Safe neighborhoods in DC
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Anonymous
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I am looking into parts of DC that would be a good fit for my family--me, husband, baby, dog. We have under $600k to spend, so obviously can't afford most of NW west of the park or near-in Cap Hill.
We are mid-late 30s/early 40s, democrats but not crazily liberal, not very religious, Caucasian, don't work for government or nonprofits. We are both products of northern Virginia--my husband has always lived in the suburbs, I have lived in Arlington (north and south) for most of my adult life. My husband isn't as tolerant of the "up and coming" vibe as I am--he isn't comfortable on H St NE for instance. I have heard that the areas around CUA are very family-friendly, would like other suggestions of family-friendly neighborhoods. We want to be safe both while at home as well as walking the dog at night (ideally we would have a fenced in yard, but realize that may not happen...just dont want to take the elevator up and down multiple times each day with a 75 lb dog, esp now that we have a baby). We have owned homes that we had to fix-up/remodel and are kind of over it, so want somewhere we don't have to do more than easy stuff like new paint, appliances, landscaping, get new flooring put in if necessary, etc. We would like to be able to walk to the store, restaurants, etc. And really want to live somewhere that we will get to know our neighbors and make friends. Thanks in advance! |
Anonymous
| Glover Park sounds perfect for you. Lots of young families with babies and dogs, and you can walk to Whole Foods, CVS, and tons of restaurants. I THINK you can get something in that price range in GP, is that correct, other posters? |
Anonymous
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Most GP townhouses are in the $700-$900k range, but you may be able to find something for $600k. It's worth a look because the neighborhood would definitely fit your bill. Also look in Burleith (small area between GP and GTown).
Is Columbia Heights too up and coming for your DH? May be worth a look as well. |
Anonymous
Not likely to find a TH in these neighborhoods for under $600K. A TH in GP that is a MAJOR fixer upper might be priced in the mid-600s. I would seriously consider NoVa or parts of Silver Spring. The problem with good neighborhoods in DC is that although the elementary schools can be quite good, they get iffy as you get higher up in grades. |
Anonymous
| Columbia Heights is still pretty stabby. What about Takoma, DC? |
Anonymous
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The area around CUA is Brookland, and it sounds like a great fit for you. Very gentrified and family friendly, and you can find a gorgeous, huge, renovated house with a yard for under $600k.
The safest/nicest parts are east of 9th street and north of Irving, close to the metro. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| I think you should look in VA where it is "safe." |
Anonymous
Assuming that you are interested in public schools, I would reconsider Brookland. |
Anonymous
| Agree that Brookland sounds great for you, but you didn't mention schools. Are you willing to go private if you don't get into any charters? FWIW, everyone I know in Brookland has gotten into a decent charter but it is a stressful process. Brookland is so cute and family friendly otherwise. |
Anonymous
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OP, your DH needs to get comfortable with transitioning neighborhoods in DC, because they're all over. It's part of living in the city. Yes, you can live in GP or another staid neighborhood, but you can't leave it and enjoy all the city has to offer.
If he can't do that, do us all a favor and stay in VA. Usually I WANT people to live in and enjoy the city, but not like that (piecemeal picking and choosing b/c of being a "scaredy cat." That's just ridiculous). |
Anonymous
| Check in boundary for Maury on Cap Hill. We live near there. My neighbors walk their dog in the evening with no problems. |
Anonymous
Oh, brother. Why do you care? If they move and hate it, no sweat off your back. If they move and love it, still no sweat off your back. |
Anonymous
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21:24, why the disdain for people with reasonable expectations about safety? Now if they start getting sniffy about say Shepherd Park, you might have a point, but Columbia Heights/Near Northeast/Trinidad aren't exactly 100% regarded as safe.
I'd be looking east of the park, toward the tippy-top of DC but north of Missouri. Shepherd Park, 16th Street Heights, Takoma DC. Colonial Village. I'd check spotcrime if I were you, it seems most of the crime was maybe a block away from the MD/VA border (quick getaway?), or close to the major arteries (e.g. New Hampshire Ave.) |
Anonymous
Ha! |
Anonymous
+1 -- also Brookland and Michigan Park in NE. I don't think you can get into Colonial Village for $600, but definitely Shepherd Park. |