So tired of the crappy housing stock in the DMV combined with skyrocketing prices

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Yes I live in NYC and grew up around DC. I see what you mean but kind of depends on the specific town, though? There are nice ones as you describe but also a lot of run of the mill ones. “Northeast” covers a large area and a lot of it still just looks like suburbs to me…

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

[Anonymous]

If all of you are so unhappy here, why do you stay? Why not move to another city or location that's more appealing to you?

You can also update the outside of a house to make it more visually appealing. I don't see many people in this area making the effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Yes I live in NYC and grew up around DC. I see what you mean but kind of depends on the specific town, though? There are nice ones as you describe but also a lot of run of the mill ones. “Northeast” covers a large area and a lot of it still just looks like suburbs to me…

Yes, of course there are some ugly suburbs in the northeast for sure. The difference to me is that there are also lots of very very nice ones. The DMV has literally none. There are some pockets of beautiful parts in Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Great Falls, but they are surrounded by sprawl and lack community. Just look at all the threads here of people moving to the DMV looking for a nice town. There are none. Even the south is better with their big homogenous developments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Oh please, comparing suburbs to suburbs there is barely any difference. I grew up in what is considered a nice town in NJ and it was full of split levels and bi levels and so-called McMansions just like here.

Sure, wealthy towns in Westchester and Fairfield County have some beautiful homes. So do wealthy areas here... not as many, but the do.

Disagree! I had previous house hunted on Long Island and in CT/Westchester suburbs. I’m also familiar with the burns in 2 other east coast cities. I couldn’t believe how terrible the housing and how ugly the suburbs are in DC. I ended up moving to another city because I couldn’t spend 2 million dollars on an ugly house near strip malls and a four lane highway. There is a huge difference between DMV suburbs and the ones in NY, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston etc.

That’s so interesting, I’ve never thought about that. Im the PP in NYC so I’m probably so used to living in ugly looking buildings in big cities that I don’t know what is attractive or not

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Yes I live in NYC and grew up around DC. I see what you mean but kind of depends on the specific town, though? There are nice ones as you describe but also a lot of run of the mill ones. “Northeast” covers a large area and a lot of it still just looks like suburbs to me…

Yes, of course there are some ugly suburbs in the northeast for sure. The difference to me is that there are also lots of very very nice ones. The DMV has literally none. There are some pockets of beautiful parts in Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Great Falls, but they are surrounded by sprawl and lack community. Just look at all the threads here of people moving to the DMV looking for a nice town. There are none. Even the south is better with their big homogenous developments.

+1 when we moved here I was looking for the Scarsdale/Greenwich of the DMV and it doesn't exist. I thought Chevy Chase would be it, but it doesn't even have a town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- sorry, I realized I failed to include the link!

https://bungalowsandcottages.com/properties/listing/crmls/AR22260198/Monrovia/216-Monroe-Place

That is a stinking cute house.

It is, but look at the house next door. Boring bungalow. Most of CA suburbs homes are boring bungalows. I used to live in Socal for 25 years. I lived in a few of the boring bungalows, and one really cute spanish bungalow.

There are a few homes in the DC burbs that have nice architecture, but like I said before, they tend to be victorians that are money pits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If all of you are so unhappy here, why do you stay? Why not move to another city or location that's more appealing to you?

You can also update the outside of a house to make it more visually appealing. I don't see many people in this area making the effort.

I don't think anyone has said they're unhappy here--just pointing out the houses are ugly. Nowhere is perfect. All of those charming towns in the NE have harsh winters and many aren't very friendly.

Improving the facade of your own home won't transform Connecticut Ave into New Canaan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Yes I live in NYC and grew up around DC. I see what you mean but kind of depends on the specific town, though? There are nice ones as you describe but also a lot of run of the mill ones. “Northeast” covers a large area and a lot of it still just looks like suburbs to me…

Yes, of course there are some ugly suburbs in the northeast for sure. The difference to me is that there are also lots of very very nice ones. The DMV has literally none. There are some pockets of beautiful parts in Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Great Falls, but they are surrounded by sprawl and lack community. Just look at all the threads here of people moving to the DMV looking for a nice town. There are none. Even the south is better with their big homogenous developments.

+1 when we moved here I was looking for the Scarsdale/Greenwich of the DMV and it doesn't exist. I thought Chevy Chase would be it, but it doesn't even have a town.

So you’re saying the super expensive areas of NYC are better than the super expensive areas of DC. Doesn’t make the entire DMV area “ugly”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If all of you are so unhappy here, why do you stay? Why not move to another city or location that's more appealing to you?

You can also update the outside of a house to make it more visually appealing. I don't see many people in this area making the effort.

