Anonymous
05/04/2026 15:36
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Old Town or Del Ray? Get kid friendly and much much more walkability and an actual WFH community so you're not too isolated.
I WFH and looked at these neighborhoods for that reason. The schools aren't as bad as DCUM makes it out to seem (they've gotten better in the past 3 years maybe) and if you're truly upset (which I actually doubt) put the kiddos in private.
OP wants good schools.
For UMC kids from educated parents, AC is arguably the best HS in the region, barring TJ. It's OK to not know this.
ACHS?? You have to be joking.
Why would I joke about a school hat sends more kids to Top 20 universities than pretty much any other FCPS HS?
Just go ahead and admit you're scared of brown people.
ACHS is monstrously big. About 1300 freshmen at Minnie Howard, and around 1100 seniors at the main campus.
No FCPS is that size, nor would FCPS let a high school get that big.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 15:02
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Old Town or Del Ray? Get kid friendly and much much more walkability and an actual WFH community so you're not too isolated.
I WFH and looked at these neighborhoods for that reason. The schools aren't as bad as DCUM makes it out to seem (they've gotten better in the past 3 years maybe) and if you're truly upset (which I actually doubt) put the kiddos in private.
OP wants good schools.
For UMC kids from educated parents, AC is arguably the best HS in the region, barring TJ. It's OK to not know this.
ACHS?? You have to be joking.
Why would I joke about a school hat sends more kids to Top 20 universities than pretty much any other FCPS HS?
Just go ahead and admit you're scared of brown people.
Didn't ACHS almost lose it's accreditation a few years back? I don't think someone making a move for "the schools" who doesn't have any ties to Alexandria should move there. This isn't what OP is looking for, and that's ok.
No.
Ok, was it conditionally accredited for a year? This was definitely discussed on this board.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:58
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
Whitman: #130 in US News Rankings
Yorktown: #496
Kind of a joke to act as though they're comparable.
+1. Unfortunately, while this board pumps Arlington, the truth is that it's a very small school system and doesn't compete well with Montgomery and Fairfax counties:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/rankings/washington-dc-47900
People like Arlington because they are trying to optimize schools and commute, or schools/commute/walkability. Some people also don't put a lot of stock in the rankings. Your comment is kind of pointless.
Arlington people always get very defensive when people point out that their schools aren't comparable to this area's flagship school districts (FCPS and MCPS).
The post was about balancing several concerns to arrive at the best place to live. Nobody argued Arlington was like your "flagship school districts," whatever that means in your mind.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:56
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
Whitman: #130 in US News Rankings
Yorktown: #496
Kind of a joke to act as though they're comparable.
+1. Unfortunately, while this board pumps Arlington, the truth is that it's a very small school system and doesn't compete well with Montgomery and Fairfax counties:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/rankings/washington-dc-47900
People like Arlington because they are trying to optimize schools and commute, or schools/commute/walkability. Some people also don't put a lot of stock in the rankings. Your comment is kind of pointless.
Arlington people always get very defensive when people point out that their schools aren't comparable to this area's flagship school districts (FCPS and MCPS).
My kids aren't in school in Arlington. I just think your post was nonsense.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:51
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Old Town or Del Ray? Get kid friendly and much much more walkability and an actual WFH community so you're not too isolated.
I WFH and looked at these neighborhoods for that reason. The schools aren't as bad as DCUM makes it out to seem (they've gotten better in the past 3 years maybe) and if you're truly upset (which I actually doubt) put the kiddos in private.
OP wants good schools.
For UMC kids from educated parents, AC is arguably the best HS in the region, barring TJ. It's OK to not know this.
ACHS?? You have to be joking.
Why would I joke about a school hat sends more kids to Top 20 universities than pretty much any other FCPS HS?
Just go ahead and admit you're scared of brown people.
Didn't ACHS almost lose it's accreditation a few years back? I don't think someone making a move for "the schools" who doesn't have any ties to Alexandria should move there. This isn't what OP is looking for, and that's ok.
No.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:40
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
Whitman: #130 in US News Rankings
Yorktown: #496
Kind of a joke to act as though they're comparable.
+1. Unfortunately, while this board pumps Arlington, the truth is that it's a very small school system and doesn't compete well with Montgomery and Fairfax counties:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/rankings/washington-dc-47900
People like Arlington because they are trying to optimize schools and commute, or schools/commute/walkability. Some people also don't put a lot of stock in the rankings. Your comment is kind of pointless.
Arlington people always get very defensive when people point out that their schools aren't comparable to this area's flagship school districts (FCPS and MCPS).
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:33
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
Whitman: #130 in US News Rankings
Yorktown: #496
Kind of a joke to act as though they're comparable.
+1. Unfortunately, while this board pumps Arlington, the truth is that it's a very small school system and doesn't compete well with Montgomery and Fairfax counties:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/rankings/washington-dc-47900
People like Arlington because they are trying to optimize schools and commute, or schools/commute/walkability. Some people also don't put a lot of stock in the rankings. Your comment is kind of pointless.
