New to DC: Is Bethesda *too* safe?

[BigCityDreamer]

If you own a McMansion-sized home in Bethesda, that basically means you crossed the finish line as far as living in Maryland goes.

[Chriz Brown]

Even if most of the people living in Bethesda are white.. it is still a very diverse place because a lot of people who work in Bethesda are from every race under the sun. So its not like a white person in Bethesda has never seen a black person.

I personally would not live in Bethesda because it is boring compared to DC and its just as expensive. I lived in Silver Spring for one year and it was ok. Its definitely more gritty than Bethesda and there are more minorities and lower income people around. Silver Spring feels more authentic than Bethesda. Bethesda has a similar feel to parts of Northern Virginia, like Arlington, Clarendon and Ballston.

[tsstriangle]

Originally Posted by Devastator

Thank you! The food need not be Caribbean, any shops that serve food with soul and flavor with no fuss is what was hoping for so happy to know there is at least one

Check out Jamaican Mi Crazy that just opened in Montgomery Mall. Also, it's in Rockville but Island Pride is pretty much perfect.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

If you own a McMansion-sized home in Bethesda, that basically means you crossed the finish line as far as living in Maryland goes.

That's if you want to live in a McMansion in Bethesda. What if my goal is to live somewhere else? Why is it the goal of everyone to live in the most expensive, bland, restrictive part of town?

In my opinion, you've crossed the finish line in Maryland if you are in an area that is relatively safe, is currently realizing upside potential, and you are a homeowner. And most importantly, you're far from being laid off. Because we all know, it takes one layoff and that finish line can disappear for about 99% of us.

[BigCityDreamer]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

That's if you want to live in a McMansion in Bethesda. What if my goal is to live somewhere else? Why is it the goal of everyone to live in the most expensive, bland, restrictive part of town?

In my opinion, you've crossed the finish line in Maryland if you are in an area that is relatively safe, is currently realizing upside potential, and you are a homeowner. And most importantly, you're far from being laid off. Because we all know, it takes one layoff and that finish line can disappear for about 99% of us.

I'm just saying that Bethesda (along with Chevy Chase, Travilah and Potomac) is generally considered to be the most prestigious and upscale place to live in Maryland, as far as the DC suburbs are concerned anyway. Of course, that is not to say there aren't plenty of other very good places to live in and many of those may be more suitable for any one individual. I grew up in Hyattsville and currently live in Silver Spring myself.

I agree that being laid off is a major concern, and it is one reason why I am a big proponent of government jobs. You are set for life and it is practically impossible for you to lose your job, barring extreme circumstances.