Relocating from New England to a DC Suburb - Help!! (Silver Spring: spring break, neighborhoods)

[jadiblue]

I have spent a fair amount of time combing through the threads looking for information on where is the best place to live with our family of five. We have two kids in elementary and one in middle school. I have been looking mostly in Montgomery and Prince George's County. We currently live in the suburbs in CT and would like to find something similar, except the prices are insane in the DC suburbs. My husband is hoping not to commute further than 30 to 45 minutes into DC.

The area where we currently live has zero diversity and we are a mixed race family. I am not looking to jump from the pot into the fire in terms of going from all white to all black. A healthy mix is preferred. Schools of course are an issue as well as crime/safety.

I am looking for a little more insight into what county/town would be best for our family and should I be looking elsewhere outside those counties. We would like to stay around 600K if possible.

I have read other threads that seem to turn into debates about race, politics and something else entirely. I am seriously looking for honest feedback as the move will be coming up quickly. We plan to head to DC during Spring Break to scout out some areas.

I am looking for a community feel. Sports for the kids, places to swim, hiking, biking, not too rural and not too city. Does this exist?

Thanks in advance.

[LesLucid]

Lots of choices...might want to check out this place, growing rapidly.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urbana,_Maryland

[jadiblue]

Originally Posted by LesLucid

Lots of choices...might want to check out this place, growing rapidly.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urbana,_Maryland

Thanks for the link. I will look into it.

[bufflove]

Where in DC would the job be? That might help narrow the neighborhoods down, especially if the plan is to commute via mass transit. Urbana would be a ridiculously horrific commute (2-4 hours a day) no matter where in DC the job's located.

Generally, in MoCo, most people w/your budget and wish list will end up in Rockville or Silver Spring, but there are a lot of good neighborhoods to pick from within those areas so it's really about what makes sense for the commute. DC area traffic is terrible, so that'll quickly turn into the biggest quality of life issue your husband faces if it's not properly accounted for.

[neirbod]

In PG there are some neighborhoods that fit your description. The limiting factor is usually schools. Greenbelt, Hyattsville, College Park area would be worth looking into.

[MidValleyDad]

Originally Posted by jadiblue

Thanks for the link. I will look into it.

Not going to meet your desired commute. Meeting that commute will be tough. Depending on where in DC he is commuting to you might look at Brunswick, MD and take the MARC train in. Lots of new housing being built, Frederick County has great schools, nice communities Or look at other communities in Frederick County and drive to the MARC train or Commuter Bus stop and ride from there. Although the commute is longer you can relax, read, or work while someone else drives. I did it for a year or so out of the 30 I commuted 'down the road'. Some of the easiest commuting I ever had.

[WhoDatInMD]

Originally Posted by neirbod

In PG there are some neighborhoods that fit your description. The limiting factor is usually schools. Greenbelt, Hyattsville, College Park area would be worth looking into.

And Bowie

[jadiblue]

Originally Posted by bufflove

Where in DC would the job be? That might help narrow the neighborhoods down, especially if the plan is to commute via mass transit. Urbana would be a ridiculously horrific commute (2-4 hours a day) no matter where in DC the job's located.

Generally, in MoCo, most people w/your budget and wish list will end up in Rockville or Silver Spring, but there are a lot of good neighborhoods to pick from within those areas so it's really about what makes sense for the commute. DC area traffic is terrible, so that'll quickly turn into the biggest quality of life issue your husband faces if it's not properly accounted for.

He will be working right in the heart of downtown DC. We are planning to check out Rockville and Silver Spring. Still trying to figure out how the schools work. Thanks for you reply.

[jadiblue]

Originally Posted by neirbod

In PG there are some neighborhoods that fit your description. The limiting factor is usually schools. Greenbelt, Hyattsville, College Park area would be worth looking into.

Thank you for your reply. Will look into those areas.

[jadiblue]

Originally Posted by MidValleyDad

Not going to meet your desired commute. Meeting that commute will be tough. Depending on where in DC he is commuting to you might look at Brunswick, MD and take the MARC train in. Lots of new housing being built, Frederick County has great schools, nice communities Or look at other communities in Frederick County and drive to the MARC train or Commuter Bus stop and ride from there. Although the commute is longer you can relax, read, or work while someone else drives. I did it for a year or so out of the 30 I commuted 'down the road'. Some of the easiest commuting I ever had.

I use to live in LA so I understand commuting. I appreciate the feedback.