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lizziewhit wrote:Wow... this is all so helpful! I feel like we have honed in on Georgetown b/c of its name familiarity. I like the suggestions of where we can get more bang for our buck. I will start looking around some of these other places. And I would like being near a metro (and had no idea Georgetown is not good for this). So again, thank you for your replies!

If you want to be near metro, definitely do not buy in Georgetown.

Georgetown is not all its cracked up to be. Its too many college kids, tourists and old people. Not nearly as many young families as would like for your kids. CP is much better and must more accessible. Or live in bounds for Janney closer to Tenleytown metro. Honestly I would take G'town off your list if you are looking for a super kid friendly location. Cap Hill is great if you are in Brent Elem. But over half the students are gone after 4th grade because there is still not a strong middle option.

Agree to take Georgetown off your list. It's "urban", but in a small town kind of way, with cute stores and without metro access. Also, the reason Hyde is a somewhat lower performing elementary school (compared to Upper NW options) is that most kids in Georgetown traditionally went private. Similar to Cleveland Park in that way, as a historically wealthy neighborhood, and different from areas in Upper NW (like AU Park) that are historically more middle class even if they are expensive today.

She's from Texas, Applebees and BoConcepts is EXACTLY what she's looking for.

But is she also looking for a 900 sq ft $1.5 million house?

Not with 3 kids, I'm guessing. 1.5 in g-town might get you 2 bedrooms.

There are more than a dozen options that have at least 3 bedrooms in 20007 available right now.

20007 is not just Georgetown though.

Look at Glover Park. Good elementary school. Lots of kids and families. Parks and playgrounds. Walk to stuff all along WI Ave (although who knows when Whole Foods is going to reopen but I heard rumors of Trader Joe’s coming too.) Close to Georgetown if you like that area. No metro but good bus service from what I’ve heard. 1-1.5 million gets you a good row house there.

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP - take a trip to DC and drive around the following neighborhoods to see what's best for you:
- Palisades
- AU Park
- Cleveland Park
- Chevy Chase

You need to hone in on a neighborhood that feeds to Deal Middle School. That is the most important piece of advice.

What is with the Hardy hate on here? I know two people with kids there and they are very happy with it and from the other threads about it on DCUM they are not alone.

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lizziewhit wrote:Wow... this is all so helpful! I feel like we have honed in on Georgetown b/c of its name familiarity. I like the suggestions of where we can get more bang for our buck. I will start looking around some of these other places. And I would like being near a metro (and had no idea Georgetown is not good for this). So again, thank you for your replies!

If you want to be near metro, definitely do not buy in Georgetown.

Georgetown is not all its cracked up to be. Its too many college kids, tourists and old people. Not nearly as many young families as would like for your kids. CP is much better and must more accessible. Or live in bounds for Janney closer to Tenleytown metro. Honestly I would take G'town off your list if you are looking for a super kid friendly location. Cap Hill is great if you are in Brent Elem. But over half the students are gone after 4th grade because there is still not a strong middle option.

Agree to take Georgetown off your list. It's "urban", but in a small town kind of way, with cute stores and without metro access. Also, the reason Hyde is a somewhat lower performing elementary school (compared to Upper NW options) is that most kids in Georgetown traditionally went private. Similar to Cleveland Park in that way, as a historically wealthy neighborhood, and different from areas in Upper NW (like AU Park) that are historically more middle class even if they are expensive today.

She's from Texas, Applebees and BoConcepts is EXACTLY what she's looking for.

But is she also looking for a 900 sq ft $1.5 million house?

Not with 3 kids, I'm guessing. 1.5 in g-town might get you 2 bedrooms.

There are more than a dozen options that have at least 3 bedrooms in 20007 available right now.

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Anonymous wrote:Palisades doesn't feed to Deal.

