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[Post New]07/29/2015 20:18
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Anonymous
I'd look at close-in Bethesda. Montgomery County schools are pretty great. I'd also consider the Foxhall area in DC -- but schools and services are not on par with NoVa and MD
[Post New]07/29/2015 20:24
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Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Culturally, arts-wise, this place will be arid compared to the NYC scene.
Traffic-wise, it is worse than NYC.
Real estate-wise: if you thought things would improve, you are mistaken.
Rent before you buy here:



Op - please don't listen to this. I'm a former New Yorker who used to work on b'way. There are so many of us that relocated down here. There is so much theatre it is crazy. Both equity and non eq. I think you will really be happy. Real estate is so much better here. It's no comparison. We bought in south Arlington. People here get super uptight about the schools, but they don't even know what is what. Seriously, it's so much better in every way. Welcome!!!!
[Post New]08/12/2015 15:03
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lionjill
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This is all Incredibly helpful, thank you so much for contributing! I know it was a wide-netted introduction and ask, but the truth is we are just scratching the surface of this whole new chapter in our lives. I know we will get more granular in our questions and details as things shake out. So thank you for your feedback!

[Post New]08/12/2015 15:07
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lionjill
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Anonymous wrote:
Op - please don't listen to this. I'm a former New Yorker who used to work on b'way. There are so many of us that relocated down here. There is so much theatre it is crazy. Both equity and non eq. I think you will really be happy. Real estate is so much better here. It's no comparison. We bought in south Arlington. People here get super uptight about the schools, but they don't even know what is what. Seriously, it's so much better in every way. Welcome!!!!


Thanks- that is great to hear! Believe it or not the arts scene was absolutely something we took into consideration when we looked to move out of New York City- and the DC metro area seemed to have enough to offer to keep us happy. I have some family in Alexandria and when we have come down to visit we always take advantage of going to see shows at Signature, Arena, Wooly Mammoth, Kennedy Center etc. And who knows, maybe we can join up with some like-minded people like you and get something new going! I read "arid landscape" as room for opportunity!
[Post New]08/12/2015 15:08
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lionjill
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Anonymous wrote:North Arlington (or South Arlington) would be a quick hop into Georgetown, and if you stay here long-term, the arlington schools do a good job with special needs programming.

Lots of theater around here in DC and the surrounding jurisdictions. Plenty of good kids' theater - google Imagination Stage, Adventure Theatre, Puppet Company Playhouse, Encore Stage & Studio. Also "Theater in the Woods" in McLean. (And Jammin' Java and Boogie Babes for musical offerings suitable for younger kids.)

MONA has lots of events too. (Moms of North Arlington.)


These are great suggestions! Thank you!
[Post New]08/12/2015 15:10
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lionjill
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Anonymous wrote:Really depends on the county and city you will be moving too! NOVA is very big and lots of hidden gems everywhere. If you have an idea of the area you will be living in, it'll be easier to give recommendations.


We'll be starting out in Alexandria, staying in a family house while we "get our feet on the ground". This also gives us an opportunity to really explore the whole region before making a commitment to the actual neighborhood we'd like to live in long term. But for the start, any Alexandria advice would be great!
[Post New]08/12/2015 15:28
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Anonymous
Welcome to Alexandria! Here are some pointers that I can think of;

Get on the OldTownMoms listserv.

Lots of tot parks all over - you may want to visit a few of them to see which one works best for your family.

We had a positive experience through Alexandria's Parent Infant Education (PIE) program. Our son was found to qualify for physical therapy for gross motor development issues, and graduated and is doing well. We really liked our therapist through the program. https://alexandriava.gov/dchs/childrenfamily/default.aspx?id=50246

Alexandria libraries have great toddler programs, including shows featuring musicians/performers. http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us/client/en_US/home/?rm=KIDS+%26+PARENTS20%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C2%7C%7C%7Ctrue&dt=list

Lots of preschools - if you stay in the area, get on the waitlist starting February/march 2016 for the fall of 2016.

lots of mommy and me classes - we liked music together; I might also recommend tiny dancers on king street if you're into dance

each little neighborhood in Alexandria has its own personality - some more bustling than others. it sounds like you might like del rey.

have fun exploring!



