Possible job in Silver Springs - neighborhoods to consider? (townhouse, safe neighborhoods)

[tiga1]

We currently live in Pittsburgh and I'm looking into job at Holy Cross hospital. Are there suggestions for good safe neighborhoods with good schools within a commuting distance of <1hr each way? We have two children (8 and 6) one who is gifted and one on the autism spectrum - so a school that is good for each of them is important. We would really like to take advantage of the Chesapeake and ocean beaches as much as possible, as I was really into boating before the kids came.

From what I can see the housing costs are quite a bit more than Pittsburgh, but is keeping it under 350k possible? Thank you!
Dave

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by tiga1

We currently live in Pittsburgh and I'm looking into job at Holy Cross hospital. Are there suggestions for good safe neighborhoods with good schools within a commuting distance of <1hr each way? We have two children (8 and 6) one who is gifted and one on the autism spectrum - so a school that is good for each of them is important. We would really like to take advantage of the Chesapeake and ocean beaches as much as possible, as I was really into boating before the kids came.

From what I can see the housing costs are quite a bit more than Pittsburgh, but is keeping it under 350k possible? Thank you!
Dave

Look right around Holy Cross Hospital for reasonably priced housing with decent schools. There is absolutely no need to commute for an hour.

The budget of $350K will be about the lowest priced options in Silver Spring. That would typically get you a 3-bedroom SFH or townhouse that needs work. $400K would get you a nicer house.

Although IDK if your child needs it, there is a school for kids with special needs off Georgia Avenue, near Holy Cross. Your gifted child would initially attend a neighborhood school, but there are numerous magnet programs your family could explore to challenge his or her interests. You could look into the Forest Knolls Elementary School for a well-rated school with a very diverse population.

[DistrictSonic]

This is not Pittsburgh, houses here are expensive.
Also it's Silver Spring. I don't know why people pluralize it.

You may be able to find something, but please realize it will pull you a bit further out. The good areas around Silver Spring start around $500k for a house. If you move north in the county, and outside it, you will be more likely to find something.

Likewise realize many areas of PG county are safe, but the schools are not that great.

[buckaroo17]

Not to scare you, but the $350K threshold is really pushing it for a SFM or even a TH around here. We're not far from Holy Cross, and it is a good area -- good parks, close to shopping/eating in booming downtown Silver Spring and Wheaton Mall, pretty easy Metro access to downtown D.C. -- but you need to be prepared for sticker shock in terms of what your housing dollar will get you. Small older houses around here (maybe Pitts. is the same?) It is a border area, adjacent to some less-lofty (but not "bad") areas.

The school system is pretty darn good. Do not have direct experience with special needs, but on the other end, the kids are challenged by teachers to excel.

The Bay is at least 30-45 minutes away, the ocean about 3-3.5 hours (on a good day), although I've never done it with a boat in tow.