is a very competitive market; when we bought our home 7 years ago, $800k seemed to be the super competitive budget. We just had friends looking in the $1-1.25 mil range and they told us that in Arlington, it is tough because things go fast or in the low range they are competing with developers.

That said, I agree to the points made in walkability. I don’t consider the home suggested in 22nd walkable; i guess to Heidelberg? But Lee Hwy is not pleasant, as someone mentioned. That neighborhood is also a glut of enormous houses in tiny lots, so I would be very wary of how close you like your neighbors. We also have family visit who prefer not to drive. For it to be truly convenient/pleasant for them, you need to live 1-1.25 miles from the metro corridor or near an area like Westover/Shirlington/Penrose, or just give up walkability and have them use Uber. I do think that Arlington seems more pedestrian friendly, but I haven’t spent a lot of time walking around Mclean. Generally, Mclean seems to be more car friendly, if only because there tends to be more parking available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think 1.2mill budget is financially struggling by any means. I do think it is a very competitive market; when we bought our home 7 years ago, $800k seemed to be the super competitive budget. We just had friends looking in the $1-1.25 mil range and they told us that in Arlington, it is tough because things go fast or in the low range they are competing with developers.

That said, I agree to the points made in walkability. I don’t consider the home suggested in 22nd walkable; i guess to Heidelberg? But Lee Hwy is not pleasant, as someone mentioned. That neighborhood is also a glut of enormous houses in tiny lots, so I would be very wary of how close you like your neighbors. We also have family visit who prefer not to drive. For it to be truly convenient/pleasant for them, you need to live 1-1.25 miles from the metro corridor or near an area like Westover/Shirlington/Penrose, or just give up walkability and have them use Uber. I do think that Arlington seems more pedestrian friendly, but I haven’t spent a lot of time walking around Mclean. Generally, Mclean seems to be more car friendly, if only because there tends to be more parking available.

The 22nd st location could be great. Heidelberg has coffee, sandwiches, etc. There is a pharmacy. Bunch of other random shops. The new Bob & Edith’s.

AND that section of Lee Hwy is up for redevelopment. So it could be a hotspot several years down the road...

[Anonymous]

Some ideas floated around already for Lee Hwy & Glebe (Pages 54-55):
https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2016/05/LeeHighway_VisioningStudy_May2016.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think 1.2mill budget is financially struggling by any means. I do think it is a very competitive market; when we bought our home 7 years ago, $800k seemed to be the super competitive budget. We just had friends looking in the $1-1.25 mil range and they told us that in Arlington, it is tough because things go fast or in the low range they are competing with developers.

That said, I agree to the points made in walkability. I don’t consider the home suggested in 22nd walkable; i guess to Heidelberg? But Lee Hwy is not pleasant, as someone mentioned. That neighborhood is also a glut of enormous houses in tiny lots, so I would be very wary of how close you like your neighbors. We also have family visit who prefer not to drive. For it to be truly convenient/pleasant for them, you need to live 1-1.25 miles from the metro corridor or near an area like Westover/Shirlington/Penrose, or just give up walkability and have them use Uber. I do think that Arlington seems more pedestrian friendly, but I haven’t spent a lot of time walking around Mclean. Generally, Mclean seems to be more car friendly, if only because there tends to be more parking available.

The 22nd st location could be great. Heidelberg has coffee, sandwiches, etc. There is a pharmacy. Bunch of other random shops. The new Bob & Edith’s.

AND that section of Lee Hwy is up for redevelopment. So it could be a hotspot several years down the road...

It could be , but that’s a sub 5k lot that currently is walkable to 7-11, rental works, Arlington kabob, Taco Bell, swim store... given Arlington's pattern of development, I find it unlikely that Lee Hwys redevelopment will generate a Lee heights or westover type line of shops. Most likely it will be banks/chain stores/franchised food shops under apartments. And it will be still next to a major road, likely busier if 66 switches to HOV-3. Which is fine, as long as you know what you’re gambling for if you’re buying what is essentially a shotgun house for 1.2 mill

[Anonymous]

I was the 22nd st poster and coming here to totally admit mistake - I was moving too quickly and for some reason when I glanced at the map thought it was behind Lee heights shops which while still not ideal or walkable beyond that - provides a bit better options with crisp and juicy, Lebanese taverna, etc. and is a nice little row. I agree with others the location of the house is actually not going to be very enjoyable to walk - yeah you could walk to a couple things? But it’s not an area set up for it. I mean yeah bob and ediths will be coming etc but lee highway as it is now is not the most enjoyable to walk down. Though people are right they are planning updates but that is a ways off. Sorry for my error!!

