Is White OAK safe?

[Bigbluelandrover]

There are some tech/research companies and a big housing development coming too. I do think in another 5-7 years the "trouble" will be a thing of the past. You just can't have all the high income earners living over on the west end of Moco, there has to be balance and I have seen some very nice homes in the Hillandale/White Oak/Colesville area.

I've also seen a large decrease in the number of so called "illegals" in the area. Day laborers that used to hang out by the 7-11 --I don't see them anymore.

A lot of people here seem to have a huge case of "my neighborhood is better than your" but at the end of the day a lot of these areas are just overpriced cookie-cutter boxes.

[bunky3301]

I know that I would drive 20+ miles extra commute if it meant my wife didn't have to drive through a bad area to get to our house (in case she broke down or something?). Yes there are good and bad areas all around , but you've made it sound like you have to drive through a bad residential area to get the TH your thinking of purchasing. Why would you do that? Even if you thought the area MIGHT change in 5 years would be risky in my opinion, especially in the economic climate were in today.

My wife and I are currently looking as well to buy in a nice safe area. There are places out there Rockville , certain areas of Silver Spring , Kensington and so far Olney seems to be highest on our list.

We would like to stay in Kensington where we're renting now but its a little out of our budget . Although we were hoping on getting a SFH looks like we might have to settle on a TH, but are willing to trade the SFH with a yard for better schools and quality of life.

Just my thought. I'd hate to see you buy your first home and hope the area changes and it doesn't. Good luck with your search !!!!!!

[mamili]

Very useful feedback here about White Oak. I am also first time home buyer and I loved NVhomes when I saw them first time and they are in our price range. But my wife did not feel safe when we drove through apartments buildings and bus stops there. The townhomes are fantastic and the roads leading to those homes did not seem any good. so I wonder what will happen there in few years. Does anyone live there and can they write us about the neighborhood. Thank you!

[qajussi]

Thanks everyone.

The Seaton Square TH fell through. Our offer wasnot high enough.
It's difficult believe the SS TH is 50-100K more than NVR TH even though they are located close to each other. I guess not having those apartments make such difference.

Anyway, I stopped looking in Silver Spring. Frankly I haven't looked for two weeks.
My wife is looking at the Beltsville area now for SFH. It is pushing my price range!!

bunky3301 & mamili,
The NVR THs are great and within our price range also. I really like it. The interial design looks a lot better than the Seaton Square TH.

Just as you said, my wife can't fall in love with the neighbor though.
Funny thing is those NVR homes sell and I heard yesterday that only one end unit left and they started to sell last row. People buy them because they can't find any thing like that within that price range. So it looks like even if we change our mind next week or so, we won't be able to buy one.

Today I looked at the White Oak Rec center's blue print, it looks like one of entrance to the Rec center will be going throgh the NVR neighbor.
So I don't know if that's good thing or not.

Anyway, I don't think NVR would become our home. The White Oak location is just perfect for both of us for our commuting!! hhhhhh

Again I want to thank everyone for your thoughts.

[Bigbluelandrover]

Yeah we decided against that area too.
I can't get past living right next to the hood.
There needs to be more TH's and SFM's for the entry-level buyer.