Jim is correct; realtors can't offer information on safety and schools as it is considered illegal. The websites he provided are excellent resources of information. Here are a couple of other ones relocating clients often find helpful:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local-explorer/

http://www.mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1239,Q,543336,mpdcNav… (here you enter an address and can view monthly crime reports)


Also, I always recommend spending some time in the area. Exploring a neighborhood on foot, with a few stops at a coffee shop and such, often gives you a good "feel" for the area and whether or not it fits your goals for a future neighborhood. I know that's not always the easiest thing to do when you are searching from afar, but it's worth the extra time.

As for the market in DC, it can change quite a bit from one area to the next. Some houses in some neighborhoods are only on the market for a few days with multiple offers while others sit unclaimed for much longer.

In general, the further you go from downtown, the less you will pay for more space. It's not always the case, but there are definitely more foreclosures and houses with more days on the market as you move outward from the city proper and easy commuting routes. While having more space is important to some, others are willing to sacrifice a bit in that regard to have a quick commute. It all depends on the needs of you and your family!

If you're interested in seeing what kinds of things are available within your price point, that meet your needs (# bedrooms, etc.), let me know. I'm happy to do a quick search and share via email.

Good luck!

Mon May 5 2008, 15:26

Jim; I live and work in the District of Columbia and know not only the neighborhoods in DC; but around the Washington DC area. I have 3 Real Estate licenses to serve clients in Maryland, Virginia and the District. Fair Housing Laws do not allow Realtors from answering questions such as "What is safe?" or "What is good?". These are subjective questions and what I consider safe or good; may not be what you consider safe or good.

What we can do is provide you reference sites with facts; and let you make your own judgments. For crime in DC : crimemap.dc.gov for School info: GreatSchools.net

I work with many relocating clients and will be happy to help you. Also; please visit by Real Estate Blog: www.DCRealEstateNews.com for more information about the DC are.

Fri May 2 2008, 17:56

That's a wide price range. And it depends on whether you want a single family home or a townhouse.

One major issue is how much of a commute you're willing to tolerate. If you're working on Capitol Hill, you have a number of options to get there--ranging from commuter rail to Metro to driving.

I'm familiar with Northern Virginia. Arlington and Alexandria are close in. However, much of Arlington is expensive, maybe more than you'd like to spend. There are some affordable areas of Alexandria, but you'd have to make that determination about good schools and safety.

Moving a bit farther out, Fairfax County has a reputation for very good schools. (Falls Church City does, too, but can be pretty pricey.) I really like the area in West Falls Church. It's close to Metro, close to I-66 and the Beltway, and has lots of good shopping. They're Fairfax County schools, which some people are willing to pay a premium for. (Again, you have to judge whether the school meets your criteria.) Many of the single family homes may be above your price range, but there are some good townhouses around there.

Going a bit farther out, look around Fairfax. Areas of Fairfax are near the I-66 corridor and not far from the Vienna Metro station. There are a wide range of neighborhoods, many very nice. As you move away from DC, the houses become more affordable, and these would be well in your price range. As a Realtor, of course, I can't comment on whether the schools are "good," as you might define them. However, as a parent of a teenager, just speaking for myself, I've been very pleased with Robinson Secondary School (grades 7-12). It's a huge school, but it's got a full range of educational offerings, from excellent special education programs to a wide array of AP and IB courses. The administration (in my personal experience) has been responsive and professional. Parent involvement is very good. If you don't end up in the Robinson school district, I've also heard good things about the other nearby high schools. I grew up in the area and went to another local high school--W.T. Woodson--which also has a very good reputation. Again, I'm just speaking as a parent; you need to identify your own needs and criteria for assessing whether a school is good.

As you go farther out, say in the direction of Centreville, houses become even more affordable. However, the commute may become an issue. A lot of people do it every day, though. That's something you'll have to weigh.

As you may be able to tell, my personal preference--and recommendations for you, based on what you've said you're looking for--is for certain areas in Fairfax County. Still, as you refine the criteria (number of beds and baths, proximity to shopping or gyms, commute time and distance), my recommendations might change.

Please feel free to contact me; I'll be glad to help.

Fri May 2 2008, 16:31

There are lots of great neighborhoods in DC and surround Marlyand suburbs that could fit your needs. Please call me at 301-518-2922 ( cell) or email me directly at hollyutt@kw.com. I would be happy to send you current listing as well as neighborhood information.

Fri May 2 2008, 14:03