Thinking of Moving to MoCo for schools - please advise

[Anonymous]

I live on Cap Hill, have a rising 1st grader and a 4 year old (who in DC would be going into full-day PK4).
I am thinking about moving to Western Bethesda for the schools, somewhere in the Whitman area. My DH is very concerned about his commute, and the costs involved in moving itself. I am very worried about Cap Hill schools. I am aware that my 4 year old would miss out on PK if we move, but that is a one-year issue. If we stay in DC we are inbound to Watkins / Stuart Hobson / Eastern.
Wondering if anyone out there has gone through this process and can advise?

[Anonymous]

Why do you want to move to Bethesda in particular? There are parts of Montgomery County where the commute would be more convenient.

[Anonymous]

Where does your DH work?

What is your budget, and what are your priorities (in addition to the commute)?

[Anonymous]

This is OP. DH works near SW waterfront. So, was thinking River Road. Other parts of MoCo I should be thinking of? Really it is schools and commute. Hoping to spend less than $800,000

[Anonymous]

We are moving. We have younger kids and a larger budget, but my husband and I are both done with the city and the ridiculous DC schools lotter system. I want a yard, some peace and quiet, and schools that will be better than "just okay." We are looking farther out - Wooton or Churchill school districts - but it's very much worth it to us.

[Anonymous]

Yes, please bring us your tax dollars.

[Anonymous]

My husband works in Southwest, too. Why not look in Fairfax County? Is there a reason for MoCo? I mean, we live in Rockville, but my job is here. That's the main reason.

[Anonymous]

Dear OP. The commute is awful and only gets worse. THere is a data driven reason why DC is always listed as one of the top 3 worst commuting regions in the nation. If you take the metro - redline delays happen all the time. If you drive conn/wisconsim/beach drive can be a parking lot.

I live close to beach drive near the tip of DC and my commute to SW is typically 1 hour (if I time things). Before you buy - have your DH hike out early one morning and commute in on a Wed (peak traffic) and see what happens.

Figure out the nuts and bolts of the commute from each area and do the hard math on if it works for your family. you will see much less of him. I frequently only get to kiss my sleepy child goodnight when i fly in the door at 7:15 having left work at 5:45.

If he can suck it up - cause there ain't no sugar coating it is hard - it might be worth it.

Long story short - make sure you love the house, love the school, love every aspect of the community because if either of you are unhappy with the choice that might be a hard burden to carry in the marriage.

If your DH has flexibility - either going in way early (leaving house between 7-7:45) or driving home around 7 Pm= the commute time is less.

[Anonymous]

We live in the Whitman district just over the DC line (off Mass) and the commute from there really isn't bad. I can get to Capitol Hill/SW in 30 mins leaving at 7:40 am. The return trip is longer but usually not terrible. It does make a difference where you are. Being off Mass or River or Macarthur isn't bad since you've got a straight shot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in the Whitman district just over the DC line (off Mass) and the commute from there really isn't bad. I can get to Capitol Hill/SW in 30 mins leaving at 7:40 am. The return trip is longer but usually not terrible. It does make a difference where you are. Being off Mass or River or Macarthur isn't bad since you've got a straight shot.

Agree. We live in Bannockburn close to MacArthur and it's pretty convenient to everything--it's nice to be so close to 495 and 270 as well. I work in SW and take the metro so I can read. If metro is cooperative, it's a 40-45 minute trip (including the drive to a garage near the metro), including a switch at Metro Center. My less lazy co-workers just stay on the red line and walk from Judiciary Square or Union Station. I am very happy with my commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you want to move to Bethesda in particular? There are parts of Montgomery County where the commute would be more convenient.

How can you know that when OP hasn't indicated where her DH works?

I live in Bethesda in part because of commute, and people here often imply that Silver Spring is just as convenient, so I must be lying about my reasons. I work in Tenleytown, my childcare (Grandma, so not looking to change it) is in Friendship Heights and I don't drive. Silver Spring would not be a comparable commute.

[Anonymous]

Are your jobs near the Metro? Metro is MUCH faster for me, driving in from Takoma to Capitol Hill. If Metro is doable, you would need to take the red line from either of the two ends - Bethesda or SS/Takoma and then switch at Metro Center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you take the metro - redline delays happen all the time.

I take the Red Line in from Shady Grove everyday, and I rarely experience any delays. It's actually a pretty relaxing commute with low stress IMO given you always get an inside seat.

[Anonymous]

I'd stay put personally. Save the commute, and put the time and effort into making your inbound school a great place. Have faith that your parenting and opportunities you can provide your children are what really matters in the end. Your kids will be ok, and have more time with you given the shorter commute.

[Anonymous]

Good luck with that.