Looking to move in with family -- need some advise (Arlington: apartment, rentals)

[AlexGg]

We are looking to move from NC in some place within inner/outer of CapitalBeltway, to be able use a metro (to avoid the traffic).
So far we were advised particular places: Arlington area, Alexandria area, or Falls Church area. But not quite sure yet and would need any advises eg. if there is something we are considering as highest priority:
a) a good local public school for 5, 7, 12 years.
b) a safe living, to be able to have some promenade with kids at weekend, holidays, evening, etc.
c) to buy relatively non-expensive house or apartment within 5-6 floor of great building, if it will be cheaper against the house. I heard there might be an apartment price less vs house price.
d) to promote our family non-profit business.

That is all so far. Thank you for your help!

[claremarie]

Arlington (especially North Arlington) and the City of Falls Church both have top-rated school systems, and a number of Metro stops. But housing near those Metro stops is more expensive. You don't mention a housing budget, which will be the most important factor in your decision. You can expect to pay at least $500,000 for a single-family house in these communities, and that will be for a bare-bones older, smaller home that needs some renovation. Most of the homes will cost more. Townhouses will be somewhat less expensive, and condos large enough for a family will be the least expensive option. Not sure about rentals for a 3 BR apartment, but $2000 is probably the absolute minimum.

[AlexGg]

Thank you, yes such sort of budget I expect. (would be always less, but... )
So Alexandria has not good schools at all or what?
What is about price for condos to buy? what kind of monthly fees, etc.?
Any good agency could recommend?
(We have family of 5)

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by AlexGg

Thank you, yes such sort of budget I expect. (would be always less, but... )
So Alexandria has not good schools at all or what?
What is about price for condos to buy? what kind of monthly fees, etc.?
Any good agency could recommend?
(We have family of 5)

There is a ongoing debate on what school districts are best in this area.

Fairfax County is considered to have one of the best school districts in the country. Indeed, this has become a selling point to homebuyers with families. It's been said that Loudoun County schools are not far behind in terms of quality. But by those lofty standards, Alexandria Public Schools haven't quite kept up. Some say it's because of the economic diversity in the small city compared to much of the suburbs. That said, it appears that more involved parents are choosing to put their motivated kids in Alexandria schools.

I would think that a condo would be too small for a family of five. A 3BR condo might cost as much as a townhouse. ($400K-450K in an "okay area, $500K+ in Alexandria and other convenient/popular areas.) Unless you dislike outside maintenance - on which I could sympathize - then a townhome would provide at least as much space with a bit of a yard for the kids.

[AlexGg]

how big difference between condo and townhouse? Sorry for such idiot's question...

[FindingZen]

As I said, a 3-bedroom condo and a townhouse in the same neighborhood could cost about the same. A 2BR condo could be $50-100K less... but that would definitely be crowded for a family of five.