But this PP is correct about Deal feeder neighborhoods. If you like Silver Spring, Takoma park area, you can look across the street from Takoma Park in Shepherd Park DC, also across the street from Rock Creek Park (one of the only two neighborhoods that feeds to Deal that are east of the Rock Creek Park). It's not as urban as Georgetown, but more than Chevy Chase because its walkable to urban parts of Takoma and Silver Spring is currently undergoing huge development at Walter Reed that will make it more retail friendly. Also, you can get a lot more for $1m, plenty of street parking, and very diverse neighborhood (albeit not much in terms as SES as it has always been a historically upper class, black and Jewish neighborhood of DC.

Shepherd Park overall more walkable than Chevy Chase DC? Not really. There is a good chunk of CCDC (specifically the part between Wisconsin and Conn. Avenues) that is more walkable than the vast majority of Shepherd Park, most of which is far from everything.

No dog but yes there are parts of CC that are not even a mile to any retailer or metro. Then there are some that are close to limited retail, bars and restaurants. There are parts of SP that are about a mile to anywhere but then there are parts that are 5-6 blocks from grocery, library, metro, bars, restaurants etc. Also, once Harris Teeter opens in SP there will be even more retail, restaurants then when Walter Reed finishes developing, choices will only get bigger. I would consider them similar. SP (parts by Georgia) is a little more urban and diverse (Nepali, Ethiopian, Peruvian cuisines all in SP) then even more choices in SS or Takoma depending on if you're north or south in SP.

And then there's the significant part of ccdc, the one where i live so I feel pretty qualified to talk about it, that has a walk score around 90 and is 1-4 blocks from metro and a boat load of commerce that is actually useful every day. Neither Bo concepts nor a bar devoted exclusively to hard cider, in other words.

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Anonymous wrote:Palisades doesn't feed to Deal.

But this PP is correct about Deal feeder neighborhoods. If you like Silver Spring, Takoma park area, you can look across the street from Takoma Park in Shepherd Park DC, also across the street from Rock Creek Park (one of the only two neighborhoods that feeds to Deal that are east of the Rock Creek Park). It's not as urban as Georgetown, but more than Chevy Chase because its walkable to urban parts of Takoma and Silver Spring is currently undergoing huge development at Walter Reed that will make it more retail friendly. Also, you can get a lot more for $1m, plenty of street parking, and very diverse neighborhood (albeit not much in terms as SES as it has always been a historically upper class, black and Jewish neighborhood of DC.

Shepherd Park overall more walkable than Chevy Chase DC? Not really. There is a good chunk of CCDC (specifically the part between Wisconsin and Conn. Avenues) that is more walkable than the vast majority of Shepherd Park, most of which is far from everything.

No dog but yes there are parts of CC that are not even a mile to any retailer or metro. Then there are some that are close to limited retail, bars and restaurants. There are parts of SP that are about a mile to anywhere but then there are parts that are 5-6 blocks from grocery, library, metro, bars, restaurants etc. Also, once Harris Teeter opens in SP there will be even more retail, restaurants then when Walter Reed finishes developing, choices will only get bigger. I would consider them similar. SP (parts by Georgia) is a little more urban and diverse (Nepali, Ethiopian, Peruvian cuisines all in SP) then even more choices in SS or Takoma depending on if you're north or south in SP.

I love it here, but I would say that SP's walkability *to desirable locations* (e.g., good restaurants, nicer grocery stores) is not quite on par with some other areas mentioned, although it will get better with ongoing development. The neighborhood itself doesn't have any retail, aside from the border along Georgia and Eastern. It has a decidedly suburban feel, not urban, if that's what OP really wants. Why, the neighborhood listserv has been abuzz since yesterday with discussions about a "strange howling" in the neighborhood, with speculations that it may be a coyote, given our proximity to RCP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Palisades doesn't feed to Deal.

But this PP is correct about Deal feeder neighborhoods. If you like Silver Spring, Takoma park area, you can look across the street from Takoma Park in Shepherd Park DC, also across the street from Rock Creek Park (one of the only two neighborhoods that feeds to Deal that are east of the Rock Creek Park). It's not as urban as Georgetown, but more than Chevy Chase because its walkable to urban parts of Takoma and Silver Spring is currently undergoing huge development at Walter Reed that will make it more retail friendly. Also, you can get a lot more for $1m, plenty of street parking, and very diverse neighborhood (albeit not much in terms as SES as it has always been a historically upper class, black and Jewish neighborhood of DC.

