Montgomery County ?!?!?

[Skapov]

Originally Posted by firefightermom

I didn't like Germantown/Gburg because: extremely high level of immigrants who refuse to learn the language and assimilate in any way. Schools going downhill fast...english speaking kids getting ignored as long as they are doing ok, so teachers can spend more time with ESOL kids. Crime rose dramatically...I no longer felt safe in my neighborhood at night. I couldn't take my kids to the local parks because of the thug-looking types hanging out there. Go to a store and no one speaks english.

Why I don't like MoCo: a county that caters to illegal immigrants, the increase of gang activity, and the upcounty is ignored in favor of the richer downcounty areas. The population is too large, but they keep letting developers build and build, and the roads and Metro are not kept up to match the increase. Terrible drivers who seem like they purposely want to kill you (maybe because you can take the drivers test in way too many languages)and traffic that is a nightmare. Congestion which makes many people very mean.

Hmmm...this seems to be the general sentiment, but I wish people could express their feelings about the change in demographics without resorting to racial stereotypes. What is wrong with teenage boys, or "thug-looking types" as you put it, hanging out in a public space such as a park? Aren't they, too, free to enjoy the fresh air on a nice day?

I agree that Montgomery has become a bad deal for middle-class families, it's too congested and the taxes are high, plus there's hardly any affordable housing and the schools aren't that great (with exception of Bethesda/Potomac/Rockville). Maryland as a whole has FAILED to live up to its ideals, and that's why my husband & I finally decided to purchase our first home in Fairfax County. We love it here in Prince Georges, but just like Montgomery there are problems of high taxes, crime, and mediorce schools. Few places are perfect, but Virginia comes closer!

[TrippingJay]

People either love or hate MoCo. I agree with the general concensus that Northern MoCo, (save Clarksburg, Olney, Poolesville, and Brookville) has been neglected by the County, especially since it's become a haven for Section 8 and illegal immigrants. I think one of the major problems with parts Northern MoCo is due to that area being run by various HOA's and no city government. Sometimes, I think problems could be avoided if more residents spoke out to county officials.

However; I think people need to remember that MoCo is a diverse place with almost a million people and area that is no longer a sleepy suburban area. The county still has great restuarants, shopping/retail, and easy access to DC. However; I can see why people loathe this area.

[TrippingJay]

Originally Posted by Skapov

I agree that Montgomery has become a bad deal for middle-class families, it's too congested and the taxes are high, plus there's hardly any affordable housing and the schools aren't that great (with exception of Bethesda/Potomac/Rockville). Maryland as a whole has FAILED to live up to its ideals, and that's why my husband & I finally decided to purchase our first home in Fairfax County. We love it here in Prince Georges, but just like Montgomery there are problems of high taxes, crime, and mediorce schools. Few places are perfect, but Virginia comes closer!

Eh, I would hardly call Fairfax better than MoCo; it's got much less character, far more sprawl, it's own share of crime, even worse traffic and congestion, and who's to say Fairfax won't raise taxes with its budget shortfall?
As for schools, I think both MoCo and Fairfax have some fantastic and some not-so-great schools. My partner is a math specialist at FCPS and some of the stories he's told me about the teachers, principles and administrators have lead me to believe that Fairfax Schools are not all that superb as people have hyped them to be. However; I can understand why people might find Fairfax better for middle-class families. Personally, I think the MoCo County Council needs to cater to it's base and not the wealthy elite or illegal immigrants.

[firefightermom]

Originally Posted by Skapov

Hmmm...this seems to be the general sentiment, but I wish people could express their feelings about the change in demographics without resorting to racial stereotypes. What is wrong with teenage boys, or "thug-looking types" as you put it, hanging out in a public space such as a park? Aren't they, too, free to enjoy the fresh air on a nice day?

I didn't specify teenage boys, because many of them were not teenagers. I also didn't mention race, because there were black, white, and latino, and whatever else.

And when they brought their alcohol and drugs into the park, along with their foul language, I think thug is actually a kinder term that others I could have chosen. So, in my opinion, they didn't have the right to be there and ruin the park for everyone else. But again, only my opinion.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by TrippingJay

Eh, I would hardly call Fairfax better than MoCo; it's got much less character, far more sprawl, it's own share of crime, even worse traffic and congestion, and who's to say Fairfax won't raise taxes with its budget shortfall?

Fairfax has mad traffic. I was amazed that 66 was still a parking lot on the weekend. Affordability dictates living way out or buying way down. Cheaper areas are not-so-great areas with not-so-great schools. And taxes are cheaper, but the housing is higher. I've heard the FCPS may be better for my special needs child, but I just don't know.

I think both MD and VA both have their trade-offs. I suppose it's really personal preference.

[lovemd]

I have lived in rockville my entire life 20850. I think it is a great area. I have always felt safe. My school, wootton was amazing. I don't really see any sketchy looking people by me. But then I lived in a single family house in a great subdivision, the willows.