DC Chosen Best Place to Raise a Family

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't want daily urban stress...

Different folks have different stressors, obviously. The most stressful two years of my life were the period where I had to commute to Rockville from the city every morning. It turned me into a completely different person--and not in a good way. I cannot spend that much time in a car ever again.

Where did you move? West Virginia?

Live and work in Fairfax County. I only drive 7,500 miles a year.

But, how many hours do you spend commuting?

4 hours a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:9:25, good points. However, of the four you mention, only Wilson is general-enrollment.

If your DC isn't artsy, then no Ellington. If your DC isn't top 10%, then no Banneker. I don't know what the standards are for Walls.

For DC to work for these parents, they want certainty -- and if you move to McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Bethesda, Rockville, or Potomac, you have the certainty of good public schools. Not so much for South Arlington, Alexandria City, Prince George's County, or DC itself.

Yes, but that same certainty will be there 5 years from now when the kids approach middle school, or 9 years from now when they approach high school. If you'd otherwise rather stay in the city, why not wait until then (leaving aside other incentives to moving immediately, such as 3% interest rates).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:9:25, good points. However, of the four you mention, only Wilson is general-enrollment.

If your DC isn't artsy, then no Ellington. If your DC isn't top 10%, then no Banneker. I don't know what the standards are for Walls.

For DC to work for these parents, they want certainty -- and if you move to McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Bethesda, Rockville, or Potomac, you have the certainty of good public schools. Not so much for South Arlington, Alexandria City, Prince George's County, or DC itself.

Yes, but that same certainty will be there 5 years from now when the kids approach middle school, or 9 years from now when they approach high school. If you'd otherwise rather stay in the city, why not wait until then (leaving aside other incentives to moving immediately, such as 3% interest rates).

There are many reasons people may not want to uproot their families when the time comes. Here are a few: you'd be moving your child away from his friends; you'd be moving away from the friendships you've made in the last 10 years; you'd be perhaps moving any other children at an inconvenient point in their lives; you might lose out on some of the financial benefits of purchasing a home you plan to stay in for 20 or 30 years; moving sucks, especially when you have kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First off, why the assumption exurbanites all have 60-90 minute commutes? My wife and I combined don't have that commute and we're in Leesburg. (I won't go into how we can go -- and have gone -- to shopping, dining, etc., without driving, but that might confuse some of the DC snobs.)

There's several ES's in DCPS that are great. Problem is, a TH in those areas runs you what, $750k and up?

19:26, the only DCPS MS/HS combo I've ever seen any DCUMers even consider attending is Deal/Wilson.

When I've pointed this out in past threads, I'm just told, "Oh, we can shell out $30k a year for private school, so we don't care."

Of course there's the charter and OOB lottery but is that really and honestly guaranteed (and if you lose out, can you still get into an OK private school?)

Yes! Applebees! Fridays! Yum! I love Leesburg! Please tell us more about the wonderful chain resteraunts you visit.

[Anonymous]

I love living in this area! I think it's got everything I could possibly want to offer my kids, and more. I live near the intersection of I66 and 123 in Fairfax. I know you won't believe me, but from the time I get on 66 to the time I sign in at our sign in book at 17th and K, it is 40 minutes. I get on 66 at 7:40 and am at my desk between 8:10 and 8:20. I leave around 4 and take HOV home - going outbound 66 is even faster. I can exit of 66 in 25 to 30 minutes if 66 is moving at full speed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First off, why the assumption exurbanites all have 60-90 minute commutes? My wife and I combined don't have that commute and we're in Leesburg. (I won't go into how we can go -- and have gone -- to shopping, dining, etc., without driving, but that might confuse some of the DC snobs.)

There's several ES's in DCPS that are great. Problem is, a TH in those areas runs you what, $750k and up?

19:26, the only DCPS MS/HS combo I've ever seen any DCUMers even consider attending is Deal/Wilson.

When I've pointed this out in past threads, I'm just told, "Oh, we can shell out $30k a year for private school, so we don't care."

