Safe and affordable areas in DC-VA-or Bethesda (under $350K) (Springfield: apartment, renting)

[hls140]

Hi all, so I’ve scoured the pages here and have seen similar posts, but not quite the same, so please accept my apologies for asking such a familiar question!

My husband and I are currently renting an apartment in Northern Silver Spring. We like Silver Spring as a whole, and wouldn’t be looking to relocate except for the fact that my husband recently accepted a job in Springfield and is having a heck of a time with the commute.

I’m lucky and telecommute full-time with an irregular necessity to go into the office at Annapolis Junction once a month or so. That being said, we’re not too limited, but I am attending grad school at Hopkins and need to be able to trek into DC a few nights a week.

So, finally the question— are there any areas where we could buy a 3 BR single-family home (wishing) or townhouse for under $350K and feel safe day or night, and still be able to semi-easily get into the city (either by metro or drive) for classes (and occasional nightlife). If you’ve got zip codes or street names or whatever, I’ll do my best to locate them on a map and figure out our “safe” and “affordable” zones.

If you want to refer me to other posts, I’d love it, just let me know some key words or something. Thanks so much for all the time that you put in here to help provide useful information to us all!

[handy man88]

I'm sorry to say that's almost impossible.

There are no townhouses for under $350k for what you are looking for, except for maybe Pee Gee County Laurel/Hyattsville/College Park/Beltsville but it will be dumpy and don't plan on much appreciation on your investment.

[Fern435]

hls140--given the housing market's current status, I think you can definitely find what you are looking for in Springfield/West Springfield. There are some townhouses in Cardinal Forest (northeast of Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road) that look nicer than many single family homes. Convenient to the Metro or take a Metro bus. Many Metro bus routes run along Old Keene Mill.

Look in zip codes 22152/22153. There are also some single family homes in safe, pleasant areas for under $400,000 (some are below $350,000), and they have nice-sized wooded lots. A lot of good bargains out there now...good luck!

[joshjungalo]

yea I am seeing homes go for that much in Springfield..... What zip codes in Springfield should one avoid when looking for a home investment?

[MacUser85]

Springfield 22151 and 22150 should be avoided, definitely 150. 151 outside Beltway is OK--but 22152 and 22153 are best. All in all, 22152 is best because it close enough to the Beltway without being in the junky areas of Springfield. Always be outside the Beltway and WEST of I-95.