Is Wheaton safe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Leisureworld (huge gated retirement community) is just 10 minutes up the road from Wheaton. They have a wide range of housing options from co-ops, condos, townhouses and SFHs. It's hassle-free living.

My ILs live in Leisure World and it's more than ten minutes up the road.

I think Leisure World is the stupidest idea ever - who thought of putting all those seniors in a place without public transport of any kind? FIL (age 85) is still driving, but really shouldn't be. There is no other way to get around out there.

There is a shuttle that regularly takes folks to the subway. My very active aunt and uncle live there and love it.

Yes, I know that, and that's no help for people who need to get to the grocery store, the doctor's office, the drugstore, etc. If the whole point of Leisure World is housing for seniors, it should be set up *for seniors* (who at some point should stop driving).

There is a grocery store RIGHT THERE!

Yes, I know. As I said earlier, my ILs live there. They are not close enough to the grocery store to walk there. Not at their ages.

[Anonymous]

Wheaton has great ethnic restaurants. I used to live in Wheaton, now live further east in Silver Spring. If driving is a main concern, I think a condo in Downtown Silver Spring would be a better bet than living in Wheaton. Wheaton is not that walkable. Downtown Silver spring is more walkable. I think the distance to you in Chevy Chase should be secondary to walkable region. Also a townhouse (with stairs) is not the best solution for folks getting older. It is better to live in a place without stairs, like a condo which has an elevator.

[Anonymous]

I live in Silver Spring near Wheaton and think downtown Silver Spring would be great for elderly couple. Grocery stores, movie theaters, farmer's market, Metro that truly are walk-able.

[Anonymous]

I too live not far from Wheaton (Layhill area) and would instead vote for a condo in downtown SS at that age. Much more walkable if you take into account nice places to go. Although many have said Wheaton is very walkable and it's true that it does have a fair number of restaurants in the "downtown" area, frankly, most seem like pretty run down places (and yes, I've gone in and eaten at a few). We frequently drive past Wheaton to Downtown SS since it's just much nicer and the restaurants are nicer.

Although they are SLOWLY planning a "revitalization" of Wheaton, most residents and businesses point to downtown SS was the wrong way to go, despite how nice that is, which to me seems to indicate the redevelopment is not all that likely to change the look, feel and make-up of the businesses in Wheaton - unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

I'd say stay closer to Kensington - many houses for around $400-450 in better neighborhoods.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of nice neighborhoods in Wheaton, and it is conveniently located to many other areas/shopping hubs. There's a large senior population as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering what people's feeling were about Wheaton an its safety. My 70ish parents want to buy a townhouse here so they can be closer to their grandchildren. We live in North Chevy Chase, close to Kensington, so for their budget (<$450K) to get something "nice" - renovated a bit or somewhat new), they can get a lot more in Wheaton and still be 15 minutes away. I just don't know that area well - seems to be a lot of strip centers and not that pretty in the central area but the neighborhood streets seem fine. My biggest issue is safety though. Any thoughts on that and where the neighborhood s headed in general? Thanks.

If they're in their 70s, I'd suggest a nice condo closer in. no steps, walk to shopping - And you can get one w/in that price range.

A friend just purchased a condo at Midtown for that price range. (very secure building that's absolutely gorgeous) She's in the heart of the "city" and loves the convenience. Plus, it's two seconds away from Kensington.

[Anonymous]

no. look at the crime rates. drive around and see for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Folks, this is an ancient thread. Not sure why the PP resurrected it.

[Anonymous]

Someone was just abducted from the Giant in Wheaton a week or two ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone was just abducted from the Giant in Wheaton a week or two ago.

Nothing bad ever happens in Bethesda, right?

[Anonymous]

wasn't wheaton mall the place where a 70 year old man was car jacked?

[Anonymous]

Yes but the man was caught. It was random and could have happened anywhere.