Is it possible to buy a decent house for $500K or lower in a safe neighborhood with good schools?

[Anonymous]

Okay, does Manor Woods neighborhood have a nice Catholic church/school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Okay, does Manor Woods neighborhood have a nice Catholic church/school?

St Patrick's (I think is what it's called), at the corner of Norbeck and Muncaster Mill. Never been there, not Catholic, but it looks nice from the outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, Dunn Loring Woods Vienna, great schools and very safe community.

For 500K and lower on a SFH? Even the little ramblers and split levels in that neighborhood are going for more than 500K. You might be able to score something cheaper, but you can bet it hasn't been renovated since the early 80s (if you are lucky) and the roof and HVAC will need to be replaced in 3-5 years.

It's a great neighborhood, but let's be realistic about the price parameters here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Okay, does Manor Woods neighborhood have a nice Catholic church/school?

St Patrick's (I think is what it's called), at the corner of Norbeck and Muncaster Mill. Never been there, not Catholic, but it looks nice from the outside.

We're not Catholic, but we have a few parents at DD's daycare who send their other kids (siblings of daycare kids) to St. Patrick's. I've heard good things, but no personal experience either.

I'm one of the PPs who mentioned Manor Woods, but I can't say enough good things about it. Affordable, safe and strangely enough, quite diverse (if that matters to you). I noticed that driving to work this week at the bus stops - there was a huge variety of races represented in the kids waiting for the bus. Not as much diversity in Flower Valley, if that's your preference.

And, yes, as you go down Parkland, it's not as nice. Parkland north of Aspen Hill seems okay, but south of Aspen Hill as you get to Wheaton Woods, doesn't seem so hot to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Leesburg...

To MoCo residents: How workable is Germantown/Gaithersburg/Rockville from Leesburg if you use White's Ferry? (or is the Ferry out too much to be useful)

Lovettsville and points in NW Loudoun have great schools, affordable housing, and are fairly close to MARC which would open up some more options. However MARC would only work if you can up and leave at 5pm (both in terms of workplace politics and in self-discipline).

[Anonymous]

Burke and Western FFX. Co.

Also, I saw some postings in South Riding (Loudon) with price tags of $400's today. A pretty nice "community" neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Burke and the surrounding area. You've got your choice of good schools and nice neighborhoods, and the commute to DC on the VRE is relatively pleasant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for Burke and the surrounding area. You've got your choice of good schools and nice neighborhoods, and the commute to DC on the VRE is relatively pleasant.

All well and good, except that the OP's husband works in Gaithersburg.

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring - Rosemary Hills

BCC Cluster schools . . . great friendly neighborhood

[Anonymous]

Silver Spring - Rosemary Hills

BCC Cluster schools . . . great friendly neighborhood

I agree with the above, but can you get a hosue for under $500k in that neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am feeling so dejected with this area's housing market. It feels like I cannot find anything that is in our price range that is not in a sketchy area. Could you recommend an area that fits this bill? Where I am from you can easily purchase a house for under $200k with good schools and it is a safe family friendly area. (I also realize that where I am from there are no jobs...but still I digress). It feels like this area you need at least $700K to ensure a good neighborhood/schools.

Single family or townhouse? Garage or no garage?

I own a 30 year old townhouse in South Reston that can be had for between 350k-400k. Great schools, fantastic neighborhood. Easy commute. I work in high tech, though, so the Dulles Corridor is my commute.