Potomac MD, nice schools and near C&O canel and DC.
Town homes under $350K
http://franklymls.com/default.aspx?m=R&l=0&h=400K&s=20854&addy1=

Look in Loudoun County. There are plenty of really nice townhouse developments that are new and near new schools as well. Loudoun always has "new" communities going up.

This is a really nice neighborhood
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/6578-Medinah-Ln_Alexandria_VA_22312_M61823-86210

Bristow and Gainesville in VA

I agree that your best bet is to rent first to get a sense of the area, particularly if you'll be moving here a while before your child will start kindergarden.

I've heard good things about Olney, MD, and there might be things in your range. http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Olney_MD/price-0-300000

Generally speaking, Prince George's County, MD and DC (although there is variation within them) don't have good public schools. Almost all of the other surrounding counties have good school systems, especially when compared to other areas. Some people on DCUM feel that only the neighborhoods with $1m homes have good public schools, but I don't think that's true.

I'm curious about what kind of business you have that location does not seem to be a factor at all--something entirely internet based?

Olney, there are some good townhouses out there and you can find some houses too

Closer to Baltimore (Anne Arundel, Howard) might give you some better options. Fredrick County in MD also.

One more questions, what's considered the metro area? My thinking is that we could be outside the metro area. Any areas there worth looking at?

I should have mentioned that we have a small business, so we're not anticipating having to go into DC very often, just to visit family and probably sightseeing in the beginning. Things might change, but for now that's what we're dealing with.

Rent. $300K is not going to get you a townhouse in the DC metro area in a good neighborhood with good schools.

Should also add that townhouses in the DC area are just as expensive as SFH, sometimes more expensive if they are newish.

You might consider renting to start.

You have VERY limited options. Can you renovate on top of a $300,000 budget? Most would be fixer-uppers or foreclosures at that price point. I would suggest renting if not.

You say that commute time isn't a factor but, unless the primary wage earner is working from home, commute time is ALWAYS a factor in this area. That said, if I take you at your word, I would recommend townhomes in the W. Springfield, Burke, LakeRidge areas. However, none of those places is necessarily a stress-free commute to DC. You could also go way, way out to Bristow, Warrenton, and Manassas (certain areas). You're still looking at a townhouse and a long, long commute.

We're moving from another state. I know $300k isn't much for the DC area and it's barely enough for a condo in the city. We're looking for a safe neighborhood with good schools for an child that will start K next year. Townhouse or house, if possible. Commute time to DC isn't a factor. I'd appreciate suggestions for where to start looking? TIA