[Anonymous]

I’d keep my eyes open for properties in the “West McLean” neighborhood of McLean north of Chain Bridge Road and south of Dolley Madison (that is the historic name of the neighborhood, but it’s just west of the center of McLean and not in western McLean out towards Great Falls). There are occasionally some newish homes with at least four bedrooms on smaller lots that go on the market for around $1.25M and it’s walkable to coffee shops and some other stores in McLean without having to cross a major road. That will also get you into the McLean schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d keep my eyes open for properties in the “West McLean” neighborhood of McLean north of Chain Bridge Road and south of Dolley Madison (that is the historic name of the neighborhood, but it’s just west of the center of McLean and not in western McLean out towards Great Falls). There are occasionally some newish homes with at least four bedrooms on smaller lots that go on the market for around $1.25M and it’s walkable to coffee shops and some other stores in McLean without having to cross a major road. That will also get you into the McLean schools.

Thank you for the suggestion, will look into it, sounds like it's fairly close to stuff to walk to, but I wonder if anyone actually walks in DT Mclean. Will have to visit more and drive around. Looking at walkability map someone posted here, DT Mclean seems like a pretty walkable pocket, same as walkable parts of Arlington, but the feel could be different, so need to see for myself in more detail, we haven't been there enough. I also realize that even if something isn't entirely pleasant to walk around and people still drive and nobody walks, it's still worth it to have this as an option as opposed to be walking distance to nothing. I am just trying to avoid certain situations, like what my close friends have in the suburbs of another metro area, where their visiting relatives are trapped in the house because there is nothing around and no sidewalks. Uber is also expensive if you have to take it frequently and the area doesn't have abundance of uber drivers at any hour of the day. We are going to have to make sacrifices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was the 22nd st poster and coming here to totally admit mistake - I was moving too quickly and for some reason when I glanced at the map thought it was behind Lee heights shops which while still not ideal or walkable beyond that - provides a bit better options with crisp and juicy, Lebanese taverna, etc. and is a nice little row. I agree with others the location of the house is actually not going to be very enjoyable to walk - yeah you could walk to a couple things? But it’s not an area set up for it. I mean yeah bob and ediths will be coming etc but lee highway as it is now is not the most enjoyable to walk down. Though people are right they are planning updates but that is a ways off. Sorry for my error!!

Hedelberg location is not bad: Hedelberg is a nice little shop with coffee, cookies and sandwiches, there is a community center with camps and classes and a nice playground right there, two blocks down, you have High View Park with open spaces and rec areas, you can easily walk to Lee Heights shops or to Lee Harrison Center, agree that Lee Hwy is not super pleasant, but not terrible, not that much traffic and has sidewalks.

[Anonymous]

I will give you the okay location, but I would not classify Lee Hwy as low traffic. It’s a major commuter artery, much busier than Washington blvd Or Wilson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d keep my eyes open for properties in the “West McLean” neighborhood of McLean north of Chain Bridge Road and south of Dolley Madison (that is the historic name of the neighborhood, but it’s just west of the center of McLean and not in western McLean out towards Great Falls). There are occasionally some newish homes with at least four bedrooms on smaller lots that go on the market for around $1.25M and it’s walkable to coffee shops and some other stores in McLean without having to cross a major road. That will also get you into the McLean schools.

