Single Mom considering job offer in DC - would I be miserable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Yes! kids would go to school and some type of aftercare every day, as is needed for anyone working FT! Right now I freelance from home and the kids go to preschool 9-5. I understand you don't have kids at home while you are trying to work from home.

Just as if I live in the city near work, they'll be in school/daycare/aftercare. I simply like the idea that I am the one dropping them and picking them up, and I don't have to add 2 hours to the day for commuting, and I don't have the stress of being located an hour away from them each day in case someone gets sick/etc.

You don't need a nanny at those ages. There's before and aftercare. With a Fed job, I'm sure you could take the kids to school on your way to work. There are excellent services here for people hard of hearing.

I'm a single mom myself and I'm looking forward to moving back home to DC next year. I love it, but it's also home. There are plenty of quiet, friendly neighborhoods (Takoma, Brookland, Cap Hill, NoMa) that are quite family friendly and inclusive. I made under 70k with 1 child in daycare and made it work. As a PP mentioned, there are a lot of free activities for kids in the city.

I agree with your idea to try it out for a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can't afford Capitol Hill on 80k plus childcare costs. You can't afford it if childcare is free.

There are affordable apartments that are zoned for Maury ES. There are affordable places in most neighborhoods, but you will sacrifice modern amenities. I found a 2 bed for $1600 in Chevy Chase.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been reading this thread from the start and here's my question for the OP:

Do you think this will be the only time in the next decade or so that you will get an offer like this? (To move to a big east coast city)

If the answer is no, then I would wait until your kids are older. Right now they are too young and expensive and they simply need too much care. It will literally bankrupt you and stress you out to pull this off, I really think. But, imagine if you will, you get the same offer in 5 years. Your kids are now in school full time and you can feel confident that they will handle any aftercare or transportation issues easily. They can take advantage of the city in a way they can't do this young. And you will have hopefully helped to get your younger, SN kid on a path of independence so we won't need as much support.

Think of the difference this could make and how much more enjoyable this whole experience could be.

OP here. I've had 3 federal job offers in the past 5 years (others were out west), so I expect I will have other offers. This is by far the most attractive job to me, though. I don't really have any desire to live in a big, east coast city. It's simply the federal job I'd like! In some ways it gets harder to move the kids as they get older, but I do agree that preschool years (particularly with special needs) are not ideal either, and it would make way more sense with a more comfortably living wage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Yes! kids would go to school and some type of aftercare every day, as is needed for anyone working FT! Right now I freelance from home and the kids go to preschool 9-5. I understand you don't have kids at home while you are trying to work from home.

Just as if I live in the city near work, they'll be in school/daycare/aftercare. I simply like the idea that I am the one dropping them and picking them up, and I don't have to add 2 hours to the day for commuting, and I don't have the stress of being located an hour away from them each day in case someone gets sick/etc.

You don't need a nanny at those ages. There's before and aftercare. With a Fed job, I'm sure you could take the kids to school on your way to work. There are excellent services here for people hard of hearing.

I'm a single mom myself and I'm looking forward to moving back home to DC next year. I love it, but it's also home. There are plenty of quiet, friendly neighborhoods (Takoma, Brookland, Cap Hill, NoMa) that are quite family friendly and inclusive. I made under 70k with 1 child in daycare and made it work. As a PP mentioned, there are a lot of free activities for kids in the city.

I agree with your idea to try it out for a year.

You might be surprised about what rents have become in NE the past few years.

[Anonymous]

OP Here.

I'm very seriously thinking I may accept the position with the view of going out for a year and seeing where that leads. I have very little to lose. If we hate it or go broke, we move back to Boise next summer. I'm a firm believer that there are good people everywhere, you just gotta find your peeps. And I'm so relieved now that I am no longer even considering commuting in/out of the city!

Would people who know Capitol Hill answer a couple questions:

1. Seems Maury Elementary and Peabody are widely viewed as great Elementary options. How about JO Wilson? That's where this subsidized apartment is located.
2. Is I Street NE (a block east of Union station) a good (safe, nice) place to live? Idea is that we'd be walking NE to JO Wilson to/from school.
3. Do you have recommendations for early childhood care (other than DCPS PreK) -- someone mentioned church-based nursery schools, a thought that hadn't occurred to me. We are not religious but had a grea experience using occasional care at a Methodist Church here in Boise.
4. Any other leads on affordable apt options, walkable to Union Station?
5. I've heard of the MOTH group - any insight on how to get on it. Can I before we move out? I heard there can be good leads on apts/etc.

Will let y'all know what I decide! And if we come out we'll host donuts in the park soon after to meet anyone whose up for it! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Go for it girl. A Fed job can mean security and a steady paycheck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here.

I'm very seriously thinking I may accept the position with the view of going out for a year and seeing where that leads. I have very little to lose. If we hate it or go broke, we move back to Boise next summer. I'm a firm believer that there are good people everywhere, you just gotta find your peeps. And I'm so relieved now that I am no longer even considering commuting in/out of the city!