Of course there's the charter and OOB lottery but is that really and honestly guaranteed (and if you lose out, can you still get into an OK private school?)

Yes! Applebees! Fridays! Yum! I love Leesburg! Please tell us more about the wonderful chain resteraunts you visit.

Another articulate and well-reasoned response. I know you are, but what am I.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:9:25, good points. However, of the four you mention, only Wilson is general-enrollment.

If your DC isn't artsy, then no Ellington. If your DC isn't top 10%, then no Banneker. I don't know what the standards are for Walls.

For DC to work for these parents, they want certainty -- and if you move to McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Bethesda, Rockville, or Potomac, you have the certainty of good public schools. Not so much for South Arlington, Alexandria City, Prince George's County, or DC itself.

Yes, but that same certainty will be there 5 years from now when the kids approach middle school, or 9 years from now when they approach high school. If you'd otherwise rather stay in the city, why not wait until then (leaving aside other incentives to moving immediately, such as 3% interest rates).

There are many reasons people may not want to uproot their families when the time comes. Here are a few: you'd be moving your child away from his friends; you'd be moving away from the friendships you've made in the last 10 years; you'd be perhaps moving any other children at an inconvenient point in their lives; you might lose out on some of the financial benefits of purchasing a home you plan to stay in for 20 or 30 years; moving sucks, especially when you have kids.

Agree with this one. On top of that, one can never overlook the quality and possibilities of such schools as TJ, Blair, Whitman, Langley, McLean and so on can offer. I think people that choose to wait it out in the city really would like more people to agree with their choices because if more middle class people to stay in the city, the quality of the city schools may just really improve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:9:25, good points. However, of the four you mention, only Wilson is general-enrollment.

If your DC isn't artsy, then no Ellington. If your DC isn't top 10%, then no Banneker. I don't know what the standards are for Walls.

For DC to work for these parents, they want certainty -- and if you move to McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Bethesda, Rockville, or Potomac, you have the certainty of good public schools. Not so much for South Arlington, Alexandria City, Prince George's County, or DC itself.

Yes, but that same certainty will be there 5 years from now when the kids approach middle school, or 9 years from now when they approach high school. If you'd otherwise rather stay in the city, why not wait until then (leaving aside other incentives to moving immediately, such as 3% interest rates).

There are many reasons people may not want to uproot their families when the time comes. Here are a few: you'd be moving your child away from his friends; you'd be moving away from the friendships you've made in the last 10 years; you'd be perhaps moving any other children at an inconvenient point in their lives; you might lose out on some of the financial benefits of purchasing a home you plan to stay in for 20 or 30 years; moving sucks, especially when you have kids.

Agree with this one. On top of that, one can never overlook the quality and possibilities of such schools as TJ, Blair, Whitman, Langley, McLean and so on can offer. I think people that choose to wait it out in the city really would like more people to agree with their choices because if more middle class people to stay in the city, the quality of the city schools may just really improve.

Already happening.

http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/Parents+Flood+DCPS+with+Out-of-Boundary+and+Early+Ed+Applications

I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade.

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade.

There are plenty of us Gen Xers, in the city, too. In my neighborhood, they call us aging hipsters (which is half right as applied to me).

[Anonymous]

There are many reasons people may not want to uproot their families when the time comes. Here are a few: you'd be moving your child away from his friends; you'd be moving away from the friendships you've made in the last 10 years; you'd be perhaps moving any other children at an inconvenient point in their lives; you might lose out on some of the financial benefits of purchasing a home you plan to stay in for 20 or 30 years; moving sucks, especially when you have kids.

I used to be like this - must purchase the house we will live in for the next 15 years before my kid starts preschool. I quickly realized that trying to predict what will be the right situation for my daughter when she starts high school in 10 years is futile, and trying to plan the next 15 years of my life is exhausting. Plus, if you're moving to Bethesda, N. Arlington, and many parts of Fairfax, you can probably safely bet that things are still going to be good in a few years. Farther out? At best, it's a crapshoot. I'll take quality of life (which of course is an individualized calculation) right now, Anex.