[Post New]08/12/2015 17:47
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Anonymous
lionjill wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Op - please don't listen to this. I'm a former New Yorker who used to work on b'way. There are so many of us that relocated down here. There is so much theatre it is crazy. Both equity and non eq. I think you will really be happy. Real estate is so much better here. It's no comparison. We bought in south Arlington. People here get super uptight about the schools, but they don't even know what is what. Seriously, it's so much better in every way. Welcome!!!!


Thanks- that is great to hear! Believe it or not the arts scene was absolutely something we took into consideration when we looked to move out of New York City- and the DC metro area seemed to have enough to offer to keep us happy. I have some family in Alexandria and when we have come down to visit we always take advantage of going to see shows at Signature, Arena, Wooly Mammoth, Kennedy Center etc. And who knows, maybe we can join up with some like-minded people like you and get something new going! I read "arid landscape" as room for opportunity!



Just FYI- keep an eye out on the signature theatre website. They have an open call in the spring. Definitely start looking in February. They do so much and have all kinds of opportunities - also with readings and cabaret.
If you are a dancer look into Synetic theatre. Really interesting stuff.
[Post New]08/12/2015 18:22
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Anonymous
You might like Shirlington. Their Signature theater has put on some great productions in recent years, and the location would be an ok commute for your husband.

Another super popular location is Del Ray. It has a really vibrant arts scene and tons of young families. I think it is in Alexandria county or whatever, so I'm not sure about their early intervention services. Fairfax county has great early intervention services.

[Post New]08/12/2015 18:36
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Anonymous
As a former New Yorker, I disagree about the traffic being worse here - perhaps you never spent 2-3 hours of your life on the BQE going about 1 mile. Also, housing prices in NYC are completely insane - especially if you want to live as close to downtown as Arlington is to DC.
[Post New]08/12/2015 18:52
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Anonymous
lionjill wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Really depends on the county and city you will be moving too! NOVA is very big and lots of hidden gems everywhere. If you have an idea of the area you will be living in, it'll be easier to give recommendations.


We'll be starting out in Alexandria, staying in a family house while we "get our feet on the ground". This also gives us an opportunity to really explore the whole region before making a commitment to the actual neighborhood we'd like to live in long term. But for the start, any Alexandria advice would be great!


Parts of it suck and other parts are very nice.
[Post New]08/12/2015 19:14
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Anonymous
There are some hidden gems in terms of parks and cultural events, but you typically have to drive to find them, and they tend to be out west around Reston, Fairfax City and Centreville.
[Post New]08/26/2015 00:00
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Anonymous
Since you said you will be in Alexandria at least initially, here are some links that might be of interest:

Visit Alexandria has a good list of various events and festivals: http://www.visitalexandriava.com/

In addition to the professional theaters you have mentioned, there are lots of community theaters: Little Theater of Alexandria: http://www.thelittletheatre.com/ and Port City Playhouse: http://www.portcityplayhouse.com/ and also (in Arlington) The Arlington Players: http://beta.thearlingtonplayers.org/

Art on the Avenue is an Arts festival in early October in Del Ray (deserves special mention because of all the kids activities) - http://artontheavenue.org/ Del Ray also has a fantastic Halloween parade with stroller decorating contests etc. This is the information for last year's parade - info isn't out yet for this year's other than the date (Sat. Oct 25) http://www.visitdelray.com/page-1718170

Del Ray Baby - website that tracks stuff going on around Alexandria for kids http://del-ray-baby.com/ - they also have a fairly active Facebook page

Library's list of kids events and story times: http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us/client/en_US/home/?rm=KIDS+EVENTS+%26+1%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7Ctrue&dt=list

Office of the Arts: https://alexandriava.gov/Arts

Recreation Department programs/classes: http://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/ProgramGuide.pdf

Parks information: http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12342

Welcome!
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