Moving from San Diego to DC (Washington: crime, townhomes, safest area)

[luvless24]

I am moving from San Diego CA with my fiance to the DC area. I am hoping that some of you could give me some info about the safest, most affordable places to live. Any suggestions?

[dullnboring]

What type of environment are you looking for and what do you consider affordable? As is the norm in most urban areas, the most affordable areas are the furthest out from the city. The safest areas also tend to be either the furthest out, or close-in but with astronomical housing prices. How far are you willing to commute?

[pgv98]

Depends what you want. If you want the city, check out Georgetown and Alexandria.

If you want the suburbs (which DC has an abundance of) check out McLean, Great Falls, VA and Patomac, MD. (Long commute but great schools)

Any way you look at it, you will be probably be missing San Diego (I lived in PB for 6 years and moved back to DC breifly, very briefly.

[Zee]

What type of area are you looking for?

Are you looking to buy or rent?

Do you want to live in DC or outside of DC?

I can help you find something or at least point you in the right direction.

[moderator cut]

[mayjormom]

I just wanted to say that I am a native Washingtonian, and I am appalled at the cost of living of this city. I have always loved my city, but am desperately trying to move. There aren't many safe areas and the ones that are remotely safe are extremely expensive. I would reconsider your decision on moving to this area.

[jessnboys]

Your first thing to consider is where your dh will be working, how will he be getting to work (train, metro, car, bus, slug),and how long of a commute can he bear? Were you looking to live in the city or in the burbs? And what is your definition of affordable? Even in Prince William County, VA which is going to get dh an hour plus commute, many 3 bedroom homes start at 500,000 and townhomes are in the 300-400 range. Is that affordable? And sure, McLean and Great Falls VA (and Potomac MD) are wonderful and NOT long commutes but do you have 1,000,000 for a house? This area is REALLY sprawled out and with the high cost of homes, people live all over.

[CheverlyTown]

I am going to let you in on a little secret. Cheverly, Maryland is located less than 1 mile from the DC line, it has its own police force and Metro stop, beautiful tree lined streets, very charming older (1920+) style homes that include Cape Cods, Bungalows, Colonials, Spanish Mediterranean (my home style), etc. The homes in Cheverly are surprisingly affordable - it truly is a hidden gem. I moved here from Boston 4 years ago with my wife and kids and we love it! Our neighbors are very friendly, the crime is very low (due to dilligent Cheverly Police patrols), and we commute (drive) to work in about 30 minutes with rush hour traffic. Sometimes we take the Cheverly Metro, which takes about the same time. I would recommend that anyone relocating to the DC area check out Cheverly. Check out the town's website to learn more about this wonderful community:
http://www.cheverly-md.gov/Pages/Che..._Council/index

[roanoker 4]

Coming from San Diego to Washington and looking for "affordable" housing is an interesting concept! Washington is one of my favorite world class cities.
The diversity of city life, its cosmopolitan mix of restaurants, food shops and languages resemble a mini-New York City now. Many years ago Washington was a "southern fried chicken" type place. Everyone thought when you ventured away from the public monuments around The Mall, you were doomed. Today, people live in once run-down areas that have been transformed into outdoor dining, coffee shops and a general European type
ambiance. Of course, the City has its bad sections but if you can afford to live in the City, why now forget the traffic and experience something completely different from San Diego? I also love San Diego and the weather there was unbelievable! But I must say I am a city person and I think Washington is on to something. Good Luck in your move!!