Washington vs New York (real estate, low crime, homes)

[nva79]

I live in Fairfax, but have been to NY plenty of times. I prefer Washington, but would also love to live in New York. If looking at Washington, I would start in DC itself, as there are plenty of new, beautiful, condos. The schools arent as good, but try a private school. If you are concerned with safety, NY is much safer than DC.(However, DC is much safer than it was in the 90's and is actually quite safe in most areas.) New York also offers a very cosmopolitian lifestyle(for a price). Look in Long Island City or Jersey City if you want a discount, but still right next to Manhattan. For Washington suburbs, skip Maryland. There is nothing worth seeing there. Arlington County VA has a great urban lifestyle and has metro/vre. Fairfax county is more suburban, but also very nice. Whatever you do, make sure you live near the metro or VRE. That will be necessary with gas prices. I wouldn't worry too much, as these are my two favorite cities. Also, spend some time in both to get a feel for which one you prefer, as these are both great cities.

[kevbros]

Old Town Alexandria is very popular with European transplants. It's very walkable with small shops and outdoor restaurants. The streets have a European flair and you'll see the occasional Swiss, German, Argentinian flag on someone's house marking their nationality. There are lots of Brits in town and I know a French family too. Our European relatives and visitors really like it. The down side is it's pretty pricey.

[DC's Finest]

nva,

I think people in Bethesda would disagree with you.

[jason56]

I was born and raised in Brooklyn N.Y, and I lived in DC for 14 years. DC is smaller than NY. The cost of living is less expensive in DC than N.Y. Crime is a concern in both places. If you move to DC, areas such as Georgetown & DuPont Circle are safer, and closer to the heart of the city, but also much more expensive in terms of rent/mortgage. Stay away from SouthEast and (some areas in) NorthWest DC. I still have family that live in New York.... certain parts of Queens and Long Island are safer. Upscale sections of Manhattan are also safe, but again EXPENSIVE to live in. Greenwich Village is in Manhattan, and it has a "village type" environment. You may want to consider Chevy Chase,MD. This is a safe area with a great school system. (I would have moved there if I could have afforded it!)

[TrippingJay]

Originally Posted by nva79

I live in Fairfax, but have been to NY plenty of times. I prefer Washington, but would also love to live in New York. If looking at Washington, I would start in DC itself, as there are plenty of new, beautiful, condos. The schools arent as good, but try a private school. If you are concerned with safety, NY is much safer than DC.(However, DC is much safer than it was in the 90's and is actually quite safe in most areas.) New York also offers a very cosmopolitian lifestyle(for a price). Look in Long Island City or Jersey City if you want a discount, but still right next to Manhattan. For Washington suburbs, skip Maryland. There is nothing worth seeing there. Arlington County VA has a great urban lifestyle and has metro/vre. Fairfax county is more suburban, but also very nice. Whatever you do, make sure you live near the metro or VRE. That will be necessary with gas prices. I wouldn't worry too much, as these are my two favorite cities. Also, spend some time in both to get a feel for which one you prefer, as these are both great cities.

Please. Md suburbs are just as nice or even nicer than NoVA. Arlington and Alexandria have nice areas, but the rest of Fairfax and Loudoun is just boring and endless sprawl with little to no identity.
The city of Fairfax is a joke when compared to the city of Rockville. Even the outer MD suburbs such as Gaithersburg have much more to offer than places like Chantilly or Centreville. Not to mention, Md suburbs have better metro access than NoVA.
I don't mean NoVA down, but your comments on MD being "not worth being seen" is false.

[nva79]

I actually like Maryland, but it got to the point where everyone from Maryland I met makes it seem like VA sucks, and I am getting sick of it. They are both nice, but I prefer VA. I wouldnt be giving MD a hard time if people from MD didn't give me a hard time.

[nva79]

also, its a message board. i like fueling the md vs. va rivalry. its more fun.

[Yac]

Fueling rivalry is called trolling here, I suggest you avoid that and try to really help those that ask.
Yac.

[chris989]

i have to agree with all the people who prefer va. i live in maryland right now, but to be honest, i would much rather live in va. it is cheaper, more fun, and more liveable. also, transportation is better. while i love my maryland, i honestly would much rather live in va. that is my advice for a potential move to the dc area.

[DC's Finest]

VA is a bore outside of Arlington and Alexandria!