how good is the area close to the mall in Wheaton ? (Silver Spring: for sale, real estate)

[chaieachai]

Hi all,

I'm planning on buying a condo (https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/.../pid_11093679/) and was wondering if people can help me with how good the neighborhood and the community is ? I'm mostly concerned with safety and property value incase i need to sell in the future.

Thanks!

[papichulo2]

is butiful community

[greenday87]

Depends on where you are coming from and your definition of "safety". It is relatively safe although since you are so close to the Metro, you may encounter some interesting folk. I was in downtown Wheaton earlier today and I was approached and asked for money so I didn't feel super safe, but not a huge dealbreaker. It is a diverse crowd in terms of ethnicity and income levels.

[chaieachai]

I lived in north carolina for the past 5 years. So i'd prefer to be in a safe-ish neighborhood where i can go for a walk or a jog in the evening (ofcourse not too late in the night). I'm was wondering if the home values for a condo such as the link i posted above is considered expensive or normal ?

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by chaieachai

I lived in north carolina for the past 5 years. So i'd prefer to be in a safe-ish neighborhood where i can go for a walk or a jog in the evening (ofcourse not too late in the night). I'm was wondering if the home values for a condo such as the link i posted above is considered expensive or normal ?

You should talk to your agent about comps to see if the condo's asking price is reasonable, but it doesn't see way off-base for the neighborhood. As far as appreciation is concerned: I wouldn't expect Wheaton to really take off anytime this decade, but the value isn't likely to crater, either. I'd think "safe-ish" is a pretty accurate description of Wheaton. It's not dangerous, but there are sporadic instances of serious crime so you'll want to exhibit common sense and "street smarts" to further minimize the chance of being a victim.

[buckaroo17]

Originally Posted by bufflove

...As far as appreciation is concerned: I wouldn't expect Wheaton to really take off anytime this decade, but the value isn't likely to crater, either. I'd think "safe-ish" is a pretty accurate description of Wheaton. It's not dangerous, but there are sporadic instances of serious crime so you'll want to exhibit common sense and "street smarts" to further minimize the chance of being a victim.

I'm gonna respectfully differ. From my time around there, I think Wheaton is the "next thing" along the Red Line. It might not immediately challenge Silver Spring for prices/"cool" atmosphere, but it has more room to grow than SS (and in some ways, more to offer, at least retail-wise -- c'mon, walking home from CostCo with a pallet of TP and salmon steaks?) Developers are gonna begin swallowing up all those mom-and-pops along Georgia Ave. and Viers Mill.

Not sure if that is what the OP is looking for, but just my unbiased observation.

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by buckaroo17

I'm gonna respectfully differ. From my time around there, I think Wheaton is the "next thing" along the Red Line. It might not immediately challenge Silver Spring for prices/"cool" atmosphere, but it has more room to grow than SS (and in some ways, more to offer, at least retail-wise -- c'mon, walking home from CostCo with a pallet of TP and salmon steaks?) Developers are gonna begin swallowing up all those mom-and-pops along Georgia Ave. and Viers Mill.

Not sure if that is what the OP is looking for, but just my unbiased observation.

I think you're right that it's "next" after North Bethesda, Twinbrook, and Shady Grove substantially build out, but I don't think that'll happen within the next 10 years. There will likely be the AVA and the M-NCPPC developments in Wheaton during that time, but those aren't enough to have much of an impact on overall land values, IMO. I suspect it'll be 15-20 years before Wheaton really starts sizzling.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by chaieachai

I lived in north carolina for the past 5 years. So i'd prefer to be in a safe-ish neighborhood where i can go for a walk or a jog in the evening (ofcourse not too late in the night). I'm was wondering if the home values for a condo such as the link i posted above is considered expensive or normal ?

I am a former resident of the area. The Tiers on Amherst Avenue is a reasonably safe area. I will agree that the metro brings in some challenging people, but I think they would stay out of the aparment complex. Keep your evening jogging to the east of the complex, away from Georgia Ave, and you will be safer.

The price is cheap! However, I think the appreciation potential is limited because the unit is older, and has only one bathroom.

[chaieachai]

Thanks everyone for your comments! Also wondering how bad is the commute to college park ? (Google says its around 30-45 min ) If people can give me some real estate advice, what areas are good to buy a conda/townhome for ~180K-ish ?

Thanks for your comments again! much appreciated!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by chaieachai

Also wondering how bad is the commute to college park ? (Google says its around 30-45 min ) If people can give me some real estate advice, what areas are good to buy a conda/townhome for ~180K-ish ?

If I were working in College Park, I would look in Greenbelt (especially Old Greenbelt, which is very safe), Beltsville, Laurel or College Park.

I would concentrate on places with 2 baths which I think are more saleable. For example, I'd suggest this building:
6100 Westchester Park Dr Apt 803, College Park, MD 20740 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

Or this place: http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...7_M52345-34484