Where to move in DC area on under $500k budget? (best suburbs, condos)

[LAtoDC2010]

We are casting a wide net in our home search. Schools are important, but not the be-all end-all because we are considering private school anyway. Commute is important - something not too hellish to downtown DC by metro or commuter rail. So far, we have considered Silver Spring, Rockville, Falls Church, Alexandria, somewhere in Fairfax....We're really all over the place with this search and are trying to narrow it down to a couple of areas. We are hoping to find a single family home (and actually prefer the older ramblers and split-levels to newer construction) but are open to condos or townhomes. We are looking for a place with a good sense of community, and a good place to raise a young family.

Any suggestions welcome!

[jmusmc85]

$500,000 is actually pretty good budget if you are looking for a place in DC. If you want to live in DC proper, you might want to check out places in upper NW. You won't be able to find a huge place but it should put you in one of the nicer neighborhoods. DC schools themselves are a lot to be left desired. If you really want your kids to be able to compete with the rest of America it would be best to put them in private schools. The other places you listed are good choices. You will be able to get more bang for your buck with that kinda money. As in two story/backyard/garage or any of that other stuff. Public schools tend to be better also.

I would recommend somewhere in Arlington. Possibly along the Orange Line. It is fairly close to DC and Arlington is one of the best suburbs to live in the country. It has plenty of places to eat/shops/bars and activities plus it is right across the river from DC without all it's urban problems.

[RozCat]

Older ramblers/split levels @ 500K? Maybe:

Fairfax County areas like Springfield, Burke, Pimmit Hills or Annandale

Or Montogomery County areas around Rockville, Kensington or Wheaton/Silver Spring.

Prince George's County areas around College Park or University Park.

[Smoke_Jaguar4]

Is that $500K per year salary or are you willing to spend up to $500K on a home?
If salary, I'd say east of Rock Creek Park in DC or North Arlington.
If that's your housing cap, then Fairfax or Loudoun Counties in VA.

[scrapper105]

I'd second the suggestion for University Park, MD. You can get a nice 4BR/3BA house for 500K in an older established neighborhood with sidewalks, a strong civic association, and a lovely little stream and town park that runs through the center of town. I've posted frequently on University Park in the Maryland forum, so check it out there. Depending on where you live in town, the metro is between .6 of a mile and 1 1/3 miles away. My husband frequently walks but we also have a town shuttle that runs during rush hour.

[LAtoDC2010]

Thanks so much for the responses! Definitely good food for thought.