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It seems that there are more condos in Silver Spring area with short driving distance or even walking distance to metro stations than in Annadale. Other than that, what are the pros and cos of each places?
It seems that there are more condos in Silver Spring area with short driving distance or even walking distance to metro stations than in Annadale. Other than that, what are the pros and cos of each places?
A condo? I don't think it's even close that Silver Spring would be a better place to buy a condo. SS has better Metro access, is geared more toward younger residents, has a wider range of shops/restaurants, and has more upscale condos to pick from. There are some really nice neighborhoods in Annandale, but the condos there don't tend to be in the best areas.
Annandale is better if you're really into Korean stuff, and I'd actually pick a SFH in most Annandale neighborhoods over a SFH in Silver Spring. But, if you're asking about condos, I think it ought to be an easy choice.
A condo? I don't think it's even close that Silver Spring would be a better place to buy a condo. SS has better Metro access, is geared more toward younger residents, has a wider range of shops/restaurants, and has more upscale condos to pick from. There are some really nice neighborhoods in Annandale, but the condos there don't tend to be in the best areas.
Annandale is better if you're really into Korean stuff, and I'd actually pick a SFH in most Annandale neighborhoods over a SFH in Silver Spring. But, if you're asking about condos, I think it ought to be an easy choice.
sadly, I must concur. We moved to Annandale specifically for the short commute to TJ high school. I dont know SS well - I have heard others say, like you, that its gotten really nice. Even if I hadnt heard that, the convenience to the metro would be decisive for someone commuting to DC. The only reasons to locate to Annandale (other than existing friends etc in NoVa) instead would be some attachment to FCPS (probably not the case for most condo buyers) or because of a job in NoVa (once the HOT lanes are done, Annandale to Tysons shouldn't be that bad).
Its interesting to look at where new midrise/hirise housing is being built in the metro area these days -AFAICT its almost only in areas that combine convenience (usually a metro station in walking distance, but sometimes very convenient bus service and very close in location, like Columbia Pike, Shirlington, and maybe a few hot parts of DC not right on the metro) with a high degree of walkability. (Reston TC is perhaps the least convenient hot hirise market, but its got convenience to jobs in Reston, not too bad to get to Tysons, and the Silver Line on the horizon)
I'm not sure why your choice is between those two places. Silver Spring and Annandale are different TYPES of areas. Silver Spring is an immediate inner suburb more similar to south Arlington or parts of the City of Alexandria (outside of Old Town) than to Annandale. Though this is obviously a very rough (and subjective) parallel I would say that Annandale would be more similar to somewhere like Wheaton or Kensington (or maybe even parts of Rockville) than to Silver Spring, especially downtown Silver Spring, in terms of feel, age, density, demographics, distance to DC, etc. I know several people who live in Annandale and none of them work in DC. Northern Virginia is AT LEAST as large a job center as the city and many who live in Virginia (especially Fairfax County and beyond) work in Virginia as well.
I know several people who live in Annandale and none of them work in DC. Northern Virginia is AT LEAST as large a job center as the city and many who live in Virginia (especially Fairfax County and beyond) work in Virginia as well.
so Annandale is better for VA jobs, and SS for DC jobs?
How about with kids? Is one more preferable than the other?
so Annandale is better for VA jobs, and SS for DC jobs?
How about with kids? Is one more preferable than the other?
I don't if Annandale is "better" for VA jobs and Silver Spring is "better" for DC jobs. As with anything, it depends entirely on your own taste, needs, experience and priorities. I would say more people in Silver Spring commute to DC than residents of Annandale. Maryland's suburbs aren't nearly the job centers that Northern Virginia's suburbs are. Take a look at the commuting patterns on the American Legion and Woodrow Wilson Bridges. Tons and tons of cars flowing into Virginia in the morning with Maryland tags and not nearly the same number vice versa.
As for kids, that entirely depends on your kids and what you want for them. Both Fairfax County and Montgomery County have two of the most highly rated public school systems nationally, though Fairfax County often comes out just SLIGHTLY ahead in many polls. Since I personally grew up in Fairfax County I probably have a bit of a Virginia bias but Silver Spring is a vibrant, up and coming area with a highly rated high school with a very well regarded magnet program (Montgomery Blair). Annandale High School is also generally well regarded and supported by the community as well.
I just don't think comparing Annandale and Silver Spring is a particularly good comparison. I wouldn't personally see those areas as an either/or type of decision.
so Annandale is better for VA jobs, and SS for DC jobs?
How about with kids? Is one more preferable than the other?
NoVA is the number one place in the nation to find IT and start up jobs. No other place is in the same league.
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