rent or buy? (Arlington, Reston, Oakton: 2015, to rent, houses)

[cmow]

My family is relocating to Northern Va from SF Bay Area. We will be moving within the next 2 months and are trying to decide whether to rent or buy a house? We have not had the best experience in the neighborhood we currently live in. Everyone pretty much keeps to themselves and there are hardly any kids ever playing outside. It is a very multicultural area, which I thought I would like, but the various ethnic groups tend to "stick together".

We would like to buy a house but we don't want to rush into buying. We don't want to make the same mistake. We also have elementary age school children.

Any thoughts? Thanks

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by cmow

My family is relocating to Northern Va from SF Bay Area. We will be moving within the next 2 months and are trying to decide whether to rent or buy a house? We have not had the best experience in the neighborhood we currently live in. Everyone pretty much keeps to themselves and there are hardly any kids ever playing outside. It is a very multicultural area, which I thought I would like, but the various ethnic groups tend to "stick together".

We would like to buy a house but we don't want to rush into buying. We don't want to make the same mistake. We also have elementary age school children.

Any thoughts? Thanks

Here's a thought: Try thanking the many folks who replied with help to your other post (MD vs. VA) before you ask for more help. (Seriously--no reply from you whatsoever--what's up with that?)

[oneasterisk]

Rent until you've found the neighborhood/area that you'd like to buy. There's no rush to buy IMO.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by oneasterisk

Rent until you've found the neighborhood/area that you'd like to buy. There's no rush to buy IMO.

ITA. Definitely rent first. Try out the commute, check out the neighborhoods and then decide what your best option(s) are for your family. GL with your relocation.

[riley1319]

We were in the same boat a few months ago and decided to buy. I'm not sure it was the smartest financial decision, only time will tell on that one, but I didn't like the idea of my elementary aged son being in 3 different schools by 2nd grade. We're coming from a neighborhood in NC that we LOVE and the neighborhood we're moving to at the end of the month is beautiful, but hasn't really given us the warm fuzzies so we're making plans to meet people other ways.

[hybridkid]

I'm in Mclean now. While there is a lot of traffic buildup with the construction, I think you are in a great position to benefit from the revitalization going on in the area over the next couple of years (Metro station being added). I'll admit, it is somewhat of a business area BUT you are not far from more family friendly areas and activities (Oakton, Fairfax, Vienna, Reston). I read that Tysons Corner (aka Mclean) is suppose to be revitalized for 2015 to be more activity centric in rivaling Arlington and even DC. My family live in Charlotte and while I really appreciate everything that Charlotte offers (including really good food!) I'm looking forward to seeing the area develop. I think you'll appreciate NOVA schools for your children very much when it's all said and done. I had a colleague who mentioned that the school system gave his son free after-school tutoring programs throughout his schooling. I don't have kids yet in my 31 years of living but I can appreciate that high-rated public schools and great developmental programs could be the reason why many of the young people I went to college with ended up fairing better in their career choices down the line in comparison to some of my buddies where I grew up (Va Beach). Community-wise, I think if you ever decided to have a neighborhood cookout like one of the old places I lived in, that could probably bring some more interaction with the neighbors outside of the common wave.

Best wishes.

[ShannonMilligan]

It's really about what you are comfortable with. If you plan on being in the area for many years (like 7 or more) then buying may be a good option for you. But, if this is just a short stint for you and your family, then I would say rent. Rent seems to be on the rise so that is also something to consider.

[cmow]

I REALLY appreciate everyone's input. My life has been a bit crazy so I apologize for not expressing my appreciation sooner. To the person, I won't mention your name, who said:

"Here's a thought: Try thanking the many folks who replied with help to your other post (MD vs. VA) before you ask for more help. (Seriously--no reply from you whatsoever--what's up with that?)

Before you go posting a response like that, maybe you should think that maybe this person may have a lot going on: a father-in-law who recently died, a mother-in-law in the hospital for 3 weeks and having to move her into an assisted living home; and taking care of a 2 yr old and an 8 yr old who hasType I Diabetes. Sorry I haven't had time to personally thank you.

No one should be giving advice with expecting anything from others. Give advice/your thoughts because you want to help others. You never know what is going on in other people's lives. Something to think about.

[vermonter16]

Originally Posted by cmow

No one should be giving advice with expecting anything from others. Give advice/your thoughts because you want to help others. You never know what is going on in other people's lives. Something to think about.

Absolutely agree!

[deeboe23]

If you aren't familiar with the area, I would definitely rent for the first year. It is really easy to look on websites and find houses "just outside" of the immediate DC area that could end up being a nightmare of a commute. The DC area is heavily populated but very spread out. If you rent you will have plenty of time on the weekends to explore and research since you won't have to worry about maintenance or remodeling. I would definitely get the lay of the land before committing to purchase.