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So if you have been following my posts, you know I have been looking to move to DC. I have been looking at Brookland and Silver Spring and Petworth and Columbia Heights and they fit in my price range. However, I have looked at areas near the Fort Totten Metro and they are significantly cheaper. After thinking about it, there are less walkable options and less retail and retaurants. But it's on 3 metro lines and if it's close to the metro, it will still be accessible to Silver Spring and downtown. I have thought the same of the area near the Rhode Island Ave metro. I imagine both areas would be up and coming and good investments.
Am I crazy? Are these areas safe? Is the development that I imagine would be inevitable due to proximity to metro gong to happen? I'll be up there in a couple of weeks to take a look, but I'd like some opinions from people here. Thanks!
Look into Takoma, DC. It's very close to Silver Spring, one stop up from Ft. Totten, and has better amenities then either of these places, with some houses still in a similar price range. Frankly, if you are looking to buy and to see some growth in value, this would be it. It's also one of the safest neighborhoods in DC. Especially with Walter Reed coming soon, and a Busboys and Poets imminent.
What is your price range. It probably helps the entirety of the neighborhood is within a mile of the metro station.
I used to live in Eckington, RI is okay, but you should be selective where you live in that area. I don't know but RI itself and that area can be a little noisy with RI itself being several lanes. Ft Totten I cannot comment on. But there are four or five neighborhoods by that metro, some better than others. Again, the area is not bad, but you have better options.
I had a few friends live at the apartments next to the metro and they liked it, but you have to understand that it is a commuting lifestyle. Until the construction is complete it is almost 90% residential within walking distance (outside of a couple of fast food joints, a 7-11 and a church or two). My friends liked it but it was a PITA to drive to from VA.
500-800K, SFH or town home, walking distance to Metro. Would like to have parking and small amount of yard for dogs, but these are not necessary.
Look into something in Takoma or Shepherd Park if that is your price range. It is probably your best option considering your budget, especially if you want to live close to the metro. If you don't have kids Takoma is the better option, your dollar would go further. Every house in the Takoma DC neighborhood is within a mile of the metro, most have yards and are still in your budget. If your goal is to come in at the low end especially, but still move in a nice neighborhood. The only thing not so great about Takoma is the school. So there are more DINKs buying houses in the area right now.
This is not to say Rhode Island is bad, but I moved from around Eckington to Takoma/Shepherd Park area and the change was a significant improvement. It's just a better neighborhood than those around Ft. Totten or Rhode Island.
Basically you have other areas to look at which are safer then near Ft. Totten, or Rhode Island, but still at the low end of your budget.
I should note, I WALK to silver spring from this area, it's a twenty minute walk into downtown from where I live. 10 minute or less walk to the metro. It's a great area. While you may not get into colonial village, Shepherd Park and Takoma are both in your budget. Especially if Downtown Silver Spring is already on your radar.
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