northern va or montgomery county (Silver Spring, Bethesda: environment, apartment, job)

[sunnyside]

hi again. we heard nova is another place to check out. what's better neighborhood for young profesionals starting a family? easy access to beltway and metro. appreciate it.

[teleblazer]

Loaded question there. It really depends on what you're looking for in an area. When I lived in NOVA (Northern Virginia) I enjoyed some aspects... 1 hour in just about any direction away from a state park, but then I hated others...my neighbors right next door weren't the most pleasant and the traffic and commutes were horrible (especially I-66).

NOVA was the reason I ended up moving to Calvert County in Southern Maryland. For my wife and I with our young family it made just as much sense to have a long commute just this time it wasn't stuck in traffic and we could afford a much larger home. The same home in NOVA was 500k more to start.

Access to the beltway, I found, in miles was usually much better in NOVA but it's not always the beltway that is your key to going places in this area. YOu want somewhere with lots of access roads incase there's a major crash for a morning commute. Just my opinion. Good luck in the home search and the new family.

Originally Posted by sunnyside

hi again. we heard nova is another place to check out. what's better neighborhood for young profesionals starting a family? easy access to beltway and metro. appreciate it.

[dullnboring]

Yeah, it's sort of a difficult question to answer. Personally, I grew up in and currently live in Northern Virginia, and I have to say I prefer Montgomery County to it, and I can't even quite articulate why really. I just like the environment better and find the areas there to have more character and nicer people. It's also slightly (very slightly) cheaper.

As far as Metro access, outside of DC itself, Metro access is best in Arlington and Alexandria. However, if you're to compare Montgomery County to Fairfax County, the county that it's most often compared with, Montgomery County has better access. There are 13 stations in Montgomery County (including Friendship Heights and Takoma which lie on the borders) and only five in Fairfax County (including East Falls Church which lies on it's Arlington border), and the stations go further into the county than they do in Fairfax.

[gumby111]

I also prefer Montgomery County. It's also hard for me to articulate why--just like the "feel" of it better. I have lived in both Falls Church and Arlington. I spend alot of time in Montgomery and looked hard at buying a home there a while back, but prices and desire for a little land sent me to Anne Arundel. For me, the outer parts of Montgomery are far better than Fairfax and the close-in parts are basically a tie with Arlington and Alexandria.

There's a bit of a rivalary between No. VA and MD burbs (generally good natured). People generally stick up for their "side" on issues such as traffic, schools, restaurants, etc. etc. Not much help, I know-- it's just something you have to experience for yourself, I guess.

[shirazyterp]

I think either location is good! I grew up in montgomery county but alot of my friends also lived in northern VA. Both areas have good schools. Traffic in No. Va is worst i think though than Montgomery county. Growing up in Montg County i think the schools there are great for kids. They are also getting better every year. The main question is pricing. Prices will vary depending on exact cities and how close you are to DC. You can check out prices on this site and it will email you list of homes from that area.


http://www.shoppersofhome.com/ Just click on the Find a perfect home for you.

Babak

[Zippy7fo]

Nova is better because chances are your job will be there or DC. The commute is 95 percent of the problems with DC. Montgomery is nice but 270 interchange is a doozy during rush hour.....

[shirazyterp]

If you get a house in bethesda or Potomac you will not really have to go on 270 which beats the traffic. I think getting out of DC either to No VA or MD is just bad on the highway. I think Potomac is a great place because you are really close to beltway (495), 270, and DC. you can even go to DC with metro which which is close by. Potomac is also a good area to raise a family with great schools, quiet and safe neighborhoods.

[dunlmic]

My wife and I will be working at both Chantilly and Andrews AFB this summer and we are trying to determine the best commuting and quality of life location (biking, hiking, running junkies). Initial prospects are Alexandria/Springfield or Bethesda/Silver Springs. Any experience with the communte from Bethesda to Chantilly? Which location offer easiest escape to the outdoors?

Thanks

[mkym]

hi i am a nursing student and i am looking for a african person to share a place with me if you interesting post a reply

[mkym]

hi am a nursing student from africa and i am looking for a african person to share a apartment with me.please post a reply