Cleveland to DC Metro...........Need Advice!!!! (Silver Spring, Waldorf: apartments, rentals, low crime)

[projectme09]

I am a SBF with a son in middle school. We are looking to relocate there from Cleveland. I am looking for suggestions as to where we should settle. Schools and price are the most important factors in deciding on an area. Ideally, I would like a diverse, suburban feel, family friendly, and close to shopping and freeways. My price cap is around $1650 but would love to stay lower. I don't want to be house poor!!!

I am in the Education field, so once I settle on an area, I will agressively pursue that district in the county I reside. If you all can give suggestions on areas within the following counties; Montgomery, Howard, PG (better parts). I am having an extremely hard time finding variety of rentals on craigslist and/or realtor.com. Please advice.

[jayman1981]

Price wise you would do better in Prince George's County. Education wise, both Montgomery and Howard counties are good school systems. P.G. is probably the second worst school system in the state of Maryland. However all schools aren't bad. Just depending on the area you wish to move in. A good link for schools GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community and Apartments Arlington, Silver Spring, Fairfax - Apts for rent DC, MD, VA - ApartmentShowcase.com Apartments for rent - ApartmentFinder.com for the apartments. Hopefully this helps. Just until you can find a house. Another location to look at is Charles County (Waldorf, White Plains, Indian Head, Bryans Roads). Good schools, low crime and cheaper housing. This area is good but it just depends on where your job is. Need any more help you can PM me and I'll try to help you out the best way that I can. Be blessed and welcome to the area.

[projectme09]

Boooo!! This is so depressing. I am not about to move my son from a suburb in Cleveland with the best schools in the State of Ohio to move to an area with the worse. Besides, the neighborhoods in PG are to questionable.

It has always been my dream to move to DC but unfortunately, on teacher's salary and a single young mom seems as if it won't become a reality. SS

[firefightermom]

After having lived in both Cleveland and the DC Metro area, I would recommend you stay where you are. Housing/rental prices in the DC area are still sky high, many jobs don't pay anywhere near what a person needs for the basic necessities, plus the area is overcrowded which causes crazy traffic everywhere.

I know Ohio is having a hard time with jobs, etc, but if you have stable employment there and are reasonably happy, don't risk it.

[jayman1981]

I would seconded that notion. I love the area. But things are changing it is becoming way too crowded. And while D.C. as always been a high traffic area, it's seem to get worse even with improved roadways.

To offer a glimmer of hope. I would still investigate the school systems to see what they have to offer. Charles County has a good school system. The housing is cheaper and 1695 for rent is definitely doable. I don't really know how much they pay. Charles County is 20 miles away from D.C. One of my friends is a teacher for Prince George's County school system. I know they are always hiring. While the system isn't the best in the world it has at least made great progress to improve the system. If you need any assistance with things please feel free to drop a message. Here is the websites for both P.G and Charles County. Prince George's County Public Schools Home and Welcome to Charles County Public Schools .

I forgot to mention this to you. Please come and visit to see for yourself the places you were interested in. We might tell you to stay away from certain areas, but you might have a different view of those areas. It's all up to you. But please do visit and get a feel for yourself.

[projectme09]

Thank you. I am planning a visit there in June. I will take all your advice into consideration. I really was ready for a change but I don't want to sacrifice my son's education and quality of life for my childhood dreams. I can always just visit. Thanks again

[jasondnorris]

Why wouldn't you check out Fairfax or Loudon counties? They're in Northern Va and you would be approximately 30 to 45 minutes outside of DC. The schools systems in both counties is excellant and the cost of living is lower than DC. Just a thought.

[jayman1981]

Well Va (Arlington, Alexandria city, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties) have good school systems. It tends to be a little more expensive to live over there than in MD. Correct me if I'm wrong, but assuming your a single mother Prince William County is the cheapest county in Northern Virginia to live. Also keep in mind Va has car tax. But it is an option. Also look at the commute time. You don't want to be too far away from your job and your child.