Forest Heights or other suggestions? (Fort Washington, Forestville: HOA, condominiums, townhomes)

[ambc]

Hello all: I am looking to buy a place in the DC area and would love any insight from this helpful group. I would like to be as close to Capitol Hill (SE) as possible, because that is where all my friends live, but I cannot afford it there. I work downtown and hate to commute. So, I am looking for:

a) close to Hill East
b) close to public transit
c) shortest commute possible
d) housing under 300k, prefer to be under 250K
e) green space to run with dogs, preferably off leash.
f) safe -I am a single woman looking for low stress in life.

Forest Heights seems like it might be a possibility? The national park is terrific, but dogs are not allowed on the property. Is there other green space where I would not have to drive to get there? Is there another way to access the river?

How do people get to downtown from Forest Heights -- it looks like I can get reserved parking at the Anacostia Metro, and I know some day there might be light rail from Bolling to the Navy Yard.

Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!

[pgtvatitans]

Originally Posted by ambc

Hello all: I am looking to buy a place in the DC area and would love any insight from this helpful group. I would like to be as close to Capitol Hill (SE) as possible, because that is where all my friends live, but I cannot afford it there. I work downtown and hate to commute. So, I am looking for:

a) close to Hill East
b) close to public transit
c) shortest commute possible
d) housing under 300k, prefer to be under 250K
e) green space to run with dogs, preferably off leash.
f) safe -I am a single woman looking for low stress in life.

Forest Heights seems like it might be a possibility? The national park is terrific, but dogs are not allowed on the property. Is there other green space where I would not have to drive to get there? Is there another way to access the river?

How do people get to downtown from Forest Heights -- it looks like I can get reserved parking at the Anacostia Metro, and I know some day there might be light rail from Bolling to the Navy Yard.

Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!

I don't know if Forest Heights is a good place for you based on your description. The housing is cheap, but there is a reason for that. The area isn't particularly safe and there isn't a whole lot that is desireable about the surroundings (shopping is not great, and closest shopping center are run down). If you're looking for a low stress life, I would imagine that safety plays a factor in that.

I also would say that the idea to go to Anacostia to catch the metro is not a good idea either.
A) You would have to go through heavy morning traffic on South Capitol Street and/or I-295
B) By the time you get to Anacostia, you might as well drive in to work (only a few miles away from Capitol Hill). It would make more sense to drive to Southern Avenue Metro Station

If you are looking for a place that's a bit safer, has public transportation, near a metro, then I would suggest the townhome condo complex called Virginia Landing in Oxon Hill. The area is a bit better safety wise, bus line is in front of the complex, only about 5 minute drive to Southern Avenue Metro station, right off of the interstate, new construction with garage, near Oxon Hill Village which has a new community center, down the street from park that has a pool and places on start at $190k. Check them out. Seems like that might be a better fit. It's also not very far from Forest Heights so the distance wouldn't be much different.

[ambc]

Thanks so much! I had been under the impression that Forest Heights was fairly safe, but I guess I was mistaken so thanks for that info. I know no place in the metro area is completely safe, but would like to feel comfortable walking, etc in my own neighborhood. I will check out your recommendation, However, due to my animals and my general preference not to have anyone tell me what to do with my property, I would prefer a SFH rather than a HOA if possible. Is that an area where I might also find a SFH or are you saying only the townhomes are safe?

Thanks again> I really appreciate it.

[RaisedWell]

District Heights, Forestville, Capitol Heights, Suitland. But you said "safe" close to Capitol Hill and close to metro and under $300?? It does not exist.

[pgtvatitans]

No, that area generally isn't. It is also surrounded by a not so great area. Now if we're talking about SFH, hmmm....... that's a tough one. Like RaisedWell said, there aren't really any safe areas, much less ones that fit that criteria. I'm thinking the best you can do is maybe Fort Washington off of Bock Road. There are plenty of SFH under $250k, heck plenty under $200k, Henson Creek walking trail and park nearby, about to have a new indoor sports and fitness complex (currently being built), right on the bus line, and a bit further out than the previous place. The area is a lot more attractive than the previous place I mentioned but it's not as close to the metro stations or the highways. And to be honest it can be so-so with safety, but I don't think you would do a whole lot better than this area given some of the things you desire to have.