Montgomery County person here who grew up in Howard (but right next to PG/Laurel). PG is up and coming. Everything around here (MoCo) is so unaffordable. PG is a little cheaper. Young folks are moving in. Decent development is occuring, particularly around metro stations. I would live in Hyattsville, Mt. Ranier, or Greenbelt in a heartbeat if they were closer to my job. I've got tons of friends in those areas and visit often.

I swear in 10 years everyone will be envying those of you who bought early.

Anonymous wrote:People will always find something to knock on about PG as it is really just code for "I don't want to live around black people". While there are issues with schools, commercial and infrastructure investment many of these can be traced back to a system that doesn't always treat people fairly. PG will always be a step behind in terms of broad appeal, investment and valuation but maybe that is just the way it has to be. We are seeing what happens when those things change in DC right now before our eyes and what once used to be our city is being taken away street by street and ward by ward. I really don't want to see PG turn too.

I completely agree that much of peoples' fear and loathing of PG is tied to racism - over, historical or unconscious). What does it mean that you don't want PG to turn? Personally, I'm hoping that PG can achieve its potential and be seen as a great place to live (or continue to be a well-kept secret). I don't want the county to be all yuppified, but it does bother me that I have to go out of the county for things that we should have close to home.

^^well put.

People will always find something to knock on about PG as it is really just code for "I don't want to live around black people". While there are issues with schools, commercial and infrastructure investment many of these can be traced back to a system that doesn't always treat people fairly. PG will always be a step behind in terms of broad appeal, investment and valuation but maybe that is just the way it has to be. We are seeing what happens when those things change in DC right now before our eyes and what once used to be our city is being taken away street by street and ward by ward. I really don't want to see PG turn too.

True ^ I live here because I love it, but it does get annoying to get the comments from people who obviously don't know what their talking about.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Who cares whether someone else looks down on me for where I live? Quite frankly, I don't want to be associated with a person that shallow anyway. Seriously! I am an adult. I don't need approval of anyone who is not paying me.

Ditto. Who gives a flying ----- what someone else thinks about where you live? Are you trying to impress the Joneses or what? Live for you and do what works for your family.

While this is true one shouldn't completly turn a blind eye to why our properties trade at a discount and how realistic it is that it will change. We will never win the argument stating how it is almost as good for less money, we come off the same as proponents of day-old bread. It really just makes the people who like to poke fun jobs easier.

I love my home because it affords me the life i want, nothing more needs to be said. It takes the power away form those who assume we are too poor, stupid or hapless to live elsewhere. There is something empowering to say that I looked around and liked what I saw.

Anonymous wrote:Who cares whether someone else looks down on me for where I live? Quite frankly, I don't want to be associated with a person that shallow anyway. Seriously! I am an adult. I don't need approval of anyone who is not paying me.

Ditto. Who gives a flying ----- what someone else thinks about where you live? Are you trying to impress the Joneses or what? Live for you and do what works for your family.

Who cares whether someone else looks down on me for where I live? Quite frankly, I don't want to be associated with a person that shallow anyway. Seriously! I am an adult. I don't need approval of anyone who is not paying me.

I think people need to understand that PG schools are ranked low yes but ranked low in a State school system that's constantly ranked 1 or 2 in the country. Also is closed to being in the top 20 when it comes to size And a Sometimes u need perspective. That being said i don't always mind the criticism of the school system because that only makes it better, the grass always looks greener else where just like u saw a post about Moco magnet programs, but go to the Moco budget thread people were saying most should be cut because they are expensive and not effective

Anonymous wrote:So funny if you go to the md school forum, the parents of Montgomery County are trying to move from their neighborhoods. Also check school diggers it is interesting that Glenarden woods and Heather hills were ranked in the top five. Not to say that all children are lucky to get into these schools. However, let's give some acknowledgement to PG county for something.

Actually they were ranked #1 and #2. Doesn't make up for the low ranking schools in the county, but it's something.

FWIW, I'm happy with our great schools #6 rated school. Safe, good teachers, involved parents...I'm not sure what else I'd want, frankly.

So funny if you go to the md school forum, the parents of Montgomery County are trying to move from their neighborhoods. Also check school diggers it is interesting that Glenarden woods and Heather hills were ranked in the top five. Not to say that all children are lucky to get into these schools. However, let's give some acknowledgement to PG county for something.

When people say PG has no amenities what are they referring to? I never have to leave the county, especially not to go to MOCO or NOVA for anything. Whether its Watkins Park, or the Putuxent River Park, the Clarice Performing Art Center in College Park, the vineyard and wineries in Southern PG, Six Flags, National Harbor, etc. The library system provide great events for kids & teens, like Last year Kids Euro Festival which took place at multiple Libraries throughout the county, etc. I'm sorry I can get a very nice quality of life while paying only 350k for a home, as compared to other area's in this region where that is not possible. My family paid close to 600k for a plain split level home that was barely 2,000 sqf in Silver Spring and guess what the school pyramid is AVERAGE at best. So to say the WORST school in MOCO is better than the BEST school in PG is absurd especially considering that our French immersion programs out test the weak ones in MOCO. Everyone who screams about MOCO always screams about Bethesda thats one city, 90 percent of the rest of the county can't afford to even reside there. So yes maybe if I had 3 million dollars I would buy in Bethesda, but Bethesda can't offer me what I can get in life style/community/amenities that PG can offer for only 350k

Well i live in PG county and although i am not happy with the school choices i am able to either afford private or apply for the lottery. I have to travel to expose my child to things however, i do not mind. I am able to afford a comfortable lifestyle, a great yard and i have people of all cultures come by to visit and they are not afraid to visit. I also have a friend that just came to the states and she wish she could afford a home in pg county, compared to her living standards in another country. Do i want better yes. However, working in the city with children who are less fortunate than i. I am not complaining. For those who are able to move and live in another area and not live check to check i am happy for you. For those who cannot do not follow others on the forum appreicate what you have and expose your children.

*School Digger (typo above)

Great Schooks isn't the site to use, it's Schook Digger. PG is the second worst school system in the state. The worst school in MoCo is better than any school in PG because you have systemic issues with the entire system in PG. How's that impending tax increase going to feel? Awful! Depressed home values, weak schools, lack of goods and services and having to spend your life driving to get anywhere is what you sign up for in PG. I did it for 14 years and now happily reside in North Bethesda and will never return to PG.