April home prices rise in Prince George’s County

[divaesq]

Regarding the WaPo story--I was happy to finally see something positive about buying in PG county.

But I have a general complaint: It is extremely odd to me that media here publish all the worst situations in the county, but seem to turn a blind eye to same ills in neighboring areas. For example, last week the Post talked about the lack of homes under $500k in "desirable communities". However, the couple profiled was looking at a home in an area of Petworth DC that was a block away from section 8 housing (per the article). The article specifically mentioned Montgomery and Fairfax counties, so the evaluation of housing stock included locales outside of the District. I constantly hear that families will not move to PG county because of crime and schools. If we take this is at face value, then why is there no similar steering away from the District? Something does not add up to me with this explanation.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by divaesq

Regarding the WaPo story--I was happy to finally see something positive about buying in PG county.

But I have a general complaint: It is extremely odd to me that media here publish all the worst situations in the county, but seem to turn a blind eye to same ills in neighboring areas. For example, last week the Post talked about the lack of homes under $500k in "desirable communities". However, the couple profiled was looking at a home in an area of Petworth DC that was a block away from section 8 housing (per the article). The article specifically mentioned Montgomery and Fairfax counties, so the evaluation of housing stock included locales outside of the District. I constantly hear that families will not move to PG county because of crime and schools. If we take this is at face value, then why is there no similar steering away from the District? Something does not add up to me with this explanation.

The District is continuing its gentrification that took off under Williams' administration. So the District is the "place to be," for convenience, proximity to nightlife, vibrant city living, what have you. I see this transformation in some parts of Baltimore, but at a slower pace. Petworth is one of the newer areas undergoing gentrification, and buyers figure that the Section 8 folks will be controlled in the name of gentrification or eventually pushed out. Meanwhile, the impoversished were pushed out to PG, further bringing down the county's reputation. While PG has its share of problems, the media appears to have assigned roles to the District and each of the counties. PG has been assigned the "undesirable" role, although many don't see it that way. Before the influx of the black middle class, PG had the same role but for other reasons besides race (for instance, it was deemed to be the "bar brawler" county).

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by divaesq

Regarding the WaPo story--I was happy to finally see something positive about buying in PG county.

But I have a general complaint: It is extremely odd to me that media here publish all the worst situations in the county, but seem to turn a blind eye to same ills in neighboring areas. For example, last week the Post talked about the lack of homes under $500k in "desirable communities". However, the couple profiled was looking at a home in an area of Petworth DC that was a block away from section 8 housing (per the article). The article specifically mentioned Montgomery and Fairfax counties, so the evaluation of housing stock included locales outside of the District. I constantly hear that families will not move to PG county because of crime and schools. If we take this is at face value, then why is there no similar steering away from the District? Something does not add up to me with this explanation.

I think that's a legit point, but it's always going to be challenging to compare PG to DC regardless. They may perceive that people would be more willing to put up with certain things in DC because of the proximity to employment, gentrification and amenities available. PG County unfortunately doesn't have a lot of those same things, even in the nicer parts, but that's always going to be the case when you are comparing a suburban area to a city like DC.

[EdwardA]

Originally Posted by divaesq

Regarding the WaPo story--I was happy to finally see something positive about buying in PG county.

But I have a general complaint: It is extremely odd to me that media here publish all the worst situations in the county, but seem to turn a blind eye to same ills in neighboring areas. For example, last week the Post talked about the lack of homes under $500k in "desirable communities". However, the couple profiled was looking at a home in an area of Petworth DC that was a block away from section 8 housing (per the article). The article specifically mentioned Montgomery and Fairfax counties, so the evaluation of housing stock included locales outside of the District. I constantly hear that families will not move to PG county because of crime and schools. If we take this is at face value, then why is there no similar steering away from the District? Something does not add up to me with this explanation.

The amenities of DC may offset the schools and crime. Also as the population changes the schools will improve. So maybe folks are banking on that.

[EdwardA]

Originally Posted by bowian

The District is continuing its gentrification that took off under Williams' administration. So the District is the "place to be," for convenience, proximity to nightlife, vibrant city living, what have you. I see this transformation in some parts of Baltimore, but at a slower pace. Petworth is one of the newer areas undergoing gentrification, and buyers figure that the Section 8 folks will be controlled in the name of gentrification or eventually pushed out. Meanwhile, the impoversished were pushed out to PG, further bringing down the county's reputation. While PG has its share of problems, the media appears to have assigned roles to the District and each of the counties. PG has been assigned the "undesirable" role, although many don't see it that way. Before the influx of the black middle class, PG had the same role but for other reasons besides race (for instance, it was deemed to be the "bar brawler" county).

Is what the media reporting true or not? I don't buy this argument you and others are making. The Post can't just manufacture positive news if the news isn't there. If the reality of PG is that it's high on crime and the schools are poor than that's what they will report.

PG's crime now rivals DC. For a period in '11 the murder rate was higher than DC's and I believe Baltimore's.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by EdwardA

Is what the media reporting true or not? I don't buy this argument you and others are making. The Post can't just manufacture positive news if the news isn't there. If the reality of PG is that it's high on crime and the schools are poor than that's what they will report.

PG's crime now rivals DC. For a period in '11 the murder rate was higher than DC's and I believe Baltimore's.

First, it depends on how the "truth" is presented. Is the news about PG skewed or biased based on an emphasis of the negative, while crime or educational problems are under-reported in other counties? To a certain extent, yes. People can present information in a certain way that is subjective.

Second, aren't you the one who hates the Post for its liberal bent but feel comfortable attesting to its presentation of the "truth" when it is convenient? Are there not enough facts in the Washington Times for you?

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by bowian

Meanwhile, the impoversished were pushed out to PG, further bringing down the county's reputation.

Don't forget Prince William and even Montgomery counties. These counties are also experiencing an influx of D.C. residents looking for cheaper housing.

[EdwardA]

Originally Posted by bowian

First, it depends on how the "truth" is presented. Is the news about PG skewed or biased based on an emphasis of the negative, while crime or educational problems are under-reported in other counties? To a certain extent, yes. People can present information in a certain way that is subjective.

Second, aren't you the one who hates the Post for its liberal bent but feel comfortable attesting to its presentation of the "truth" when it is convenient? Are there not enough facts in the Washington Times for you?

I read a wide range of news. The Washington Post, even with its liberal bent, is a superior paper to the Washington Times.