Budget <500k, have to buy in DC proper

[Anonymous]

We live EotR in Henson Ridge, walking distance to Congress Heights Metro. We have an 18M old and an 8yo, you definitely can find something in your budget, I guess safety is relative to the person. I honestly feel just as safe here as I do most of the "up and coming" places in the city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow that house in Woodridge does look promising. Thanks for the tip!

I don't have much time to read and respond right now as I am on a brief lunch at work, but I wanted to say thanks to those who have offered suggestions.

To clarify:
-I have zero interest in ever living in Virginia
-I am 100% committed to our plan of having my child attend the charter I work at. And yes, my child gets preferred admission via the lottery.
-Yes we have been searching for 2 years. No, we clearly weren't doing the max that could be done for that two years. Now we need to move before the lottery so we still have time, but less wiggle room.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions!

Brightwood.

This went quickly but others like it come on every so often ... https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/6430-8th-St-NW-20012/home/10038285

-- 12 min walk to the metro
-- LOTS of kids in the neighborhood
-- 2 playgrounds and a pool really close by
-- Feels very safe
-- Walkable to grocery store, restaurants, farmers market

This one has 3 beds and a basement

[Anonymous]

I haven't seen this one but it's also in range:

https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/729-Tewkesbury-Pl-NW-20012/home/10053235

[Anonymous]

https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/1126-25th-St-NW-20037/unit-1/home/10189098

A little over budget, but very well located, and the HOA fee is very low. Its very nicely done and seems very spacious.

[Anonymous]

Try Hillcrest in EOTR?

https://www.redfin.com/DC/WASHINGTON/2201-31ST-Pl-SOUTHEAST-20020/

[Anonymous]

PP, wrong link:

https://www.redfin.com/DC/Washington/2201-31st-Pl-SE-20020/home/10151984

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you're still subject to the lottery? It's not a done deal? RENT for now and only buy once your kid for sure has a spot. I mean, what is your backup plan if kiddo doesn't make the cut? Arlington might not look as bad in that case.

'Preferred' is just lip services so DCPS won't cry foul. Their kid is guaranteed to 'win' the lottery don't worry.

Charter is NOT DCPS. DC charter employees at most schools (each schools decided to use it or not) give #1 priority (above siblings). There is no geographical preference for charters as its citywide. So yes OP is guaranteed entry for her child (unless there are only 44 slots for 3 year olds and there are 45 staff members that have 3 year olds). Most "sought after" charters have options through middle school and many of the sought after language immersion schools combine for a feeder middle and high school called DCI so it's logical that OP is at one of these schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you're still subject to the lottery? It's not a done deal? RENT for now and only buy once your kid for sure has a spot. I mean, what is your backup plan if kiddo doesn't make the cut? Arlington might not look as bad in that case.

'Preferred' is just lip services so DCPS won't cry foul. Their kid is guaranteed to 'win' the lottery don't worry.

Charter is NOT DCPS. DC charter employees at most schools (each schools decided to use it or not) give #1 priority (above siblings). There is no geographical preference for charters as its citywide. So yes OP is guaranteed entry for her child (unless there are only 44 slots for 3 year olds and there are 45 staff members that have 3 year olds). Most "sought after" charters have options through middle school and many of the sought after language immersion schools combine for a feeder middle and high school called DCI so it's logical that OP is at one of these schools.

I know it's not DCPS, but there is definitely tension between Charters and DCPS. And Charters are using public funds to give preference to their employees children and circumventing the public lottery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you're still subject to the lottery? It's not a done deal? RENT for now and only buy once your kid for sure has a spot. I mean, what is your backup plan if kiddo doesn't make the cut? Arlington might not look as bad in that case.

'Preferred' is just lip services so DCPS won't cry foul. Their kid is guaranteed to 'win' the lottery don't worry.

Charter is NOT DCPS. DC charter employees at most schools (each schools decided to use it or not) give #1 priority (above siblings). There is no geographical preference for charters as its citywide. So yes OP is guaranteed entry for her child (unless there are only 44 slots for 3 year olds and there are 45 staff members that have 3 year olds). Most "sought after" charters have options through middle school and many of the sought after language immersion schools combine for a feeder middle and high school called DCI so it's logical that OP is at one of these schools.

I know it's not DCPS, but there is definitely tension between Charters and DCPS. And Charters are using public funds to give preference to their employees children and circumventing the public lottery.

The OP said her child has to enter the lottery' but gets a preference as long as they're residents of DC.

I know charter seats are precious in DC, but I don't understand any parent who doesn't appreciate this perk for teachers and staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you're still subject to the lottery? It's not a done deal? RENT for now and only buy once your kid for sure has a spot. I mean, what is your backup plan if kiddo doesn't make the cut? Arlington might not look as bad in that case.

'Preferred' is just lip services so DCPS won't cry foul. Their kid is guaranteed to 'win' the lottery don't worry.

Charter is NOT DCPS. DC charter employees at most schools (each schools decided to use it or not) give #1 priority (above siblings). There is no geographical preference for charters as its citywide. So yes OP is guaranteed entry for her child (unless there are only 44 slots for 3 year olds and there are 45 staff members that have 3 year olds). Most "sought after" charters have options through middle school and many of the sought after language immersion schools combine for a feeder middle and high school called DCI so it's logical that OP is at one of these schools.

I know it's not DCPS, but there is definitely tension between Charters and DCPS. And Charters are using public funds to give preference to their employees children and circumventing the public lottery.

I was explaining how it works as it appears you don't know by suggesting her 'win' would be suspicious. It's law, and it makes sense. If you don't like it take it up with DCPCS.