Would people who know Capitol Hill answer a couple questions:

1. Seems Maury Elementary and Peabody are widely viewed as great Elementary options. How about JO Wilson? That's where this subsidized apartment is located.
2. Is I Street NE (a block east of Union station) a good (safe, nice) place to live? Idea is that we'd be walking NE to JO Wilson to/from school.
3. Do you have recommendations for early childhood care (other than DCPS PreK) -- someone mentioned church-based nursery schools, a thought that hadn't occurred to me. We are not religious but had a grea experience using occasional care at a Methodist Church here in Boise.
4. Any other leads on affordable apt options, walkable to Union Station?
5. I've heard of the MOTH group - any insight on how to get on it. Can I before we move out? I heard there can be good leads on apts/etc.

Will let y'all know what I decide! And if we come out we'll host donuts in the park soon after to meet anyone whose up for it! Thanks!

You know what OP- I like your attitude! You are going in eyes open and aren't wedded to the idea that you have to stay forever. Cheapest child care would be a coop, though not sure you'll have the time. Otherwise you might look at inhome daycare.

[Anonymous]

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/h_street_a_place_to_party_and_to_settle_down/1446

[Anonymous]

The article above is from 2009. It's a good description of H Street. It's known for its night scene. That area of town has experienced some rapid change.

[Anonymous]

OP Here.

Well the article was a nice read but gave me mixed feelings. Don't really want my shoes stolen. Also , the specific apt building I"m considering is a mile away right next to Union Station, if that makes a big difference (?).

What I've read is that Capitol Hill is a great place for a family like ours, but there are streets/locales to avoid. And since I don't know where those strets are, I'm a bit worried. It would be nice to wait until mid-July and take a trip out to house-hunt, but I'm also attracted to the idea of jumping on a great deal on this apt. And of course a trip out means either finding childcare for the kids here, or bringing them with, both of which are $$ and logistically tough.

The specific apt I'm looking at is $1700 for a large (900 sf) 1-BR, beautiful finishes (granite/stainless steel, etc), washer/dryer, pool/BBQ area on rooftop, gym, theatre, concierge. That seems like a great deal to me, and we will just barely qualify within the income restrictions. Maybe I should ask my friend in Chevy Chase if he could take a look for me.

[Anonymous]

I also think you might want to track down crime statistics in that area or police ward, time of day, kind of crime. It is definitely an area that changes after dark, but if you hve a car you simply use it then. But also, ask about the parking situation if you will not be having a space. How far out might you have to park? It is not an area where kids would ever walk alone, and you are right to expect that two blocks in either direction can make a big difference. You would need to leave your "Boise mindset" back home and assume a new level of vigilance all the time.

- If on street parking, leaving nothing at all in the car which could tempt someone.
- In your apartment having your friend double check possible security things you might do - I would never want a basement or first floor apartment in that area.
- Is there a washer and dryer in the unit because again basement buildings can be dangerous.
- When out with two young kids get used to being in control of you purse, phone etc. so as to not to be an easy prey.
- Even with the best sitter or best event, never, ever walk alone at night in that area.

Also, see if the schools you are looking at have list.serves you might join to get on and ask about things ahead of time to decide which one to attend if there is an option. Also see if there are Capitol Hill list.serves as they could tell you about preschools etc too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi again from Capitol Hill! I love your attitude and would welcome you as a neighbor. I am very happy here (I'm also a westerner) but I would hate to sell you on what could be a tough move. Though if you view it as an adventure, it might be fun.

The areas closest to Union Station are inbounds for the Cluster School (Peabody) and Ludlow Taylor, both excellent options for early childhood education. You could certainly rent a 2 bedroom for around 2k, maybe a little more. Your kindergartner would be guaranteed a spot, and the 3 yo would be moved up on the waiting list for sibling preference. This probably still wouldn't get #2 into Peabody but might work for LT. Certainly for next year. Daycare is tough. Hard to get into and expensive. We did nanny shares for our kids, which was a little less expensive but still pricy.

Anyway, we are very happy living here on a middle class income, but since we are a two income family, it is easier. There are real benefits to living right in the city. Commute is chief among them, but I honestly love the neighborhood so much that I am willing to commute out of the city every day for my job. Good luck with whatever you decide, and I hope to meet you someday on the Hill!

When's the last time you tried to rent an apartment? I don't think she could get a two bedroom for 2k. More like 2650 to 3500.

[Anonymous]

Older buildings on upper Connecticut Avenue may have 1 bedroom apartments for under 2K. They are no frills, but you can walk to red line. Several playgrounds, great bookstore, and Murch school are great assets for families. It's a 20-30 minute metro ride from Tenleytown. Sulgrave Manor is a safe building with nice neighbors, for example. There is also an affordable building at Connecticut Ave and Ellicott.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Older buildings on upper Connecticut Avenue may have 1 bedroom apartments for under 2K. They are no frills, but you can walk to red line. Several playgrounds, great bookstore, and Murch school are great assets for families. It's a 20-30 minute metro ride from Tenleytown. Sulgrave Manor is a safe building with nice neighbors, for example. There is also an affordable building at Connecticut Ave and Ellicott.

This. Plus there are affordable apartments across from the National Cathedral in Cleveland Park. McLean Gardens (the rental, not the condos) used to offer temporary housing for 3+ month leases. And, there are also some affordable older apartment buildings in Bethesda (near Bradley Boulevard) and Silver Spring.

What neighborhood is your federal job in?

[Anonymous]

OP:
Job is located just east of Union Station, on I St NE. So I've been focusing on Capitol Hill since it would be walkable and I've heard I'd like it. I really appreciate the kind of specific info given in the past few posts. But good elementary school is a very important consideration. Thanks!