Shepherd Park overall more walkable than Chevy Chase DC? Not really. There is a good chunk of CCDC (specifically the part between Wisconsin and Conn. Avenues) that is more walkable than the vast majority of Shepherd Park, most of which is far from everything.

No dog but yes there are parts of CC that are not even a mile to any retailer or metro. Then there are some that are close to limited retail, bars and restaurants. There are parts of SP that are about a mile to anywhere but then there are parts that are 5-6 blocks from grocery, library, metro, bars, restaurants etc. Also, once Harris Teeter opens in SP there will be even more retail, restaurants then when Walter Reed finishes developing, choices will only get bigger. I would consider them similar. SP (parts by Georgia) is a little more urban and diverse (Nepali, Ethiopian, Peruvian cuisines all in SP) then even more choices in SS or Takoma depending on if you're north or south in SP.

Anonymous wrote:Palisades doesn't feed to Deal.

But this PP is correct about Deal feeder neighborhoods. If you like Silver Spring, Takoma park area, you can look across the street from Takoma Park in Shepherd Park DC, also across the street from Rock Creek Park (one of the only two neighborhoods that feeds to Deal that are east of the Rock Creek Park). It's not as urban as Georgetown, but more than Chevy Chase because its walkable to urban parts of Takoma and Silver Spring is currently undergoing huge development at Walter Reed that will make it more retail friendly. Also, you can get a lot more for $1m, plenty of street parking, and very diverse neighborhood (albeit not much in terms as SES as it has always been a historically upper class, black and Jewish neighborhood of DC.

Shepherd Park overall more walkable than Chevy Chase DC? Not really. There is a good chunk of CCDC (specifically the part between Wisconsin and Conn. Avenues) that is more walkable than the vast majority of Shepherd Park, most of which is far from everything.

As a Hearst parent of a few years, I'm happy to see our awesome school finally get some loving on the board!
OP - check us out. Lots of neighborhood kids (almost entirely neighborhood from PK-2nd) at the school and walkable to Tenleytown, Van Ness and Cleveland Park metros.
I agree with the PPs that say you should visit a bit first and see what your definition of "urban" is going to be. We live near the school and while we're in the city and we walk to school and the metro (and take buses during inclement weather), it's definitely "urban" like I would consider the area around Ross. There's lots of good schools mentioned here and every neighborhood has something to offer. Are you able to spend a week here and get a feel?
Like PPs said, renting might be best while you get acclimated. Also definitely consider daycare and your commute. All things being equal, I will always take the shorter commute.
Good luck!

I think it's important to consider what "urban" means to you. I'm guessing Capitol Hill area might be of interest - cute and urban but you won't feel like a gentrifier.

Coming from NYC most of DC to me still feels sleepy and suburban, especially all the places zoned for top schools (AU Park is totally a suburb). Coming from Dallas, you may have a different idea. Cap Hill is nice around Eastern Market.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry - is anyone still hysterically laughing at 1 million and Georgetown?

I love when we get people from out of town.

It was 1.5 M. You're part of the reason DC has such a bad reputation.

Me? Specifically? Wow...I have so much power.

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Anonymous wrote:Palisades doesn't feed to Deal.

But this PP is correct about Deal feeder neighborhoods. If you like Silver Spring, Takoma park area, you can look across the street from Takoma Park in Shepherd Park DC, also across the street from Rock Creek Park (one of the only two neighborhoods that feeds to Deal that are east of the Rock Creek Park). It's not as urban as Georgetown, but more than Chevy Chase because its walkable to urban parts of Takoma and Silver Spring is currently undergoing huge development at Walter Reed that will make it more retail friendly. Also, you can get a lot more for $1m, plenty of street parking, and very diverse neighborhood (albeit not much in terms as SES as it has always been a historically upper class, black and Jewish neighborhood of DC.

and is nowhere near metro or much else. It is beautiful but suburban and you will be driving a lot.

