where to live on HHI of 170 so kids are economically in the middle

[Anonymous]

Don't want them the poorest kids in the neighborhood (that is what they are now in our tiny condo in cleveland park). Need commute of 30 minutes or less by car to private school in Bethesda during rush hour. Need doable (not top notch) public schools in case we can't afford private down the road. And unless we are in NW DC, need to be 15 minute or less walk to metro.

Don't need a big house (1,100 sq ft. - fine; 1 bathroom - fine; two bd room as long as it has a loft or den or finished basement for a third bedroom -fine), but don't want to be in a shoebox amidst mansions because I don't think that economic disparity will be good for kids. 500,000-600,000 is our budget.

Does this neighborhood exist?

[Anonymous]

Fairfax County, VA. A lot of federal workers live in this area because of its very good public schools -- which will save you the cost of privates.

You can buy 1950s ramblers at good prices within your range in the McLean HS area of McLean, VA. There are a lot of families similarly situated in the McLean HS pyramid.

[Anonymous]

I would want to live in the best neighborhood I could afford, even if I could only afford the smallest house on the block. I disagree that economic disparity is bad for kids. It really does not need to be an issue if you don't make it an issue. With that said, you could probably find a small house in Bethesda or Chevy Chase that would put you in excellent public school districts.

[Anonymous]

Takoma Park!

[Anonymous]

Or silver spring

[Anonymous]

Takoma Park. Studies support you, OP, that being on the lower end of income disparity and seeing much greater wealth around you does not lead to good outcomes or attitudes. Better to be in a narrower range with gradual transitions so that there are a variety of incomes around you but not stark disparities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County, VA. A lot of federal workers live in this area because of its very good public schools -- which will save you the cost of privates.

You can buy 1950s ramblers at good prices within your range in the McLean HS area of McLean, VA. There are a lot of families similarly situated in the McLean HS pyramid.

With a HHI of $170k? Are you certain?

And no, not trying to pick a fight, I live in McLean too.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do an inner suburb. You will be very disappointed when you see the number of knock downs. Many inner suburbs are changing very, very quickly, and many "middle class" (for this area) families are having a hard time coping, and consequently are moving further out so they can be with like families. Not necessarily demographically, but socioeconomically "like".

If you become insecure, you might resent the big, new houses and they may cause you undue grief and anxiety. Do you want to open your front door every day and see a big stone house with a 3 car garage? If you are a secure person, it may get the best of you. If you are an insecure person, you will become hostile.

OP specifically stated that she wants her children to grow up "in the middle of" whatever population she resides - she does not want to feel like an outcast, nor does she want her children to feel such. She is very wise, indeed. Children know when you *feel* you do not belong - let no one else dictate this for you, you need to be *honest* with yourself.

If this was 1992 I would respond differently, but inevitable changes abound, and are not always so welcoming. Since OP asked directly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County, VA. A lot of federal workers live in this area because of its very good public schools -- which will save you the cost of privates.

You can buy 1950s ramblers at good prices within your range in the McLean HS area of McLean, VA. There are a lot of families similarly situated in the McLean HS pyramid.

With a HHI of $170k? Are you certain?

And no, not trying to pick a fight, I live in McLean too.

I think that McLean is ideal. I also live here and, yes, there are many families in the modest rambler neighborhoods surrounding McLean HS whose parent(s) work for the federal government.

Not only are the McLean pyramid schools the very best in Fairfax County, but it is an excellent investment as these neighborhoods continue to appreciate and be converted into teardown havens. Also, having your kids surrounded by some measure of wealthier families makes for great future connections, and teaches them to study and work hard as they aspire to some of what they see around them.

[Anonymous]

Burke.

[Anonymous]

pimmit hills and shreve although pimmit has slightly better elementaries but they are both good.

http://www.redfin.com/homes-for-sale#!market=dc&max_price=600000®ion_id=8746®ion_type=2&uipt=1&v=8

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County, VA. A lot of federal workers live in this area because of its very good public schools -- which will save you the cost of privates.

You can buy 1950s ramblers at good prices within your range in the McLean HS area of McLean, VA. There are a lot of families similarly situated in the McLean HS pyramid.

With a HHI of $170k? Are you certain?

And no, not trying to pick a fight, I live in McLean too.

I think that McLean is ideal. I also live here and, yes, there are many families in the modest rambler neighborhoods surrounding McLean HS whose parent(s) work for the federal government.

Not only are the McLean pyramid schools the very best in Fairfax County, but it is an excellent investment as these neighborhoods continue to appreciate and be converted into teardown havens. Also, having your kids surrounded by some measure of wealthier families makes for great future connections, and teaches them to study and work hard as they aspire to some of what they see around them.

that's BS homes start at 700 in mclean now. http://www.redfin.com/VA/Mc-Lean/1716-Linwood-Pl-22101/home/9403851

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County, VA. A lot of federal workers live in this area because of its very good public schools -- which will save you the cost of privates.

You can buy 1950s ramblers at good prices within your range in the McLean HS area of McLean, VA. There are a lot of families similarly situated in the McLean HS pyramid.

With a HHI of $170k? Are you certain?

And no, not trying to pick a fight, I live in McLean too.

I think that McLean is ideal. I also live here and, yes, there are many families in the modest rambler neighborhoods surrounding McLean HS whose parent(s) work for the federal government.

Not only are the McLean pyramid schools the very best in Fairfax County, but it is an excellent investment as these neighborhoods continue to appreciate and be converted into teardown havens. Also, having your kids surrounded by some measure of wealthier families makes for great future connections, and teaches them to study and work hard as they aspire to some of what they see around them.

I live on Turkey Run, so the other side (Langley pyramid), and am less familiar with that side of McLean. I see your point--and obviously we like McLean, as we live here. I just thought that it might not be doable on $170k, but what do I know? So..OP, listen to the PP and check it out!

[Anonymous]

30 minutes or less by car to private school in Bethesda during rush hour-

This cancels out most VA neighborhoods, especially on 170k HHI.

[Anonymous]

Arlington Forest.