Give me your opinion (condo, townhome, neighborhoods)

[AnalyzeThis]

I currently live in Alexandria and am in the process of narrowing down areas to buy a townhome/condo in. I am a single female, 27, with two small dogs, working at the Pentagon. I have a fascination with DC row houses and some of the other properties there. I like the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle areas. Do you all have any other recommendations of areas I should look into w/a budget of $500K? I do have a car so would prefer some kind of garage nearby, walkability is important to me, as is having some place to walk my dogs.

[juniperbleu]

Have you looked in Capitol Hill? As much as I love Dupont, CH is my favorite neighborhood in the city (I like old historic rowhouses...Old Town Alexandria is my other favorite). It's quieter than Dupont, but if you get yourself close to Eastern Market there's plenty of bars and restaurants to go to. Parking is also a bit easier there as well. Most people I know living there just park on the street, and get annoyed if they have to park a block or more away. There's also a lot of dogs and parks.

[AnalyzeThis]

Good suggestion juniper, I didn't have Capitol Hill on my list. Is it all in the 20002 zip code?

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by juniperbleu

Have you looked in Capitol Hill? As much as I love Dupont, CH is my favorite neighborhood in the city (I like old historic rowhouses...Old Town Alexandria is my other favorite). It's quieter than Dupont, but if you get yourself close to Eastern Market there's plenty of bars and restaurants to go to. Parking is also a bit easier there as well. Most people I know living there just park on the street, and get annoyed if they have to park a block or more away. There's also a lot of dogs and parks.

Definitely Capitol Hill. Great homes, quieter, close to everything.

Also, depending on your tolerance for a rougher area, there are some fabulous rowhouses in Columbia Heights.

[AnalyzeThis]

lol I have no tolerance for rougher areas but thanks for the suggestion. I did see some good properties in Capitol Hill. I just don't know if I want to deal with the street parking which is common in D.C. I have to really think about that.

[StOrM666]

Check out the H. St area.

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by AnalyzeThis

lol I have no tolerance for rougher areas but thanks for the suggestion.

Well, understand that the difference between Logan and Columbia Heights is far less than what you're going to experience moving into DC from Alexandria. Also, while having a parking pad in the back of your house isn't that uncommon, you will be restricting your choices if a garage is one of your requirements.

[PenguinSix]

I think much of the Hill is in zip 20003

[AnalyzeThis]

I have been given suggestions for realtors but most seem to specialize in one area. I think what I really need is one realtor that is familiar with the different areas I am interested in. As always, my impression of an area having not lived there is going to be different than someone who has and knows. Like most places seemed to say 'street' parking but if this means a 'parking pad' like you said 14th, then that is 'ok' with me. I just remember the Brooklyn days having to ride around for 45 minutes trying to locate a spot 6 blocks from your house and waking up 5:30 am to move it before the street sweepers come. That is what i'm trying to avoid.

Thanks Penguin I will check out 20003.

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by AnalyzeThis

Good suggestion juniper, I didn't have Capitol Hill on my list. Is it all in the 20002 zip code?

20002 is the NE side, and 20003 is the SE side. Just keep an eye on the map of where you're looking, as some less-than-nice neighborhoods may fall under those zip codes. Also, I'd stay north of the highway (SE/SW Freeway), mainly because there's more to do there. South of the highway is the Navy Yard area, which isn't bad, but is still being built up.