Help a single parent find the right neighborhood and school (MD)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has provided advice and input! It is sincerely appreciated. I'm going to look into all of the neighborhoods that were suggested.

Yes, Kemp Mill, while I'm sure a lovely place, does not sound like what I'm looking for.

I had no idea childcare, camps, etc. were so expensive. That's definitely something I'll need to factor in.

Has anyone gone through a similar situation to mine? I have $200k for a down-payment and was approved for a $315k mortgage. Would this be too aggressive on my salary in this area?

A $315K mortgage doesn't sound like a lot, but add it to the $200K and you have a good chunk of money to work with.

I agree with the PPs that I would do a condo or townhouse. Why bother with the hassle of a SFH as a single mom. I'm married and find the work/upkeep associated with a SFH to be a pain!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has provided advice and input! It is sincerely appreciated. I'm going to look into all of the neighborhoods that were suggested.

Yes, Kemp Mill, while I'm sure a lovely place, does not sound like what I'm looking for.

I had no idea childcare, camps, etc. were so expensive. That's definitely something I'll need to factor in.

Has anyone gone through a similar situation to mine? I have $200k for a down-payment and was approved for a $315k mortgage. Would this be too aggressive on my salary in this area?

Our mortgage is about $240K, monthly payment around $1100. Obviously, your monthly payment will be higher with a $315K mortgage. Can you afford that plus insurance and tax at 80K salary? I would be surprised if that's comfortably doable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a ton of inventory at your target price, but occasionally a great house will come up in the neighborhood right around Rosemary Hills elementary -- walkable to Silver Spring and you get RH/NCC/new Middle School/BCC for your boundaries. Rock Creek Forest area might also be good for your requirements. Good luck!

Just saw a "Coming Soon" on a similar down the street from this listing (this one is under contract): https://www.redfin.com/MD/Silver-Spring/8600-Sundale-Dr-20910/home/10997344

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd look in Rockville, Potomac Woods, Woodley Gardens, New Mark Commons, College Gardens....they all have what you are looking for.

+1 on this recommendation. These are all highly diverse areas with a large culturally Jewish population. JCC is nearby. Schools are good. Access to highway and transportation is good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not a ton of inventory at your target price, but occasionally a great house will come up in the neighborhood right around Rosemary Hills elementary -- walkable to Silver Spring and you get RH/NCC/new Middle School/BCC for your boundaries. Rock Creek Forest area might also be good for your requirements. Good luck!

Just saw a "Coming Soon" on a similar down the street from this listing (this one is under contract): https://www.redfin.com/MD/Silver-Spring/8600-Sundale-Dr-20910/home/10997344

That goes on the market on 3/21 and will be $519,900.

[Anonymous]

If it were me, I'd look into townhouses in Potomac/close in Rockville. Close drive to Bethesda and townhouse communities are full of kids playing outside. Usually have a good sense of community; pool on property, etc. Close in Silver Spring is also very nice. We used to live there and my dd went to K-2 at Woodlin. We LOVED Woodlin (elementary classroom sizes were smaller) and had friends who also loved their SS elementary schools (We liked Woodlin more than the elementary we ended up moving to in Bethesda.) Finding a small house very near a park in SS would provide a good sense of community for the kids. We moved, though, because Bethesda/Potomac schools are stronger once you move into middle school. I'd lean toward a townhouse in a better middle school district if this is a long term plan to avoid disruption later on. Though if you think this will be a 'temporary' move in any case, then it may not be such a big deal, and SS is very nice!

[Anonymous]

I have a house in 20895, just off Capital View and walking distance to parks, the elementary school, and in a wonderfully friendly neighborhood with lots of young kids.

I'll be renting or selling it and it would be in your price range OP (SFH, small, 3 BR, 2 BA, great patio and yard.)

I can't speak to the religious demographics but it's a culturally diverse and very friendly neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

I would choose Rosemary Hills or Silver Chase (townhomes and older single-family houses around Grubb rd) which is technically Chevy Chase but not Chevy Chase prices). I would choose this over some of the others because there is great access to buses and bike trails. As a single-mom, it will help make your life easier. High-schooler can get home from after-school activities easily. Middle-schooler takes bus to two activities after-school and I sometimes pick-up but she can take bus home as well. Buses are free from 2-8 week-days with Youth pass. good luck

[Anonymous]

You should look
http://registration.bar-t.com/School-Year
To see if Bar-T offers before and after care at the school that you are interested in. My DD attended it only in the mornings, and while it wasn't cheap, I think it was around 250$ per month. Rates are different at different schools, but this might save money as kid doesn't need to be transported and picked up by daycare and makes logistics much easier. They also have camps. Good luck! And welcome to the area!

[Anonymous]

Every school with have a BAR-T or an equivalent provider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every school with have a BAR-T or an equivalent provider.

Indeed, and even if you don't like the provider, there are usually buses to other before and after care providers.

[Anonymous]

I think your budget can work. Do you have any other debt?

[Anonymous]

There are affordable townhomes within walking distance of College Gardens. Rockville area.

[Anonymous]

I second College Gardens!

[Anonymous]

Rachel Carson area in Gaithersburg would fit your needs. Fairly Jewish area. Solid HS in Quince Orchard. There are townhouses / condos in the Kentlands area for your budget. Good luck!