100%. If OP isn’t as concerned about a downtown DC or cap hill commute they can branch out more.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:18
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
You’re not going to get anything other than a teardown for $1.5M in Whitman.
Incorrect:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5511-Bradley-Blvd-Bethesda-MD-20814/37167133_zpid/
This house is in way better shape than anything you can find even in south Arlington for the price. And better schools
Anonymous
05/04/2026 14:06
Subject: Re:WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:I live in Lyon Park which we adore, and paid under $1.5m for a SFH here last year. Here’s the thing: you can do any of these neighborhoods on your budget, it will just be a question of how many homes available at that price and if you need to do any updating. Sure there are also new builds $2-3m but honestly that isn’t what we want (modern farmhouse stuff) and we are thrilled with our renovated 1950s home. But while the new builds are sitting and there are plenty of those (over supply) the lower priced original homes move less often and fast. So any of these neighborhoods work but it’s all about inventory and how much time you have to stalk the market.
I agree with this PP. Any of those neighborhoods/schools are good places to live and raise a family. People here will split hairs and have horror stories and accolades to add about each of those areas. I suggest coming here for a weekend and exploring all of them. Go to playgrounds/coffee shops/farmers markets and talk to people. Figure out which of the general areas seem most appealing to you/your family and then narrow your focus. You cannot go wrong, just pick what feels most comfortable to you.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 13:57
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Old Town or Del Ray? Get kid friendly and much much more walkability and an actual WFH community so you're not too isolated.
I WFH and looked at these neighborhoods for that reason. The schools aren't as bad as DCUM makes it out to seem (they've gotten better in the past 3 years maybe) and if you're truly upset (which I actually doubt) put the kiddos in private.
OP wants good schools.
For UMC kids from educated parents, AC is arguably the best HS in the region, barring TJ. It's OK to not know this.
ACHS?? You have to be joking.
Why would I joke about a school hat sends more kids to Top 20 universities than pretty much any other FCPS HS?
Just go ahead and admit you're scared of brown people.
Didn't ACHS almost lose it's accreditation a few years back? I don't think someone making a move for "the schools" who doesn't have any ties to Alexandria should move there. This isn't what OP is looking for, and that's ok.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 13:54
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
Whitman: #130 in US News Rankings
Yorktown: #496
Kind of a joke to act as though they're comparable.
+1. Unfortunately, while this board pumps Arlington, the truth is that it's a very small school system and doesn't compete well with Montgomery and Fairfax counties:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/rankings/washington-dc-47900
People like Arlington because they are trying to optimize schools and commute, or schools/commute/walkability. Some people also don't put a lot of stock in the rankings. Your comment is kind of pointless.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 13:50
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Moving here and have a $1.5M budget. Looking for good schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, and walkability. Want to be close enough to DC in case we have to commute in the future, so not looking in Ashburn or far out counties.
I’ve found these neighborhoods with great school scores close to the Beltway that might fit my budget. Can you please help rank them?
Falls Church zoned for Meridian
Falls Church zoned for Marshall
North Arlington zoned for Yorktown
Bethesda zoned for Bethesda Chevy Chase
Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson
How did you end up with Walter Johnson skipping over MCPS Whitman?
Millennials that grew up here in DC/MD/VA top target is Yorktown. Unless they have other relatives and convenient babysitting types nearby ... Arlington or Meridian completely avoid the slop, boundary issues, programming issues that are ongoing in FCPS and MCPS.
You’re not going to get anything other than a teardown for $1.5M in Whitman.
Incorrect:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5511-Bradley-Blvd-Bethesda-MD-20814/37167133_zpid/
Anonymous
05/04/2026 12:25
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Old Town or Del Ray? Get kid friendly and much much more walkability and an actual WFH community so you're not too isolated.
I WFH and looked at these neighborhoods for that reason. The schools aren't as bad as DCUM makes it out to seem (they've gotten better in the past 3 years maybe) and if you're truly upset (which I actually doubt) put the kiddos in private.
OP wants good schools.
For UMC kids from educated parents, AC is arguably the best HS in the region, barring TJ. It's OK to not know this.
ACHS?? You have to be joking.
Why would I joke about a school hat sends more kids to Top 20 universities than pretty much any other FCPS HS?
Just go ahead and admit you're scared of brown people.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 11:55
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:I would do Bethesda zoned for Walter Johnson. It's not very walkable but not any less walkable than the other options.
The only places that are super walkable are along the western leg of the red line out to Bethesda, and Rosslyn-Clarendon-Ballston.
In our Kensington/Bethesda/WJ neighborhood, we have easy access to Rock Creek trail and use them daily.
Anonymous
05/04/2026 11:48
Subject: WFH - Rank These DMV Neighborhoods -$1.5M Budget
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:$1.5M will get you a SFH in Bethesda zoned to Walter Johnson.
This is a good option. Given the boundary studies, I would not trust a Kensington or Garrett Park zoned for Walter Johnson purchase.
The boundary studies have already been finalized and approved by the school board and superintendent.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/facilities/boundary-study/