Good schools - $250K SFH - descent commute to Bolling AFB - HELP! (Germantown: short sale, crime)

[bowian]

I would try Upper Marlboro, off of Route 4 or 301. The elementary schools aren't bad (Mattaponi). Bowie is more diverse mainly in the northern part.

[North Beach Person]

Upper Marlboro schools are not "diverse".

[CharlotteRJ]

I live in Charles county some 25 minutes south of Accokeek, and it used to take me about 1:15 to get to the Clarendon/Courthouse area of Arlington. Under an hour to Crystal City in traffic (I'm not an early riser). Looking at the map, I think it would be better to get to Bolling from here.

From La Plata, if you took a few back roads across the county, you'd run into about the same commute, I think. La Plata would probably take you about to your hour limit, depending on the day. There are also park and rides available from La Plata and Waldorf. They might take a bit longer, but you wouldn't be behind the wheel.

But in La Plata (or between La Plata and Waldorf), for 250k you can probably find a slightly older house on an acre or more fitting your criteria. I just ran a search at redfin.com for recent home sales, 150k-250k, 3 beds, and found a whole bunch. Even more if you look at Waldorf. Lots are bigger south of Waldorf.

The areas around La Plata and Pomfret have some of the better rated school districts in the county. There are some decent elementary schools in Waldorf as well. The county also has a science and technology magnet high school. Remember, ratings don't usually mean much more than the socio-economic status of the kids who go there, though. Talk to people about their experiences. Our little country elementary is rated 5/10 at Greatschools, but we had a great experience there in Kindergarten with our oldest son. I've heard good things from friends about teachers in the higher grades as well.

As far as racial diversity, I think Charles County is between 20-30% black, with a few of other races, and predominantly white.

Charles county is a great place to live. In under an hour I can be in the middle of the city, but we can see the stars, eagles soaring, gather wild blackberries, go fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, and eat crabs overlooking the Potomac river.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

Upper Marlboro schools are not "diverse".

Didn't say they were, hence the "Bowie is more diverse" comment.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by bowian

Didn't say they were, hence the "Bowie is more diverse" comment.

Thought you were inplying they are. No biggie.

[koala33]

Originally Posted by CharlotteRJ

I live in Charles county some 25 minutes south of Accokeek, and it used to take me about 1:15 to get to the Clarendon/Courthouse area of Arlington. Under an hour to Crystal City in traffic (I'm not an early riser). Looking at the map, I think it would be better to get to Bolling from here.

From La Plata, if you took a few back roads across the county, you'd run into about the same commute, I think. La Plata would probably take you about to your hour limit, depending on the day. There are also park and rides available from La Plata and Waldorf. They might take a bit longer, but you wouldn't be behind the wheel.

But in La Plata (or between La Plata and Waldorf), for 250k you can probably find a slightly older house on an acre or more fitting your criteria. I just ran a search at redfin.com for recent home sales, 150k-250k, 3 beds, and found a whole bunch. Even more if you look at Waldorf. Lots are bigger south of Waldorf.

The areas around La Plata and Pomfret have some of the better rated school districts in the county. There are some decent elementary schools in Waldorf as well. The county also has a science and technology magnet high school. Remember, ratings don't usually mean much more than the socio-economic status of the kids who go there, though. Talk to people about their experiences. Our little country elementary is rated 5/10 at Greatschools, but we had a great experience there in Kindergarten with our oldest son. I've heard good things from friends about teachers in the higher grades as well.

As far as racial diversity, I think Charles County is between 20-30% black, with a few of other races, and predominantly white.

Charles county is a great place to live. In under an hour I can be in the middle of the city, but we can see the stars, eagles soaring, gather wild blackberries, go fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, and eat crabs overlooking the Potomac river.

Very interesting.. I think I need to take a second look.. If I can get to Bolling in an hour, that would work out.

[ATL_II_DMV]

Originally Posted by TechlawyerinPG

Clinton, Fort Washington or Accokeek can get you everything you want in a home for $250k and then some. Your commute should be around 30 minutes tops I would think. Do a private (religious or non-religious) school for $8 to $10k a year like the rest of the non-black families that chose to live here for the homes/location but also did not want their kid to be 1-2% of the class in the public schools. Your children will have racial peers in neighborhood private schools of at least 10-40% of the class or you can send them across this bridge to the Alexandria private schools which do have bus service over here for $15-$25k a year if money is no object. School examples below:

Student Teacher Ratio Independent Baptist Academy - Clinton, Maryland - MD

Parent Reviews of St. Mary School - Clinton, Maryland - MD

Student Teacher Ratio Grace Brethren Christian School - Clinton, Maryland - MD

Student Teacher Ratio Beddow School - Fort Washington, Maryland - MD

True, the best bet is Fort Washington, Acokeek, or Clinton for 250K if the poster wants a SFH.

Low crime in Fort Wash and plenty of options to bus kids out to Northern VA or other schools outside of PG.

When white flight occured in PG, the non-black families that stayed made sure to send their kids to Northern VA schools

[bowian]

I have consistently heard good things about Grace Bretheren for several years.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by koala33

Very interesting.. I think I need to take a second look.. If I can get to Bolling in an hour, that would work out.

I'm sorry I disagree with this person. I don't think that commute is realistic. I live in Oxon Hill, I drop my daughter off at a daycare in Fort Washington and it takes me about 30-45 minutes to do all that and to get to work which is in Suitland. Put like this, 30-35 of those minutes, I'm trying to go with the traffic flow and get to Suitland. Then to add to it, 210 and I-295 are usually backed up in the mornings. There is no way you're making that trip in an hour and what's crazy is I take nothing but shortcuts too!

[2rock]

Do people looking for or living in 250K house really send their kid to private school?