Moving from overseas with kids, best affordable housing, schools, etc.? (College Park: apartments, to rent)

[ballerina in bavaria]

Hello. We are a family of 5 being relocated from Germany to the DMV area and working near the Pentagon. Our children are ages 13, 6, and 4. Does anyone have any suggestions for a safe neighborhood with decent schools near the metro? We have had difficulty finding a place in our price range ($2,300 per month) willing to accept a family of 5. Are there any more affordable areas? We have checked DC, Arlington, Falls Church, Mclean, and Vienna but do not meet the income guidelines to apply for many houses or apartments in those areas.We are originally from San Francisco so are used to living in an urban area and smaller spaces but are finding challenges when applying for places due to occupancy limits. We have just a couple weeks until we are supposed to arrive and still have no leads so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by ballerina in bavaria

We are a family of 5 being relocated from Germany to the DMV area and working near the Pentagon.

That's the VIRGINIA side of the DC Metro Area (DMV as the kids call it).
1) If you'll be working near the Pentagon... try to live nearby.
2) As to specific addresses... what are you being told by these 'relocaters'?
2a) How far out into the countryside are you looking?

3) My suspicion is that responsible LL's have identified that $2300 'budget' figure as somehow inaccurate
(That having 3 kids shouldn't have bearing)

[goldenage1]

Well, on the Virginia side, you have looked at the most expensive areas. Try Springfield, Burke and other unincorporated parts of Fairfax County. If you look at Lorton and Newington, you will find car-pools and slug-lines as alternatives to driving.

On the Maryland side, I'd suggest Greenbelt, Calverton and College Park. Much of Prince George's County may be cheaper, but the schools are not great. In Montgomery County, I would expect you would have to pay $2800 to over $3000 for a 4-bedroom house. There is good local bus service to Metro stops, so you do not have to be live at the Metro stop.

BTW, if you are trying to house all three children in one bedroom, I could see a landlord having a problem, as some counties have rules. The housing allowance seems a bit too light-- is it negotiable?

[goldenage1]

There are plenty of 3-bedroom townhouses in Springfield within a $2300 budget. Perhaps some of the have space in the basement that would work as a room for the oldest child. https://www.realtor.com/apartments/S.../price-na-2300

[ballerina in bavaria]

Thank you for the tips and messages. We are on a fixed income and one of us will lose our job once relocating until able to find another one. Unfortunately, there is no negotiation with our income at this time. We will definitely check out the areas suggested. All very good ideas!

[goldenage1]

The better prospects are on the Virginia side of the river. Also try Woodbridge and Occoquan, although the commute will be longer. I think your budget limits you to townhouses or apartments.

Also try the site Militarybyowner.com . You do not have to be military to rent thru them.

[Mista Jones]

You should consider PG County with your budget. There are tag and immersion programs that your kids can test into if you’re concerned about quality of education. I would recommend you look into Greenbelt. You would have a direct trip to the pentagon on the metro.

[ballerina in bavaria]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

The better prospects are on the Virginia side of the river. Also try Woodbridge and Occoquan, although the commute will be longer. I think your budget limits you to townhouses or apartments.

Also try the site Militarybyowner.com . You do not have to be military to rent thru them.

Thank you! That is very helpful advice. We are checking it out.

[ballerina in bavaria]

Originally Posted by Mista Jones

You should consider PG County with your budget. There are tag and immersion programs that your kids can test into if you’re concerned about quality of education. I would recommend you look into Greenbelt. You would have a direct trip to the pentagon on the metro.

Thank you for the advice. I am definitely going to look into this. The search so far has been incredibly challenging.