[Anonymous]

"I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade. "

And why should what the millenials want impact my homebuying decision? In 8 years, all my kids will be out of school (or in college, but out of secondary school).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade. "

And why should what the millenials want impact my homebuying decision? In 8 years, all my kids will be out of school (or in college, but out of secondary school).

They shouldn't that's the point. If suburban sprawl suits you, and you can find a good school, have at it. I was addressing the irrational strategy of leaving a DC address that you love today so that you can reap the benefits of a better middle school nearly a decade from now. That's foolhardy, IMO. If a parent really loves living in a suburban cul-de-sac, I can see sticking it out in the 'burbs, and hoping that home values don't fall to much between now and then. That makes sense. Leaving now while suburbia is manifestly on the decline? Not so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:9:25, good points. However, of the four you mention, only Wilson is general-enrollment.

If your DC isn't artsy, then no Ellington. If your DC isn't top 10%, then no Banneker. I don't know what the standards are for Walls.

For DC to work for these parents, they want certainty -- and if you move to McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Bethesda, Rockville, or Potomac, you have the certainty of good public schools. Not so much for South Arlington, Alexandria City, Prince George's County, or DC itself.

Yes, but that same certainty will be there 5 years from now when the kids approach middle school, or 9 years from now when they approach high school. If you'd otherwise rather stay in the city, why not wait until then (leaving aside other incentives to moving immediately, such as 3% interest rates).

There are many reasons people may not want to uproot their families when the time comes. Here are a few: you'd be moving your child away from his friends; you'd be moving away from the friendships you've made in the last 10 years; you'd be perhaps moving any other children at an inconvenient point in their lives; you might lose out on some of the financial benefits of purchasing a home you plan to stay in for 20 or 30 years; moving sucks, especially when you have kids.

Agree with this one. On top of that, one can never overlook the quality and possibilities of such schools as TJ, Blair, Whitman, Langley, McLean and so on can offer. I think people that choose to wait it out in the city really would like more people to agree with their choices because if more middle class people to stay in the city, the quality of the city schools may just really improve.

Already happening.

http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/Parents+Flood+DCPS+with+Out-of-Boundary+and+Early+Ed+Applications

I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade.

Currently living in DC, get complete shut-out in all the lotteries and charters. Will move to closed-in NOVA in search for good schools and good quality of life. Wait-and-see will not work for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Already happening.

http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/Parents+Flood+DCPS+with+Out-of-Boundary+and+Early+Ed+Applications

I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade.

I think a lot of folks don't understand that there are many surbanites who would prefer to live in the city, but are trying to do what they think is best for their kids. I'm not one of them. I'm actually hoping to raise my kids in the city (just not this one--too expensive). That being said, I find myself constantly on these boards defending people's choices to move to the suburbs because the city folk are so patronizing. They clearly think they're cooler for whatever reason; I'm guessing it's just because they were all raised in the suburbs, and so raising their kids in the city feels counter-culture and hip.

And don't give me this BS about commute times and the environment and stuff. You could work outside the city and walk to work and non-chain restaurants, and you would still feel like a dork because you live in the "suburbs." Just like mom and dad did. How lame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I think a lot of folks don't quite understand the deep, deep distaste for suburban living that millennials have--as opposed to BabyBoomers/GenX. In my opinion, folks living in the suburbs are just as likely to be moving *into* the city in pursuit of good schools as city dwellers moving out. Especially if you live in Prince Georges or Montgomery County. Things are changing fast, and they're liable to change even faster over the next decade.

There are plenty of us Gen Xers, in the city, too. In my neighborhood, they call us aging hipsters (which is half right as applied to me).

GenXer too. I have always hated living in the burbs as have all my GenX friends. DH and I have always lived in walkable comunities. Not sure this is just a millennial thing.