Good Places and Neighborhoods to Live in the DC Area?

Hi VLG-

I just want to put a 'shout' out for Northern VA!!

I lived in Loudoun County VA for almost 20 years...it was (and may still be) one of the fastest growing counties in the US (certainly in VA). Many parks both in loudoun...and fairfax...and West VA is not far either.

I was certainly pleased with the school system (it rivals the wealthier 'better' Fairfax county VA...where I have also lived).

Sterling is where I lived...leesburg is very nice as well (I worked in leesburg as a director of a child development center...but too long ago to make a recommendation now).

Metro DC is wonderful...FREE museums...great restaurants...wonderful parks...great theatre...

ENJOY!!!

I am envious!!
michele/cat

I agree Montgomery Co is great. Hubby and I lived in Gaithersburg for a year while he worked at the Pentagon. Its a beautiful area.

Ceck out Silver springs and Chevy Chase areas too

It comes down to how much you can affort to pay for rent. Northern VA is expencive. Check out the housing section at washingtonpost.com and what the current rates are for a house/apartment that fits your needs. We moved from GA to DC 18 years ago and I was in shock how expensive everything was. On the other side there are tons of free stuff to do and see and an excellent public trans system ( really you need to learn to use it cause parking in DC is a nightmare LOL).

I used to live in Arlington (Crystal City) on the Virginia side, and commuted into DC while going to grad school. Very convenient location. Also, Alexandria is lovely and also within commuting distance. Not sure about preschools though, since that didn't apply to me while living there. On the Maryland side, Potomac and Silver Spring are also very nice. Good luck with your move! The DC area is such a great place to live!

I grew up in Falls Church and loved it. Nice small community with great schools and on the metro line. I have a house in Fairfax and still love it. How is your husband going to get to work? If he's relying on the metro make sure you choose a community that has a metro stop. Otherwise if you live farther out he will have a huge commute, we're talking 1-2 hours minimum one way. Also the DC area can be super expensive. If you can try and get up to the area and have a look around before you move. Seeing a rental property in person is so much better than going by the pictures if you know what I mean.

Wheaton and Glenmont are not far over the MD/DC border, have nice areas, and are close to Metro.

If you want to go further into Montgomery County, the Kings Farm area is also pretty nice.

Montgomery county is, IMO, pretty family-friendly. Lots of parks and playgrounds.