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Topic: relocation advice sought
| Author | Message |
| kre8iv_rytr | Posted – 10/19/2007 5:06:24 PM | show profile | email poster I am relocating to the DC area from Milwaukee Wisconsin in the near future, perhaps early 2008. I am a single mom, with 2 high school aged children. I am most interested in any advice about where to live that includes a good school system, one with strong athletics and music programs??? as well as academics. My new job will pay about $65K per year, is this a living wage in/around DC? most salary comparison web sites don't really give me a feel for the cost of living comparison/contrast. I have also read some posts on bulleting boards and notice having a car is an issue. I currently lease a VW bug, but would prefer--I think--living in a suburb and commuting by train??? I will be working in a government office in the heart of DC. I am not sure if the salary is compatible with my idea of what living around the DC metro area would be like. I could use a boat load of feedback from everyone/anyone. What am I facing??? YIKES! |
| catlondon | Posted – 10/19/2007 7:37:03 PM | show profile Don't live in the District, they are still struggling with their schools. Montgomery County has good schools, as does Fairfax and Arlington. I'm sorry to tell you that $65,000 is not a lot, especially with kids. Naturally, things are more expensive by a Metro. Are you looking to buy or rent? You could explore the option of living way out there in the burbs and taking either the MARC (Maryland) or VRE (Virginia Railway Express) in the city. There are also quite a few bus companies that run buses from downtown to far-laying areas--so look into that, too. But that could make for a long commute. You can get decent, affordable housing in Prince George's County, but you have to look at the neighborhoods and schools very carefully. The good thing is that like everywhere else, the real estate market is not what it was, so you will get a better deal now than 2 or 3 years ago. The other good thing is that so much in DC is free. All the Smithsonian museums are free and there are often concerts and other events on the National Mall that are free. |
| rjreporter | Posted – 10/22/2007 3:55:17 PM | show profile dc relocation I would encourage you to check out Alexandria, Va. This small city south of DC just opened a brand-new high school http://www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw/. The ritzy, gentrified area called Old Town Alexandria will be too expensive, but there are some affordable (read, under $2,000 a month) townhomes in the Van Dorn Street/Landmark neighborhood. You would take a bus to the Pentagon Metro station (a 45-minute commute). Good luck. |
