Good Safe Neighborhoods in Bolling AFB or Pentagon Area? (Alexandria: apartment, rental)

[Shelsi]

My husband has a job opportunity in DC...it will either be at the pentagon or at Bolling AFB, we do not yet know which location so I'm trying to research both areas. If he gets the job things will happen fast and we will probably be out there within the next 2-3 weeks.

What we're looking for:
We're not sure if we will buy or rent. If we rent we're prob looking to spend not more than $2000/mo not including utilities. For buying I don't think we'll be able to do more than $250-300K and would be interested in a SFH but would also definitely consider a TH. A yard is an absolute must.

If renting we would prefer a SFH or TH. We are not interested in an apartment since we have a dog and a child who NEED to have a yard.

Something on the metro line or other good public transportation. We have one car and we'd like it if I were left with the car every day and my hubby takes public transportation into work.

It'd be nice to have some things in walking distance: grocery store, parks, etc.

We have 2 kids, 1 of which will be in kindergarten next year. Do you have charter schools there? We'd like to send him to a montessori school but can only afford it if it's a charter school. Otherwise, if the public school system is not very good we would prob be looking at sending him to a parochial private school.

Low crime is a big priority for me. My husband will be deploying often and I want to feel safe in the house alone with the kids. I realize crime can and does happen anywhere but a place where it's less likely would be a huge plus.

[irisheyes13]

Metroing to Bolling is possible but not all that easy. You would have to take the metro to Anacostia and then either take the base shuttle which runs every thrity minutes or the public bus that runs on a regular schedule and stops by the main gate. If he will be working close to the main gate, that is doable. The Pentagon has a metro stop so that is very easy. Car pooling or "slugging" works great for many going to the Pentagon as well and some are able to find carpool options to Bolling.
I can not answer your specific school questions but you may be able to find a town home or rental in your price range in parts of 22315 (Alexandria in Fairfax County) or in parts of Springfield. Other on the board are much more knowledgebale about Springfield then I am so will let them give you some feedback.
Fairfax county schools are for the most part, excellent schools and this is a great place for a family..
When will you know if he will be at Bolling or the Pentagon?

[Shelsi]

Hopefully we'll know sometime late next week on where exactly he will be.

Would it be better for us to perhaps look into MD if he's at Bolling?