Family stationed at Walter Reed - where to live? (rental, condo)

[eirbjorn]

Yet another 'where to live' post

We're a military family with three kids. My husband just got orders for Walter Reed and we know nothing about the area at all. We are from the Portland, Or area, currently living in Germany, so going to be a change.

We're enlisted, with housing allowance of around $1700. We may be willing to buy if that seems the more affordable thing to do in the long term. So where should we begin looking? Don't want too horrible of a commute for my husband, and prefer for him to take public transportation or something as we only have one vehicle. Prefer a more liberal community, but that is secondary to safety and affordability. I also homeschool my kids, but if there is a good charter school or exceptional public school system I may look into that.

Thank you so much!

[claremarie]

Try Takoma Park. It's a community that straddles DC and Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland. Home prices are more affordable than in some other parts of DC because the schools are not generally highly regarded, but since you're homeschooling, that's not an issue. There is a Metro stop, and though there have been some highly publicized crimes there, it's probably fine for a strapping military man. Extremely liberal community, sometimes called the People's Republic of Takoma Park (a nuclear-free zone since 1983). Many nice Victorian homes. Not sure about the price range.

[CHIP72]

Silver Spring, which is the next Metro Red Line stop north from Takoma Park (about 1 1/2 miles), would also be a possibility if you can find housing that is appropriate. Both Takoma Park and Silver Spring aren't too far from Walter Reed.

Incidentally, the area directly north of Walter Reed in the District is very nice, but you'll probably be hard-pressed to find rental properties there.

[Carrot2000]

Also, Walter Reed also has an employee shuttle that runs between the Takoma Metro station and its campus.

You might want to double-check your housing allowance; it should be higher than $1700 for DC.

[Carrot2000]

If you're considering Takoma Park, Walter Reed has an employee shuttle between the Takoma Metro station on the Red Line and its campus.

You might want to double-check your housing allowance; it should be higher than $1700 for DC.

[eirbjorn]

Originally Posted by Carrot2000

If you're considering Takoma Park, Walter Reed has an employee shuttle between the Takoma Metro station on the Red Line and its campus.

You might want to double-check your housing allowance; it should be higher than $1700 for DC.

Thanks for the info - that is really helpful!

Housing allowance for DC for E4 and below with dependents is $1718, I did double check to make sure.
Thanks!!

[gatelymk]

Try places like Rock Creek Village, Rock Creek Gardens, and Rock Creek Commons. These are Condo communities which owners often rent out. They're extremely close to NIH, NIMH, Walter Reed, etc -- up to two or three miles away and on the bus and Metro [red] lines. Lots of individuals who work at those places live there.

[bogfrog]

Near Walter Reed are some beautiful stretches around 16th St NW, and a few houses nestled INTO Rock Creek Park (around the Lowell School). I don't know if those neighborhoods actually have names, other than "Crestwood/Brightwood" and "16th St Hts" in general -- worth a look. I think the mayor and/or schools chancellor live up there