Fredericksburg vs Frederick (Springfield: neighborhood, school closings, closing)

[ubernational]

Wife and I are looking at either Frederick and Fredericksburg. From what I can tell, most things look the same on paper, and distance to/from DC.

Anything else that we aren't seeing?

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by ubernational

Wife and I are looking at either Frederick and Fredericksburg. From what I can tell, most things look the same on paper, and distance to/from DC.

Anything else that we aren't seeing?

Are you working in DC proper? If you're working in either VA or MD, it would be beneficial to pick the "Fred" where you live as the commute from either will be rather lengthy just to get to the District, whether you choose commuter rail (VRE or MARC) or drive.

[Kembek]

I would choose Virginia over Maryland any day.

[ambazzador]

ditto what kembek says

plus there's nothing to do in Frederick

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by ambazzador

ditto what kembek says

plus there's nothing to do in Frederick

I admittedly don't know a whole lot about Frederick but its downtown appears to be rather attractive and lively. It may not be a hip mecca but I imagine most people who choose to live there realize that. That probably applies to Fredericksburg to a similar degree.

[FLgirl367]

One major difference is Fredrick gets colder and more snow than Fredericksburg. That also includes more school closings if that matters. On the other hand, it is super close to the mountains. Fredericskburg is a little drive to the mountains and Fredericks is right there. If I had reason to regularly drive to the NE corridor I'd pick Frederick, because you are that much closer. (I don't, but others might.)

All in all, I really like the Stafford/Fredericksburg area. We take the VRE into DC for fun. Or we drive to the Springfield metro. Relatives take the train straight from DCA to our neighborhood. Fredericksburg Old Towne area is nice and quaint.

[slowlane3]

Again, just where will you be working or commuting to ? If it's D.C., exactly what street ? (as this can make a difference with transit connections).

[vermonter16]

Depends really on what you are looking for in the location. Are you looking just at location, amenities, schools, etc.?

[Caladium]

Whichever one is closer to work. Or, as pointed out by another poster, the part of the country that you regularly frequent. If all things were equal, I'd probably choose Fredericksburg because I like the weather there better. Both cities have interesting historic (but small) downtowns, and if that's what you're seeking either one would be a good choice.

[ubernational]

So many good things in here.

Mountains over flatness - check for Frederick.
Better weather - check for Frederickburg.

Other inquiries - will work in DC itself.

Still equal. Any differences in the downtowns themselves?