Alexandria vs Arlington, McLean or Bethesda

[Anonymous]

Tell me why people (at least in dcum land) seem to prefer Arlington, McLean or Bethesda to Alexandria, other than schools.

We’ve been looking and would like to be in a house with a suburban feel that’s a ten minute drive to restaurants and shops, and Old Town seems so much more charming and full of character than any of the other three, which feel so cookie cutter. Is there something I’m missing? I’m aware the public schools in Alexandria are not highly rated, is that the driving force?

Old Town is so cute and there is plentiful parking and there are many nice residential neighborhoods within a ten minute drive. Bethesda is nice but really cookie cutter, and Arlington doesn’t have anything charming whatsoever, I don’t get the hype.

[Anonymous]

Commute commute commute.

DH and I both work downtown (pre-Covid) and Arlington is a quick commute via metro, which we both ride to work (pre-Covid).

[Anonymous]

It all comes down to DCUM's hatred of ACPS. No doubt, ACPS deserves some criticism (I can't think of a school system that doesn't), but many of us who actually live in Alexandria and have kids who attend ACPS schools are happy with the schools. But again, the answer to your question is the perception of ACPS. Your observations of the areas are spot on.

[Anonymous]

I don’t get the Arlington hype either but it appeals to many. I love living near old town and we take part in traditions like the Scottish walk, st. Pattys parade and first night every year. Or did in months covid times I mean. It’s a wonderful place. I do think it’s the schools. Many don’t want their kids to be in schools with kids who have lower income or who aren’t white.

[Anonymous]

schools, both public and private. The commute depends on where you work

[Anonymous]

You are correct, Old Town is super charming. Ppl live in Arlington for the schools and the proximity to the city.

[Anonymous]

Love old town, and del day is lovely too. I live in Arlington and love it as a place to live but not for its charm. Of course Alexandria is much more than old town and del Ray. A lot of it is very drab.

[Anonymous]

Why would I want to be in a drab suburban area in Alexandria with bad schools just so I could be 10 minutes away from a cute Old Town? If you live in Bethesda, you are close to a much bigger city than Alexandria, and if you live in Arlington or McLean you can drive to DC or Old Town, both of which have parking, for an urban fix. The retail in Old Town isn’t exactly unique in any event.

[Anonymous]

Love old town and del ray. As an Arlington dweller I totally agree they are way more charming and lovely. But I really wanted a neighborhood where most of the kids in the neighborhood go to the public schools vs many going to private and that wasn't the impression I got. I would be fine with my kids in ACPS - I have a few friends who went there (now adults). But just wanted a community where people would buy and stay and was worried that wasn't the case (or that they stay but many go to private). I could be wrong though! But it was what I had heard.

Alexandria/old town does have a huge traffic problem right now though in non-pandemic times. But metro should be fine! and agreed, it is close and lovely. without my other consideration we would have chosen it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get the Arlington hype either but it appeals to many. I love living near old town and we take part in traditions like the Scottish walk, st. Pattys parade and first night every year. Or did in months covid times I mean. It’s a wonderful place. I do think it’s the schools. Many don’t want their kids to be in schools with kids who have lower income or who aren’t white.

I live in South Arlington and agree with this. We love our schools! And we love our commutes. Our neighbors are all down to earth professionals and are diverse in a lot of ways. The feeling of community is one I didn't expect and is awesome. I really like a lot of parts in Alexandria too.

[Anonymous]

Old Town seems charming until you're there every single day. I know multiple people who moved there and wanted to get the hell out within a year or two. And more who worked there and were over it just as fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get the Arlington hype either but it appeals to many. I love living near old town and we take part in traditions like the Scottish walk, st. Pattys parade and first night every year. Or did in months covid times I mean. It’s a wonderful place. I do think it’s the schools. Many don’t want their kids to be in schools with kids who have lower income or who aren’t white.

There are some very white schools in Arlington, but other countries around here have plenty non whites in all schools.

Quality of schools is not positively correlated to whiteness. That’s a dumb thing to say.

[Anonymous]

I love living in Old Town. I mean sure, I could live elsewhere and drive here--but I like not having to drive to do something. We just walk out the door and within 10-15 minutes we can walk to the river, multiple playgrounds, 2 grocery stores, tons of restaurants (well, back when I wanted to go to restaurants), the kids' school, etc.

But yeah, the schools have their problems, though not all are equally problematic. The administration is pretty dysfunctional. But the teachers my kids have are fine and they're doing well. The scores for kids in my demographic are good. My friends with kids in FCPS and APS all complain about the same things I complain about. In fairness, we're at one of the better regarded and ranked schools in the City so YMMV if you go to a different school. And there are definitely a contingent of people who get fed up and move halfway through elementary school (though I know far more people who moved out of state than people who moved to a neighboring district).

[Anonymous]

Flooding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get the Arlington hype either but it appeals to many. I love living near old town and we take part in traditions like the Scottish walk, st. Pattys parade and first night every year. Or did in months covid times I mean. It’s a wonderful place. I do think it’s the schools. Many don’t want their kids to be in schools with kids who have lower income or who aren’t white.

There are some very white schools in Arlington, but other countries around here have plenty non whites in all schools.

Quality of schools is not positively correlated to whiteness. That’s a dumb thing to say.

it's correlated to farms rates. This holds true across most districts around here.