Divorced Dad condo

[Anonymous]

I am moving out. Work near McPherson Square and need to find a two bedroom condo or apartment as close as possible to work so that I can spend as much of my custody time as possible with my kid. Pretty flexible on price since I make enough money and this is something that is worth spending on.

[Anonymous]

And your question is...?

[Anonymous]

Go on Redfin? There's some good deals on condos on Q Street in Georgetown (right near the bridge to Dupont) and Lanier Heights.

[Anonymous]

Where does your kid live? Maybe live near him?

[Anonymous]

There's tons of places on Mass Ave close to Thomas Circle - walking distance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And your question is...?

I am looking for an apartment and thought some people here might have suggestions of buildings or neighborhoods nearby. We moved here a year and a half ago and bought in the suburbs immediately. There's no good reason to live far out near where Ex lives since DC is an infant so no school, activities or friends need to factor in right now and the nanny is going to travel with DC. Given that, I think it makes sense to trim my commute as much as possible so that when DC is with me I can go straight home and relieve the nanny and maximize my time with DC. I have never apartment hunted in this city and have spent the last year-and-a-half working and then in the suburbs evenings and weekends so don't yet know the area much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's tons of places on Mass Ave close to Thomas Circle - walking distance.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

How old is kid? Do you want to rent or buy? It does tend to be easier if you stay as near your ex's house as possible. I see your logic about being near work but consider you will likely be doing some school/daycare pickups as well. Other than that I would think about apts near kid friendly parks, or a pool, and buildings with other kids. Glover park, cathedral heights, and tenleytown all have rental buildings with loads of kids in the apt buildings (because the local schools there are good.). I would worry less about a five minute commute and focus on a place your kid will really feel comfortable in. If they see other kids live there it helps a lot, and they may even make friends. Also some kid friendly buildings in friendship heights. If your kid is a teenager obviously this is not such a big deal. Sorry for the tough circumstance but congrats on trying to make the best of it for your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is kid? Do you want to rent or buy? It does tend to be easier if you stay as near your ex's house as possible. I see your logic about being near work but consider you will likely be doing some school/daycare pickups as well. Other than that I would think about apts near kid friendly parks, or a pool, and buildings with other kids. Glover park, cathedral heights, and tenleytown all have rental buildings with loads of kids in the apt buildings (because the local schools there are good.). I would worry less about a five minute commute and focus on a place your kid will really feel comfortable in. If they see other kids live there it helps a lot, and they may even make friends. Also some kid friendly buildings in friendship heights. If your kid is a teenager obviously this is not such a big deal. Sorry for the tough circumstance but congrats on trying to make the best of it for your kid.

Kid is 11 months and has a beloved nanny who has committed to going back and forth between houses to provide consistency, so school/daycare not an issue for a few years. Ideally would like to rent for a while as we figure it out then buy closer to Ex in a few years when school will come into play, but not opposed to buying and selling later on. Good point about kid-friendly ammenities/neighborhood since DC is starting to get more active and need more time playing outside and so on.

[Anonymous]

I'd get a real estate agent pronto. They are going to be able to take you to see actual places and give more specific leads than DCUM. Since money is not an issue, any sort of broker fee you may have to pay for a rental is going to be worth the time you save from doing all this research yourself.

Good luck to you. Kudos to you for your commitment to providing a stable environment for your child. Please also do everything you can to remain a civil relationship with your ex. That's going to provide much more stability and happiness than condo ameneties.

-Child of divorce

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd get a real estate agent pronto. They are going to be able to take you to see actual places and give more specific leads than DCUM. Since money is not an issue, any sort of broker fee you may have to pay for a rental is going to be worth the time you save from doing all this research yourself.

Good luck to you. Kudos to you for your commitment to providing a stable environment for your child. Please also do everything you can to remain a civil relationship with your ex. That's going to provide much more stability and happiness than condo ameneties.

-Child of divorce

Thanks for this. It is definitely difficult but hopefully we can both focus on putting our DC first in all of this.

[Anonymous]

You should focus on Thomas Circle and Logan Circle. Lots of options around there and you are only a few blocks north of McPherson Square so very walkable. I wouldn't go as far west as Dupont Circle because its on the red line and the closest metro stop to your work is Blue/Orange/Silver.

One of the closest high-end options is the Camden Grand Parc at 910 15th Street. Its on the square so very very close to your job.

[Anonymous]

Capitol Hill has lots of young families, parks and a nicely organized parent community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Capitol Hill has lots of young families, parks and a nicely organized parent community.

And few apartment buildings, let alone two bedroom apartments. Also not "as close as possible" to McPherson square per OP. Could easily be a 40 minute commute, depending.

[Anonymous]

Second the Logan Circle area. There are a number of playgrounds, the JCC, playgroups, music classes etc. for activities for your nanny during the work day and you for your days off. Its a surprisingly kid friendly area for young children and a great choice because you don't have to worry about schools down the road. Plus lots of restaurants and close to other activities for the new you time (which will be an adjustment and I don't think you should discount).