I don't think anyone has said they're unhappy here--just pointing out the houses are ugly. Nowhere is perfect. All of those charming towns in the NE have harsh winters and many aren't very friendly.

Improving the facade of your own home won't transform Connecticut Ave into New Canaan.

No It won’t but what does New Canaan, a town 40 miles from NY, have to do with an urban/suburban blvd in dc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- sorry, I realized I failed to include the link!

https://bungalowsandcottages.com/properties/listing/crmls/AR22260198/Monrovia/216-Monroe-Place

That is a stinking cute house.

It is, but look at the house next door. Boring bungalow. Most of CA suburbs homes are boring bungalows. I used to live in Socal for 25 years. I lived in a few of the boring bungalows, and one really cute spanish bungalow.

There are a few homes in the DC burbs that have nice architecture, but like I said before, they tend to be victorians that are money pits.

Yeah, the notion that this is typical of all homes in SoCal seems misplaced.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:You don't even have to go all the way to California. The housing stock and neighborhoods are much nicer in the traditional NE suburbs of Philly and NY, with good/better schools and equivalent prices.

Does NY really have nicer neighborhoods and similar pricing? I thought it was more expensive.

- someone who lives in NYC area

NY suburbs are more expensive overall on a per foot basis, especially taking into account property taxes, but there's much more attractive housing stock at all price ranges. If you go further out to say Fairfield county the prices are pretty similar to closer-in DC suburbs like Arlington and Bethesda, but the houses/towns are a lot nicer than what you get an hour outside of DC.

You mean Fairfield in CT? That’s far out there! Don’t think it is really a sustainable commute if you need to get into the city.

Fairfield county, yes. Tons of people commute to the city from there - there are express trains I think from at least Greenwich. It’s like 45 mins to grand central. Not saying it’s great (I said further out…) but it’s a common commute.

You’re right - I was thinking Fairfield the city which is way further out but yes, Greenwich/Stamford are common commutes

I live in Fairfield county (east of Stamford) and I would not say tons of people do the commute. Most families I know work locally, and it is relatively common for one spouse to have a job where they are in the city 1-2 days a week. No one has a job where they’re in the city every day, or where both spouses spend time in the city. Unless you live right on grand central, the commute to the city is brutal. And forget about driving, it’s 2+ hours.

That said, yes it is much nicer than anywhere even close to the DMV, but that’s because northeastern suburbs from Philly to Boston are just much more aesthetically pleasing. I think it’s due to a combination of the DMV being built for government workers of modest incomes, and lax southern zoning restrictions. You want more columns on that fake brick McMansion? You got it, that’s freedom! More four lane roads and strip malls? Yes, businesses love those! Giant county run schools that look like prisons? Perfect, keeps our tax bills low.

Is this a generally accepted belief or just your opinion? Asking since I don’t have a clue. I didn’t know the DMV was considered ugly… I thought suburbs anywhere were just suburbs and have different kinds of houses Depending on where you look.

Not trying to be rude at all but have you been to the northeast? Much more charm and character, tasteful architecture, small towns, beautiful landscaping, fewer strip malls and highways. I’ve heard Chicago suburbs are similar. DC area suburbs are a sprawl of tiny brick boxes and infill garage monsters broken up by sad strip malls on mini highways.

Yes I live in NYC and grew up around DC. I see what you mean but kind of depends on the specific town, though? There are nice ones as you describe but also a lot of run of the mill ones. “Northeast” covers a large area and a lot of it still just looks like suburbs to me…

Yes, of course there are some ugly suburbs in the northeast for sure. The difference to me is that there are also lots of very very nice ones. The DMV has literally none. There are some pockets of beautiful parts in Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Great Falls, but they are surrounded by sprawl and lack community. Just look at all the threads here of people moving to the DMV looking for a nice town. There are none. Even the south is better with their big homogenous developments.

+1 when we moved here I was looking for the Scarsdale/Greenwich of the DMV and it doesn't exist. I thought Chevy Chase would be it, but it doesn't even have a town.

So you’re saying the super expensive areas of NYC are better than the super expensive areas of DC. Doesn’t make the entire DMV area “ugly”.

And? Was agreeing with PP’s point that “Just look at all the threads here of people moving to the DMV looking for a nice town. There are none.”

[Anonymous]

Greenwich is a lot further from Manhattan than Chevy Chase is from downtown DC. If you really want to commute that far here, Middleburg is very pretty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Greenwich is a lot further from Manhattan than Chevy Chase is from downtown DC. If you really want to commute that far here, Middleburg is very pretty.

That's a bit of an overstatement, but also pretty true. Very few cities of significance where you can live in a SFH with a yard so close to the downtown business center.