NP. I live in Shepherd Park and have a 10/15 minute walk to Silver Spring or Takoma Metro stop on the Red Line. Unless you are obese or decrepit, a mile walk is nothing.

NP. I am neither obese nor decrepit (there is a decent chance my 10k time would beat yours) but I am not willing to walk a mile to the metro. First, that walk will take me a lot longer than my current 5 minute drive to the metro. Second, I often make that ride with kids and/or lots of other stuff. That not only slows the trip tremendously, but makes it a big pain in the butt. The trip is even less pleasant in lousy weather.

Please enjoy your mile walk, but I'd rather take a very quick drive with my kids and all their/my crap.

Uh you're not doing the mile walk because of other factors not because it isn't walkable. Yes, if my kids were little I would not walk. For most adults traveling solo to work, a mile walk isn't that much.

No, as I stated, I wouldn't do a mile walk because it would take too long, even without kids, compared to my other options. And I don't believe lack of kids will improve the weather or stuff I have to bring for work. Beyond a half mile or so, it isn't worth my time to walk.

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lizziewhit wrote:Wow... this is all so helpful! I feel like we have honed in on Georgetown b/c of its name familiarity. I like the suggestions of where we can get more bang for our buck. I will start looking around some of these other places. And I would like being near a metro (and had no idea Georgetown is not good for this). So again, thank you for your replies!

If you want to be near metro, definitely do not buy in Georgetown.

Georgetown is not all its cracked up to be. Its too many college kids, tourists and old people. Not nearly as many young families as would like for your kids. CP is much better and must more accessible. Or live in bounds for Janney closer to Tenleytown metro. Honestly I would take G'town off your list if you are looking for a super kid friendly location. Cap Hill is great if you are in Brent Elem. But over half the students are gone after 4th grade because there is still not a strong middle option.

Agree to take Georgetown off your list. It's "urban", but in a small town kind of way, with cute stores and without metro access. Also, the reason Hyde is a somewhat lower performing elementary school (compared to Upper NW options) is that most kids in Georgetown traditionally went private. Similar to Cleveland Park in that way, as a historically wealthy neighborhood, and different from areas in Upper NW (like AU Park) that are historically more middle class even if they are expensive today.

She's from Texas, Applebees and BoConcepts is EXACTLY what she's looking for.

But is she also looking for a 900 sq ft $1.5 million house?

Not with 3 kids, I'm guessing. 1.5 in g-town might get you 2 bedrooms.

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry - is anyone still hysterically laughing at 1 million and Georgetown?

I love when we get people from out of town.

It was 1.5 M. You're part of the reason DC has such a bad reputation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Palisades doesn't feed to Deal.

But this PP is correct about Deal feeder neighborhoods. If you like Silver Spring, Takoma park area, you can look across the street from Takoma Park in Shepherd Park DC, also across the street from Rock Creek Park (one of the only two neighborhoods that feeds to Deal that are east of the Rock Creek Park). It's not as urban as Georgetown, but more than Chevy Chase because its walkable to urban parts of Takoma and Silver Spring is currently undergoing huge development at Walter Reed that will make it more retail friendly. Also, you can get a lot more for $1m, plenty of street parking, and very diverse neighborhood (albeit not much in terms as SES as it has always been a historically upper class, black and Jewish neighborhood of DC.

and is nowhere near metro or much else. It is beautiful but suburban and you will be driving a lot.

NP. I live in Shepherd Park and have a 10/15 minute walk to Silver Spring or Takoma Metro stop on the Red Line. Unless you are obese or decrepit, a mile walk is nothing.

+1. Of course there are very suburban parts (just like AU, CC or Georgetown). I live in SP 0.6 miles from Takoma Metro (basically across street from walter Reed). My best friend lives in Chevy Chase DC and is almost 2 miles to closest Metro or even store for that matter.