anyone raising kids in condos in upper NW?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where do you keep bikes, scooters, sleds etc if you live in a Condo permanently? Yes I know let people do it but there’s something to be said for having a garage/shed to put that kind of stuff in.

we have bike rakes in the garage. there are also storage rooms and we keep some stuff our terrace. most condo buildings take these issues into account.

[Anonymous]

I feel bad for kids living in apartments because their parents can’t give up living in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel bad for kids living in apartments because their parents can’t give up living in DC.

Okay. My kid loves our apartment, being close to everything, and most importantly that we have hours together in the morning and evening because nobody has long commutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel bad for kids living in apartments because their parents can’t give up living in DC.

Okay. My kid loves our apartment, being close to everything, and most importantly that we have hours together in the morning and evening because nobody has long commutes.

My kid is jealous of her friends that live in apartments. Some of those buildings on Conn Ave are really nice!

[Anonymous]

Kid me would have loved to grow up in an upscale condo with a rooftop pool and community playroom, being able to visit friends without having to leave the building. Kid me would not have known that such an apartment would be considered low class. Kid me grew up in the suburbs, and even then I did not have a bike AND a scooter AND a sled. My parents thought one bike was plenty sufficient for all of my outdoor locomotion.

[Anonymous]

My kid grew up in a centrally-located condo in DC but spent plenty of time in Upper NW because most of her friends lived there-- both in condos and houses. This is not an unusual choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With home prices so crazy is anyone planning to just raise kids in condos in upper NW? We are renters right now and had been looking for a home but are basically priced out of the areas that we want to live in (inbounds for either Hardy or Deal). Considering looking at larger older condos instead. Would love to hear any experiences you've had with this.

The stretch from Glover Park to Mclean via Cathedral Heights has plenty of family friendly buildings (tip-avoid the the buildings directly on Wisconsin). Half my kids' friends and classmates live in such condos (Stoddert/Hardy). Some of the condos even feel more spacious than our row house! Move fast on McLean gardens, I have a feeling that prices are going to go up after city ridge/wegmans is built out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel bad for kids living in apartments because their parents can’t give up living in DC.

Lol. I wish my parents didn't move to the exurbs. I wish I lived in the same building as my friends.

Keep in mind that the most common cause of death for kids is being in a car crash, which is twice as common in the suburbs/exurbs.

[Anonymous]

I am in my 20s now and grew up as a city kid; I can't imagine adolescence in a place where you don't have access to (genuine) walkability and public transit. Especially given how few places are bikeable these days. Are you just chained to adults until you get your license/car? You can't even go to, like, starbucks with your friends? I think there are real advantages to raising kids in a dense environment that are worth the tradeoff in sq ft. For older kids, parks are much more fun than yards anyways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kid me would have loved to grow up in an upscale condo with a rooftop pool and community playroom, being able to visit friends without having to leave the building. Kid me would not have known that such an apartment would be considered low class. Kid me grew up in the suburbs, and even then I did not have a bike AND a scooter AND a sled. My parents thought one bike was plenty sufficient for all of my outdoor locomotion.

Same here. I grew up sledding in a laundry basket and wearing rubber gloves.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Another benefit to go to living as your kids get older is metro access. Condos are often much closer to the metro and from upper NW, kids can get to activities and friends homes more easily in their own. It encourages independence and decreases the need for them to be in cars. It’s great.

Also, if you are interested in any of the application high schools, they are mostly pretty metro accessible and that could be a lot more convenient than some of the neighborhoods in UNW, where you will have to rely on your car or Uber.

I think condo living with kids is only going to become more common in DC. Which is good— it means more kids in the district snd more tax dollars flowing to the schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- anything other than Mclean Gardens seem especially family friendly? While we definitely like aspects of that community, having half of the unit be in the basement is off putting. Seems like any of the 2+ BR/2+ BA units are like this.

Sutton Place would fit your needs. Plus it's a more "traditional" town home style living.

We love it but will be moving soon due to job change. TONS of young families in the neighborhood and walking distance to Mann.

I'll sell you our place

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel bad for kids living in apartments because their parents can’t give up living in DC.

Well, let’s see. There’s the swimming pool on the roof, the restaurants, shops, and rec centers within walking distance, and the freedom to travel independently via bus and Metro when many suburban kids have to wait for their parents to chauffeur them. Funny how different options have different advantages and suit different people.

[Anonymous]

Yes! We love it. Kid is a teen now and has easy access to public transit, parks, school activities, seeing friends. We are so central we have a steady stream of kids stopping by after school or on weekends. We have short commutes and more time for family. It’s been a great choice for us and we’re staying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel bad for kids living in apartments because their parents can’t give up living in DC.

Well, let’s see. There’s the swimming pool on the roof, the restaurants, shops, and rec centers within walking distance, and the freedom to travel independently via bus and Metro when many suburban kids have to wait for their parents to chauffeur them. Funny how different options have different advantages and suit different people.

I know, right!?!

My parents live in a condo in the DMV - not DC so it won't work for OP - and the amenities make the place like going on vacation. There are: two pools (one indoors and one outdoors), a bowling alley, a fully-outfitted gym, tennis courts, swing sets and tot lot play areas, picnic areas, walking trails through wooded areas, hobby rooms, party rooms, a convenience store, a cafe that delivers with no delivery charge, walk to the metro or take the condo bus if you prefer, etc. There may be a putting green but don't quote me on that. And for the parents there is garage parking for 1 car with outside parking for all your other vehicles. In a gated community.

Like, what's not to love??? And, yes, I realize not all condos are alike and so not all of them will have the same amenities but not all SFH are the same, either. They all have pros and cons.