Thank you for the suggestion, will look into it, sounds like it's fairly close to stuff to walk to, but I wonder if anyone actually walks in DT Mclean. Will have to visit more and drive around. Looking at walkability map someone posted here, DT Mclean seems like a pretty walkable pocket, same as walkable parts of Arlington, but the feel could be different, so need to see for myself in more detail, we haven't been there enough. I also realize that even if something isn't entirely pleasant to walk around and people still drive and nobody walks, it's still worth it to have this as an option as opposed to be walking distance to nothing. I am just trying to avoid certain situations, like what my close friends have in the suburbs of another metro area, where their visiting relatives are trapped in the house because there is nothing around and no sidewalks. Uber is also expensive if you have to take it frequently and the area doesn't have abundance of uber drivers at any hour of the day. We are going to have to make sacrifices.

Yeah I doubt there is a ton of walking in downtown Mclean just because of bigger roads and plentiful parking so easier to walk, but like you said may still be just enough of an option for you just for those situations with your relatives.

Another area I thought of is that weird pocket of falls church that feeds into Mclean schools. It looks like the Falls Church City amenities would be a hike (20-30 min about) but there would be sidewalks I think, not huge roads and falls church city once you get to broad street has a lot of options but you would still feed into Mclean. It's this little pocket on the edge of Falls church city in between that and Arlington that feeds into Mclean - if you look at houses on redfin there you can find some that feed there.

Here is an example of a recently sold: https://www.redfin.com/VA/Falls-Church/2238-Meridian-St-22046/home/9481081

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Falls-Church/6727-Haycock-Rd-22043/home/9481997

Again isn't going to be ideal walking and you probably wouldn't do it regularly, but for family stuck in the house could provide an option.

Falls Church City itself might also be something to add to your radar. Schools are great, many homes have great walkability, people report a great community. Biggest issue is the diversity factor.

Here are some recently sold with plenty walkable for your needs:

https://www.redfin.com/city/6952/VA/Falls-Church/filter/include=forsale+mlsfsbo+construction+fsbo+sold-6mo,viewport=38.89416:38.88147:-77.16723:-77.19027,no-outline

https://www.redfin.com/city/6952/VA/Falls-Church/filter/include=forsale+mlsfsbo+construction+fsbo+sold-6mo,viewport=38.89416:38.88147:-77.16723:-77.19027,no-outline

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Falls-Church/108-S-Spring-St-22046/home/12034123

It's a hard market because it's sought after and such a small area that you have to be patient - not a ton comes up. But take a drive down Broad street where the shops are and check that out as well. When looking on Redfin, you would want to make sure the house feeds into George Mason High school which is the only high school in Falls Church CITY if that's what you're looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d keep my eyes open for properties in the “West McLean” neighborhood of McLean north of Chain Bridge Road and south of Dolley Madison (that is the historic name of the neighborhood, but it’s just west of the center of McLean and not in western McLean out towards Great Falls). There are occasionally some newish homes with at least four bedrooms on smaller lots that go on the market for around $1.25M and it’s walkable to coffee shops and some other stores in McLean without having to cross a major road. That will also get you into the McLean schools.

Thank you for the suggestion, will look into it, sounds like it's fairly close to stuff to walk to, but I wonder if anyone actually walks in DT Mclean. Will have to visit more and drive around. Looking at walkability map someone posted here, DT Mclean seems like a pretty walkable pocket, same as walkable parts of Arlington, but the feel could be different, so need to see for myself in more detail, we haven't been there enough. I also realize that even if something isn't entirely pleasant to walk around and people still drive and nobody walks, it's still worth it to have this as an option as opposed to be walking distance to nothing. I am just trying to avoid certain situations, like what my close friends have in the suburbs of another metro area, where their visiting relatives are trapped in the house because there is nothing around and no sidewalks. Uber is also expensive if you have to take it frequently and the area doesn't have abundance of uber drivers at any hour of the day. We are going to have to make sacrifices.

As a McLean resident the neighborhood described above is the best for walking in town for single family homes. Within a few blocks are groceries, restaurants, multiple coffee shops, cleaners, Total Wine and ABC store, public library, community center and Alden theater, parks etc. I drive through downtown McLean multiple times each day and see people out. There is also bus lines that will take you directly to Metro. If you need to drive as I do because I am not within easy walking distance, there is ample parking unlike many locations in Arlington.