Green space - MD vs VA? (transfer, neighborhoods, schools)

[atlpsych]

Hi y'all. I am moving to the DC area from Atlanta for work next month. While others have posted questions regarding choosing a place like Bethesda vs. Arlington, I wanted to hear opinions on which is better for a runner/walker with large dog seeking safe, scenic places to exercise outdoors. I have heard great things about Bethesda, but being a single professional (albeit over the college or post-college crowd) I do not want to isolate myself amongst the married folks (no offense!).

I'll be working off the red line but heard that if you are commuting during typical hours, switching trains to head out to VA is not a big deal. Yet, I've also heard that commuting there can take an hour.

I am originally from Fairfield County, CT and seeking more "upscale or spohisticated" town without the snobbery that may accompany $$$ (if that is even possible).

Thanks for the help!

[claremarie]

It's not really a question of Maryland v. Virginia, but $$ v. $$$$. If you're willing to spend enough money, you can find a wonderful place to live, with safe and scenic outdoor recreation opportunities, anywhere in the DC metro area. (You could even live in DC itself, in the lovely, leafy neighborhoods in upper northwest, especially because schools are not an issue for you.) However, if you're working along the Red line, there is little sense looking in Virginia. You could live near the Capital Crescent Trail, or the C&O Canal, or Great Falls National Park, or Rock Creek Park, all of which offer terrific running/walking/dog-walking trails.

[mettler]

I live in Silver Spring - about a mile from downtown. I take my lab running with me a couple times a week. There are numerous parks to run in, and Sligo Creek Park has numerous areas to run with a pet. I am not too sure if I would venture there at night, but that is mostly because I have only been here 6 months and don't know if it is safe or not.

[atlpsych]

Thanks- out of curiousity, why do you feel I should not look in VA if working off red line? Can't I transfer from Blue or Yellow to the Red line easily, or do you feel this would add alot of time to my commute?