Single Mom in DC Metro... Best Places to Live? (good schools, price)

[Esbyvi]

I'll be relocating to DC this summer to begin a graduate program in the Fall. I am a single mom to one child, who will be entering 2nd grade. I already know that I will not be able to afford the better areas of DC proper, but my monthly budget for housing in $1300. What suburbs in the surrounding areas would be a good fit? IE, good schools, good community, nice parks, good shopping and a relatively easy commute to UDC? I'm okay with commuting anywhere from 30minutes to an hour.

I currently live in Portland, OR (in Beaverton to be exact.) Anyone that's familiar with both cities; if you can recommend the most comparable area... I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thank you.

[timbo8]

Montgomery County would be a good fit. Great schools, good shopping, and if you are on the western side of the Red Line you could take the metro into work easily each day. Although rents can be quite pricey, I think it's possible to find something for $1,300 close to metro. In particular Bethesda, Rockvile, and Gaithersburg are worth a look.