OP here--it's funny you mention McLean. I did initially consider McLean because I went to little Langley and Langley High School. But after living in a neighborhood with so much socioeconomic diversity, I might feel like a fish out of water. Also, I am the type of person who says hi to pretty much every person I walk past in Bed Stuy. I feel like I would get some strange looks if I pulled that in McLean. But perhaps I am generalizing--if I am wrong, please correct me. Thanks again!

Anonymous wrote:

bainbridge1 wrote:My kids are 5 and 10 years old. And we are only looking for a single family house.

10 year old girl? Rising 4th? Come be my neighbor!!!

A current 10 year old would be rising fifth, or even sixth grader.

bainbridge1 wrote:My kids are 5 and 10 years old. And we are only looking for a single family house.

10 year old girl? Rising 4th? Come be my neighbor!!!

Anonymous wrote:If you want a SFH and don’t mind the VA burbs, I would focus on McLean. It’s got good diversity and excellent public schools. As a second option but near to McLean, I would look in the Yorktown HS boundary.

OP, McLean is not where you want to be if diversity is a top priority. Stop it PP.

Wherever you rent, make sure it’s a neighborhood you can afford to buy into if you like it - would be tough on the ten year old to change schools again after one year.

Do you want suburbs or more urban?

If you want a SFH and don’t mind the VA burbs, I would focus on McLean. It’s got good diversity and excellent public schools. As a second option but near to McLean, I would look in the Yorktown HS boundary.

bainbridge1 wrote:My kids are 5 and 10 years old. And we are only looking for a single family house.

Currently for rent in Murch zone:
https://www.chatelrealestate.com/listings/detail/7648606a-73ce-49a1-994d-5ad967a91044

Mantua. Has a JCC, zoned for Woodson High, a top high school. Can rent for maybe 3500+ till you buy for around 900k to $1m.

My kids are 5 and 10 years old. And we are only looking for a single family house.

Murch Elem in DC (from a former Brooklyner)

Budget? SFH or TH/condo?

How many and how old are your kids?

Maybe Ludlow-Taylor school district on Capitol Hill.

Hi, I had posted over a year ago and this forum was invaluable so I am back to ask for your help. We are relocating from Bed Stuy (Brooklyn) to the DC area and need to make it happen before the school year starts. I'm kind of in panic mode because I haven't figured out what area to focus on and we are running out of time. Due to COVID, I have the ability to work from home so I don't have to worry about a commute. We would prefer to live in Virginia as that is where my family lives but we are open to DC/MD if the right fit. Initially, it was most important that we moved to a diverse neighborhood as we are a biracial family (I am Black and my husband is White/Jewish). However, my kids have been through the ringer not being in school for over a year and lacking friends. So honestly, I would prioritize a neighborhood where kids actually go outside and interact with each other. That is #1 for us right now. Our second priority are the schools. We did private school in Brooklyn but we really need a good public school that works well with kids with IEPs. Our third priority is diversity. Being African American, I don't want to be the only one on the block. However, I will also be happy with diversity in any form. We are looking to rent the first year and then will consider buying. I'd like to stay around $5k for rent but would be willing to go over for the right neighborhood. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!