Really comes down to what your family needs in terms of size. If the smaller place is sufficient and the schools are good, I'd pick the better commute. DH & I agree that short commutes are important to us and we don't want to take on more house than we need even when our incomes allow for a bigger place. Extra lounging space means more cleaning, more maintenance, and wouldn't make us happier on a daily basis.

Personal choice though - good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a known fact that commuting longer makes people unhappier. Don't underestimate "15 minutes" -- that's 30 minutes a day, so 2.5 hours a week extra that you'll be driving.

That's around 120 hours extra driving per year...

It's a known fact that having to take all your pots and pans out of the oven before using the oven sucks.

Don't forget the terrible neighbors, or the having to park three blocks away regularly, either.

I might for schools, or if I really liked the neighborhood, but in general I really want my commute to be under 40 mins door to door, and preferably on public transportation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a known fact that commuting longer makes people unhappier. Don't underestimate "15 minutes" -- that's 30 minutes a day, so 2.5 hours a week extra that you'll be driving.

That's around 120 hours extra driving per year...

It's a known fact that having to take all your pots and pans out of the oven before using the oven sucks.

Lol. I don't miss this!

Anonymous wrote:It's a known fact that commuting longer makes people unhappier. Don't underestimate "15 minutes" -- that's 30 minutes a day, so 2.5 hours a week extra that you'll be driving.

That's around 120 hours extra driving per year...

You seem dramatic. I see it as 10 minutes...to each their own.

Anonymous wrote:It's a known fact that commuting longer makes people unhappier. Don't underestimate "15 minutes" -- that's 30 minutes a day, so 2.5 hours a week extra that you'll be driving.

That's around 120 hours extra driving per year...

It's a known fact that having to take all your pots and pans out of the oven before using the oven sucks.

I would but not for a "bigger" house.

I would if the neighborhood was better for my kids. Our neighborhood has a pond, creek, woods, field, park, basketball courts and walking path.

I would if I thought the layout of the house would be more condusive to my kids having friends over. We are getting to the teen years and our house lends to having bunch of friends over. They have tons of healthy things to do and we have a decent size basement if it is raining.

30 minutes a day so that the 6 hours I am at home is more relaxing, yes.

Also, think of upkeep, I don't want to be spending my weekends keeping the house from falling apart. I don't want a huge house that needs tons of upkeep or a yard that cost a gazillion to keep cut and mulch. A big house with a big yard can be costly or a pain.

I choose not to. My choice was a huge house on 2+acres or a regular colonial on a postage stamp close to 270. I picked the regular house with super easy access to everything.

Hell No. My husband and I agreed before we got married that we would sacrifice sq footage to stay inside the beltway.

No house is worth the time away from home and kids for me - but I work more traditional hours so for me changing from a 50 minute commute on Metro to 25 min driving has meant getting healthier dinners on the table most nights.

Lots of people defending their tiny, close-in houses here.

Anonymous wrote:We went 10 minutes outside Bethesda...into Potomac and got a much bigger house and huge backyard.

Great schools and do not live off a main road. Its very residential and quiet. For us, it was definitely worth it.

We did the same thing. Moved less than 10 mins north. Beautiful house, quiet street, amazing schools, house is an oasis now. Couldn't be happier.

It's a known fact that commuting longer makes people unhappier. Don't underestimate "15 minutes" -- that's 30 minutes a day, so 2.5 hours a week extra that you'll be driving.

That's around 120 hours extra driving per year...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's 15 min now but what will it be in 5 years? Have you looked at area development plans? Downtown Bethesda, White Flint will all explode. Are you commuting near there? You should probably give us an idea of the towns / neighborhoods, OP.

This is going to be true for ANYWHERE in the metro area. They are building up Germantown and Anapolis too. I dont see how anticipating construction and economic growth in 5 to 10 years will help anything. Thats everywhere!

PP2 is correct. But if if the choice is between house with better access to public transportation and bigger/better house that is really only accessible via car, I think that OP's estimation of extra commuting time may increase. There are lots of areas in Loudoun and Fauquier Ctys which are now developed. Country roads are now commuter veins. Sorry PP1 if I am putting words in your mouth

Anonymous wrote:It's 15 min now but what will it be in 5 years? Have you looked at area development plans? Downtown Bethesda, White Flint will all explode. Are you commuting near there? You should probably give us an idea of the towns / neighborhoods, OP.

This is going to be true for ANYWHERE in the metro area. They are building up Germantown and Anapolis too. I dont see how anticipating construction and economic growth in 5 to 10 years will help anything. Thats everywhere!

No way. I'd be concerned about house values long term, because closer-in neighborhoods tend to be more desirable.

This.