We're all out here in the midwest.

In Norway.

I think neighborhoods without teardowns and new builds is a good sign. People who like the original houses, vs wanting the newest and shiniest.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Definitely not in McLean

Never say never. Our block in McLean is super nice and chill, sure kids have structured activities but people are down to earth and nice. Maybe we lucked out.

Our experience has been the opposite. One example is seeing parents fighting for a parking spot in front of an ES school or blocking the sideways with their fat dogs. I could go on with examples.

I think I have this in the Lyon Park area of Arlington -- but, big caveat, I have kids in high school. The families we are friends with here generally bought before the revitalization of Clarendon when the area became trendy. They are families who prioritized short commutes so they could relax and live their lives even if the houses were old and small and the schools (Long Branch ES and Jefferson MS) have a significant % of FARMS students so their test scores are not as high. I think it was then more like Silver Spring is now.

I don't know that the families with little kids fit the "chill" vibe anymore since the area is now trendy and very expensive.

I’m a big fan of neighborhoods where: 1) most kids go to neighborhood public and 2) there’s a mix of dual income families and stay st home moms and dads.
(1) because it fosters a noeghborhood where kids wander around to find their school friends and roam at least a little free, plus it avoids the insanity that is private school applications etc.
(2) because working parents generally don’t have time for the gossipy sh-t or worried about things like who is wearing what. But SAHps help keep the wheels of the community moving and also are a nice break against the “where do you work?” conversation.

I know a lot of laid back parents in Annandale (just outside the beltway).

Anonymous wrote:All the current class threads led me here. This topic has been discussed before, but I’m curious where my people are ending up now that COVID has hastened suburban migration.

OP, what is your definition of cool? Your type of cool might not be my definition. I live in the burbs (Boyds, MD) and I like our neighbors a lot- really chill, fairly laid back, don't give a crap what one does for a living; but still expect their kids to work hard. We're not going to pretend like we don't care about education unlike some of the "cool" parents who work hard as hell to pretend like they don't care. I would say stay away from the really expensive areas. The grounded people are living in neighborhoods where their kids attend schools with kids from different walks of life and different socio-economic statuses.

Anonymous wrote:You’re looking for a unicorn. The DC area does not attract “cool” or “chill” people. It attracts try-hards. These are the people who were valedictorian of their class, head of the debate team, grew up wanting to be Josh Lyman or Tracy Flick. Or PhDs who now have to work at NOAA or DOE. There’s also a ton of old money snobs who may drive a Volvo but they will cut you if you get in the way of their kid attending St Albans.

Just choose where you want to live, engage in activities you enjoy, and you’ll attract the people who are most like you.

I guess 20910 Silver Spring is not on your radar. Don't live there, but live nearby in a more expensive DC neighborhood. I'd say these families are pretty down to earth, diverse, interesting jobs, and generally the opposite of what you're describing "everyone" is like in this area.

Anonymous wrote:22308/Fort Hunt. We moved from Arlington and it is night and day different. Much more relaxed/not as competitive and many of the families are a pleasure to be around. The area is teeming with kids and there is a hang out culture with the parents.

Considering moving to this area but heard bad feedback regarding schools. Also hearing schools are good but just not GS good, depending on who you talk to. Any real concerns or just ignore GS?

You’re looking for a unicorn. The DC area does not attract “cool” or “chill” people. It attracts try-hards. These are the people who were valedictorian of their class, head of the debate team, grew up wanting to be Josh Lyman or Tracy Flick. Or PhDs who now have to work at NOAA or DOE. There’s also a ton of old money snobs who may drive a Volvo but they will cut you if you get in the way of their kid attending St Albans.

Just choose where you want to live, engage in activities you enjoy, and you’ll attract the people who are most like you.

Anonymous wrote:Definitely not in McLean

Never say never. Our block in McLean is super nice and chill, sure kids have structured activities but people are down to earth and nice. Maybe we lucked out.

Go to the beer garden in Westover in Arlington to mingle with some relatively grounded parents. We let our kids roam in packs and we have no idea what's happening with the school boundaries, but we know that some people seem to be upset by it.

Anonymous wrote:At Ruth Chris steakhouse on NYE with a toddler in tow.

This!! They also have cats at their weddings

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Posting like the 5th yes to Silver Spring: 20910, 20902, 20901

+7 (or whatever). Lots of "chill" families and even some "cool" ones (but not me).

+8. We’re part of the “adequate parenting” club.