on the move to D.C. (low crime, homes, neighborhoods)

[saylahmoves]

Ok I'm gOing to attempt to be as specific as possible. I am 32, a single mom, an ICU RN, and have two children, ages 7 and 9. I am interested in moving to D.C. area. I need good public schools, walkability is very important, liberal - minded people, I like a hippie-esque feel with lots of arts and outdoor festivities, historic homes, low crime, and to be not too far removed from nature. ...I love to camp and hike. ... but I like the amenities of the city. I do plan to visit the area a couple of times prior to MoVing, . I have some friends in the Bethesda and Woodbridge areas. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for your time

[DistrictSonic]

Takoma Park, MD or Silver Spring, MD.
Visit the Northern Virginia or Maryland DC suburbs boards. But these two should fit you very well.

[Collateral]

Here is the thing... You can easily find everything on your list in the DC area. You just won't find it all in the same neighborhood or area.

I think you should pick out three of your most important preferences and go from there.

[DistrictSonic]

Originally Posted by Collateral

Here is the thing... You can easily find everything on your list in the DC area. You just won't find it all in the same neighborhood or area.

I think you should pick out three of your most important preferences and go from there.

True. The difficult part with the kids is the neighborhoods with the good schools. She might get sticker shock at the prices for them inside the district. West of RCP is sky high, and Shepard Park, Capital Hill, and Crestwood are not cheap either. I think she would like the Takoma neighborhood in DC, but Takoma Education Center could improve. The neighborhood is otherwise highly recommended.
Everything she is writing screams Takoma Park, MD. The community fits her perfectly. I live on the border of Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and DC. Silver Spring and Takoma Park are great communities, especially for those with kids, but Takoma Park would fit her like a glove, it would feel like home, and she can afford it giving her profession.

I am not sure she would like Bethesda, great schools, but the area is everything opposite of hippie.

[sarahstark]

I second Takoma Park or downtown Silver Spring.

[bufflove]

I'll third Takoma Park or downtown Silver Spring.