05.19.09, 07:42 AM 18 replies
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Trying again to ask DC moms: Where is a good place to live in DC or Northern Virginia with two kids that is more urban/city environment and what are the best preschools in these areas?

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05.19.09, 07:42 AM Flag ]
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  • Trying again to ask DC moms: Where is a good place to live in DC or Northern Virginia with two kids that is more urban/city environment and what are the best preschools in these areas?

    18 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
    05.19.09, 07:42 AM Flag ]
    • I wish someone would answer - we are also considering a move to dc - northern va - need an urban environment - have a 2 and 4 year old

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      05.19.09, 08:51 AM Flag
    • I live in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, and we love it here. DH walks to the metro every day, there are plenty of cute stores and restaurants, very walkable. Tons of young families

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      05.19.09, 08:53 AM Flag
    • I would stick within the district if you can afford it. Outside is definitely suburban, but you could do Bethesda/Chevy Chase or even Tacoma Park (in MD), or Arlington in VA. In DC, Georgetown, Capital Hill are the most "urban" nice areas (lots within walking distance) with kids. A bit more spread out (but probably even nicer with kids) in DC is Woodley or Cleveland Park.

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      05.19.09, 08:54 AM Flag
      • If you are looking for apartment living, Penn Quarter is another urban-feeling area that I think has gotten pretty liveable; I'm not sure about the school situation there.

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        05.19.09, 10:01 AM Flag
    • people here aren't as obsessed with preschools either...

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      05.19.09, 08:57 AM Flag
      • Not *as* obsessed, but we aren't free of it, and if you live in the District you are almost certainly going to have to think about private school post-elementary if not before.

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        05.19.09, 10:02 AM Flag
        • I suppose I should have said that if you don't want to be obsessed with it, you don't have to be;)

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          05.19.09, 10:12 AM Flag
    • Any comments on old town?

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      05.19.09, 08:59 AM Flag
      • Del Ray is near old town, so I walk there a lot. The one problem with it is that in the 70s they build a bunch of subsidized housing near there. Most of it is great, but some of it can be kind of sketchy.

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        05.19.09, 09:11 AM Flag
        • Agree with this. There are some sketchy pockets nearby. Not a dealbreaker, but something to consider.

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          05.19.09, 10:09 AM Flag
      • I've worked in OT for 4 out of the last 5 years and absolutely love it; big issues there are parking and space if you're in a row house, and there's only one grocery store and a Trader Joe's south of Washington Street. OT is definitely more urban than Del Ray and has much better shopping and a wider selection of restaurants, but Del Ray has more families with young kids if that's important to you.

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        05.19.09, 09:39 AM Flag
    • In Arlington, the Ballston-Rosslyn corridor (the neighborhoods that surround the Orange Line of the Metro) has really come on strong in the past 5+ years, and there are tons of shops, restaurants, etc., as well as good grocery stores and a Whole Foods within walking distance of some really charming neighborhoods (think bungalows, brick colonials, cottages w/big front porches, etc.). If you're considering a move, make sure that you look at your tax rates in DC vs. VA vs. MD - the personal property tax here is exorbitant b/c real estate values are high (like in NYC) and if your'e not renting, it can have a big impact on your bottom line. There are tons of great preschools - many of them are affiliated with churches and there's not the same pressure here to get into a certain school that there is in Manhattan.

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      05.19.09, 09:32 AM Flag
    • dc is such a wonderful livable city, i wouldn't even consider the virginia (or maryland). in dc, you can actually live in a houise with a yard, near the park and near the metro, and yes still be actually in dc.

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      05.19.09, 02:26 PM Flag
    • Does it have to be NoVA? Is this a permanent move?

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      11.20.09, 07:21 PM Flag
    • DC is great for raising kids. Cleveland Park, Woodly Park, Georgetown are all great neighborhoods. Many excellent private schools are located in Cleveland Park. Preschool is tough here -- but not quite as bad as NY. NCRC Preschool is probably the most sought after by far. People also like St. Columba and Aiden Montessori. Pre-preschool playgroups like Intown and Blue Igloo are also desirable.

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      12.16.09, 10:22 PM Flag
      • Is the Sheridan School still in existence? That's where I went back in the day.

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        12.17.09, 05:36 AM Flag
    • bethesda/chevy chase. nice area. good schools.

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      12.17.09, 07:06 AM Flag
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