Pros and Cons of Moving to DC Area

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Really, OP, I don't understand why you would come to an anonymous forum to ask about the pros and cons of living in DC unless you wanted opinions to your specific situation. Without specifics, you might as well do a google search.

I would prefer to have you do it for me. So much more genuine.

Again, not OP saying such things. I apologize for this trolling.

[Anonymous]

OP,

Since you wont tell us income, I'll go the other way around on this:

If you make less than $100k, stay the hell away. You wont afford a good house, much less a decent school. You will be miserable.

At $100k to $200k, seriously consider staying put. This is a tough income in this area because you can afford a decent place in the far suburbs, but probably NOT a decent place in DC. This is why where you work matters so much, if your job is waaay out in VA somewhere, $200K might be fine. If its in DC, you may find yourself facing a 1+ hour commute. Also, if you are coming from texas or something, you need to seriously adjust the snot out of your expectations in real estate and in size. A 20x20 bedroom exists in DC, but only in houses costing $1.5M+ or more.

At $200k to $300k you will be reasonably comfortable and able to afford a good, albeit NOT NEW, house in mclean, NW DC, Bethesda, or other desirable neighborhood. Think un remodeled center hall colonials, split levels in mclean, etc.

At $300k to $400k you will be able to afford private school (unless you have several kids), as well as a home in most any are of DC and Mclean - but perhaps still shy of getting a new construction house unless again, you look far out of the city (which again, is why it matters where you work)

At $500k++ you can afford private, college, house, and a commute of your choice. This income will also afford you most all new construction in and near the city ($1.5M to $3M)

You pick where you are. Given your general unwillingness to share anything useful with anyone, I'd say you'll fit right in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP,

Since you wont tell us income, I'll go the other way around on this:

If you make less than $100k, stay the hell away. You wont afford a good house, much less a decent school. You will be miserable.

At $100k to $200k, seriously consider staying put. This is a tough income in this area because you can afford a decent place in the far suburbs, but probably NOT a decent place in DC. This is why where you work matters so much, if your job is waaay out in VA somewhere, $200K might be fine. If its in DC, you may find yourself facing a 1+ hour commute. Also, if you are coming from texas or something, you need to seriously adjust the snot out of your expectations in real estate and in size. A 20x20 bedroom exists in DC, but only in houses costing $1.5M+ or more.

At $200k to $300k you will be reasonably comfortable and able to afford a good, albeit NOT NEW, house in mclean, NW DC, Bethesda, or other desirable neighborhood. Think un remodeled center hall colonials, split levels in mclean, etc.

At $300k to $400k you will be able to afford private school (unless you have several kids), as well as a home in most any are of DC and Mclean - but perhaps still shy of getting a new construction house unless again, you look far out of the city (which again, is why it matters where you work)

At $500k++ you can afford private, college, house, and a commute of your choice. This income will also afford you most all new construction in and near the city ($1.5M to $3M)

You pick where you are. Given your general unwillingness to share anything useful with anyone, I'd say you'll fit right in.

Thank you again, this categorization by income helps me a great deal.

[Anonymous]

You want to make 350k

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP,

Since you wont tell us income, I'll go the other way around on this:

If you make less than $100k, stay the hell away. You wont afford a good house, much less a decent school. You will be miserable.

At $100k to $200k, seriously consider staying put. This is a tough income in this area because you can afford a decent place in the far suburbs, but probably NOT a decent place in DC. This is why where you work matters so much, if your job is waaay out in VA somewhere, $200K might be fine. If its in DC, you may find yourself facing a 1+ hour commute. Also, if you are coming from texas or something, you need to seriously adjust the snot out of your expectations in real estate and in size. A 20x20 bedroom exists in DC, but only in houses costing $1.5M+ or more.

At $200k to $300k you will be reasonably comfortable and able to afford a good, albeit NOT NEW, house in mclean, NW DC, Bethesda, or other desirable neighborhood. Think un remodeled center hall colonials, split levels in mclean, etc.

At $300k to $400k you will be able to afford private school (unless you have several kids), as well as a home in most any are of DC and Mclean - but perhaps still shy of getting a new construction house unless again, you look far out of the city (which again, is why it matters where you work)

At $500k++ you can afford private, college, house, and a commute of your choice. This income will also afford you most all new construction in and near the city ($1.5M to $3M)

You pick where you are. Given your general unwillingness to share anything useful with anyone, I'd say you'll fit right in.

+1000000


WE HAVE A WINNER! THANK YOU.

[Anonymous]

PP did a great assessment, but we're at $300 and definitely don't have our choice of housing (maybe after kids aren't in daycare), but no way could we buy a nice house in a desirable location while paying for private. Im guessing $350 is the minimum to not feel stretched in real estate.

[Anonymous]

So DC is only for the well-off?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP did a great assessment, but we're at $300 and definitely don't have our choice of housing (maybe after kids aren't in daycare), but no way could we buy a nice house in a desirable location while paying for private. Im guessing $350 is the minimum to not feel stretched in real estate.

I'd have to agree. Our HHI is between $200-300k and we are struggling to find a decent 3BR in close-in suburbs. And I mean, struggling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP did a great assessment, but we're at $300 and definitely don't have our choice of housing (maybe after kids aren't in daycare), but no way could we buy a nice house in a desirable location while paying for private. Im guessing $350 is the minimum to not feel stretched in real estate.

I'd have to agree. Our HHI is between $200-300k and we are struggling to find a decent 3BR in close-in suburbs. And I mean, struggling.

If you're in a lot of "desirable" locations you don't need to budget for private school (e.g., CCMD, McLean). Save a bit for a bigger down payment, get at least one out day care and into good public schools and I bet you will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, what will your income be?

As I said previously, sufficient to afford a good neighborhood and schools. That should not be the focus.

Seems like you will fit right in.

[Anonymous]

OP, this seems like it might be your kind of house. It is in a prestigious neighborhood in DC near the National Cathedral. I am sure you can afford it too since you seem very offended whenever anyone asks about a budget or income level. http://www.homevisit.com/gallery/listing-details.asp?id=57336

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP did a great assessment, but we're at $300 and definitely don't have our choice of housing (maybe after kids aren't in daycare), but no way could we buy a nice house in a desirable location while paying for private. Im guessing $350 is the minimum to not feel stretched in real estate.

I'd have to agree. Our HHI is between $200-300k and we are struggling to find a decent 3BR in close-in suburbs. And I mean, struggling.

What's your price range?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, this seems like it might be your kind of house. It is in a prestigious neighborhood in DC near the National Cathedral. I am sure you can afford it too since you seem very offended whenever anyone asks about a budget or income level. http://www.homevisit.com/gallery/listing-details.asp?id=57336

Beautiful house.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, what will your income be?

As I said previously, sufficient to afford a good neighborhood and schools. That should not be the focus.

Judging by your last couple statements, I'd say you are coming from Manhatten or Beverly Hills