Thoughts on neighborhoods in North Potomac, Germantown, Boyds? Thanks in advance! (Frederick: condo, townhouse)

[movinginmaryland2010]

I'm so excited to have found this forum as I would greatly appreciate feedback from first-hand experiences.

I currently live in the Kentlands/Lakelands neighborhood in Gaithersburg with my family. We are outgrowing the space in our condo/townhome, so we're in the market for a single family house. We've been very happy living in this community and would love to stay here, as the schools are great, the community is friendly and safe, and just about everything is within walking distance.

However....single family homes in this neighborhood are out of our price range. So.....at this point, we are considering some of the neighborhoods in the surrounding area, such as Quince Orchard Valley and Quince Haven. We're also considering a couple of neighborhoods in Germantown/Boyds, such as Kingsview Village and Kings Crossing (Vistas at Woodcliffe Park).

I do have some concerns about living in Germantown, based upon things I've "heard"....although I've driven here and shopped here many times and have never felt unsafe.

I appreciate any feedback about the neighborhoods I've mentioned.....I also welcome any suggestions for other neighborhoods we should consider. Thanks so much!!

[soymabelen]

Kingsview Village and Kings Crossing (Vistas at Woodcliffe Park) in Germantown/Boyds are fine neighborhoods. I lived in Manchester Farms for 10 years until last summer, also a very good neighborhood but houses a little older than in the two you mention. Good luck.

[movinginmaryland2010]

Thanks for your response! Since we have young children, schools are also a high priority. Any thoughts or experiences with the schools in Germantown?

[dkf747]

My kids are in Quince Orchard HS, Ridgeview MS, and Fields Rd ES. We're happy here in Gaithersburg, for now. My kids have friends all over N. Potomac, and I have to say that I like where they live. I would buy a house there if I could.

[movinginmaryland2010]

dkf747....Thanks for your response. Have you been happy with Fields Rd ES? I've heard mixed things about this elementary school. Appreciate your thoughts about this school.

[dkf747]

I'm not sure how to compare one elementary school with another. That said, we feel pretty good about Fields Road school. The school has a mix of kids from lower middle class to higher incomes, and is pretty diverse.

[tigerpee]

Look at the trend. It used to be that Gaithersburg, Germantown, were sort of the boonies.

With the housing boom few years ago, as housing prices started to escalate rapidly, people starting moving to Gaithersburg first, then Germantown/Boyds, then Urbana, then Frederick.

In each of these towns, new development arose and families are situation there now. So, I do think all of these towns are more than ok. Of course you'll have your mix bag here and there but generally, its fine.

[soymabelen]

Originally Posted by movinginmaryland2010

Thanks for your response! Since we have young children, schools are also a high priority. Any thoughts or experiences with the schools in Germantown?

All my neighbors were very happy with Ronald McNair Elementary. I believe the other elementary school, Matsunaga, is also very good. As far as Middle School, Kingsview, is fine although a little on the big side. I don't have a lot of first hand feedback for Northwest High, I think it is fine too but it scores lower than Quince Orchard.

[Livinitupp]

If I were you I'd pick North Potomac or maybe some parts of Germantown. The Vistas to me is a concrete jungle. No land, No space, No privacy. Woodcliffe seems like there is a bit more space. North Potomac seems like it has less of a mass surburbia aspect. In Germantown a part with really nice houses is Liberty Mill, Dawson Farm and Mateny Hill. It's nice and quiet but it is very close to the marc train so you will hear alot of noise. Good Luck!

[mommie2bgermantown]

What is it about the negative reviews on Germantown? lol.. I am new to the forum as of today and have heard 2 others mention they've heard that. As I mentioned to them I have owned my townhouse for 6 years and lived in it the whole time and current in Germantown. My area I can account for is rather safe and very quiet. Ive seen the police once to mention in the 6 yeats we've lived here. Kepp looking, Germantown is huge and there are some areas that dont look well kept than others but again Germantown is HUGE you can ge a good value with safety very easily in Germantown. Find a Realtor you can trust that knows the area.