Washington vs New York (chapel, affordable houses, job market)

[TrippingJay]

Originally Posted by TheseGoTo11

back to the NY vs. DC discussion, I was recently on the LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica/JFK, and sat next to a chick in a leopard print dress and nasty Long Island accent who was swearing up a storm at her boyfriend over her cell phone and no one on the train seemed to mind

I'll take the understated geeks here in DC anyday over the crass guidos, guidettes, and yentas the blanket NY

Agreed that the LI accents are beyond irritating and people in NY can be crass, but judging NY on Long Island? That's like basing an opinion on DC by observing people from Woodbridge or Quantico.

[MDDCtoATL]

Originally Posted by saganista

New York and Washington are similar in many ways, but still quite different. NYC is perhaps dominated by the business/financial community, DC by the political/diplomatic community. NYC is clearly a bigger place. The pace of life is a little slower in DC. Culturally, NYC has an immigrant background. DC has plenty of people from all over the world, but their are still echoes of a Southern past here. With regard to the arts, entertainment, and recreation, both cities have tons. NYC probably has more, but DC's may be more easily accessible. The cost-of-living isn't much different between the two, though if there is an advantage, it's probably with DC. In the DC area, VA would be slightly cheaper than either MD or the District itself, mostly on account of lower tax and insurance rates.

Lots of people are looking for the same things you are looking for, therefore it will be on the expensive side. Some places to consider that would be very safe, have excellent schools, and be close to transit, shopping, and cultural amenities would include McLean, the City of Falls Church, and the Town of Vienna. These are all sort of next to each other in Fairfax County, VA. Be aware that the City of Falls Church has areas around it that are called Falls Church, but that are not within the City limits. This would make a significant difference as far as schools go. The City schools are first-rate. Those for Faux Falls Church are not to the same level, though the ones in McLean and Vienna are.

If you are looking to raise your daughter bilingually, you could always look to McLean and try to finagle your way into the Kent Gardens Elementary School. They have a French immersion program, wherein about half the courses are taught in French and the rest in English. [Note: If you create a thread in the Virginia/Northern Virginia subforum, it will be seen by <claremarie>, who is a long-time resident of that area and is familiar with the program.]

There are other such areas also...these are just some to consider...

Boy the first response to the OP was like a infomercial from the Northern Virginia department of tourism and economic development.

I keep focusing on the point that the original poster wanted a village like setting, well, you could try D.C. but I think you'll be better off with all honesty in Montgomery County, Maryland because of the more diverse demographic. For better or worse Montgomery County has the most diverse demographic out of all the large counties in the region. If you want to pursue some kind of Multilingual teaching then I would suggest Silver Spring around the downtown area and west of it as well as Bethesda, Chevy Chase and North Bethesda. I say North Bethesda in particular because Montgomery has been approached by a foreign entity to build a very high-end international school on some open parcel there.

[Talica]

Hi Crayon!

I was born and raised in New York, but now reside in the D.C. area. I must say, although both are expensive places to live, the D.C. area is much higher in overall cost. I noticed some comments about gas prices for example when it comes to the VA vs. DC. area. However, if you live in NYC your probably better off without a car. Buses stop on every corner, there are trains all throughout the state, and unlike DC and MD, they run 24 hours, 7 days a week. It is the city that never sleeps. Even the trains in NY are cheaper since you can go anywhere in NYC for about one dollar and change. A few stops in DC can come up to 8 dollars just one way. New York is also highly known for its diversity,which would be perfect for your daughter. Just in Manhattan alone, you can find all times of nationalities where most people speak Enlish only as a second language. Plus the racism and stereotypes or divisions between blacks, white, and hispanic is much greater in the DC area than NYC, where all ethnic groups exist and most people embrace culture. There are plenty of French resturants where you would fit in perfectly. Unless you are going work in politics and make a tremendous amount of money, I'd choose NYC where the people are much more human, & less prideful.

[Fissure226]

Originally Posted by TheseGoTo11

There are simply a lot more college educated professionals in Northern VA than in Suburban MD.

Then why does Montgomery county have tho highest percentage (29.2%) of residents over 25 years old that hold an advanced degree?

[justeme]

[quote=Talica;5111018]Hi Crayon!

However, if you live in NYC your probably better off without a car. Buses stop on every corner, there are trains all throughout the state, and unlike DC and MD, they run 24 hours, 7 days a week. It is the city that never sleeps. Even the trains in NY are cheaper since you can go anywhere in NYC for about one dollar and change. A few stops in DC can come up to 8 dollars just one way.

Two dollars a ride and counting...

[madeira]

I'm considering moving to DC with family from the UK - important factors are good schools & close-ish to the city (less than 40 mins run?). Moving without job in mind - housing cost not an issue. Any views? What suburbs or neighbourhoods should be at the top of the list? tks

[Kee Ra]

Just let you know, D.C. has amazing historic apartments. I think you would like it if you're originally from France. (Especially Georgetown.)

[breakingfree]

I was recently on the LIRR from Penn Station to Jamaica/JFK, and sat next to a chick in a leopard print dress and nasty Long Island accent who was swearing up a storm at her boyfriend over her cell phone and no one on the train seemed to mind...

That mess happens in DC too. The loud, obnoxious, no class-having punks who ramble on about STD's, court dates, jail time, etc., with no respect for the other riders or themselves.

Even the trains in NY are cheaper since you can go anywhere in NYC for about one dollar and change. A few stops in DC can come up to 8 dollars just one way.

YES! That's what I love about my visits to NYC. I could get an all-day pass for $7 and use the transit all day long. Every train trip I take in DC costs at least $1.35, and it adds up.

[DC's Finest]

8 dollars one way??? Try 4.75. It keeps the rats and vagrants away.

[NOVAmtneer82]

Next time you plan on riding the Metro so much in one day it would probably make sense to just buy a DAY PASS for $6.25. They are readily available at the ticket machines located in all Metro stations!