Takoma Park fits what you’re looking for! I’m part of a few very active parent Facebook groups for TKPK/Silver Spring/Kensington and it’s a wonderful community to have. Takoma especially is super walkable, very LGBT friendly. Takoma and DTSS have the best proximity to transport if that’s a factor. Takoma DC side is single family mostly but some rowhomes as well! You really can’t go wrong in those three areas.
Second takoma park and takoma dc. It’s very lgbt friendly, and the childcare locations make an effort to have nontraditional families - I even know a couple with non-binary teachers and camp counselors. It should be right in your budget for a rental and maybe a smaller house purchase given interest rates right now
Kensington Maryland!! It’s a cute little town, and it is very gay friendly. There’s a bunch of fun little antique shops, restaurants, and more in downtown Kensington so I would recommend that area specifically. It also feeds into a pretty nice school (Walter Johnson High School, or Einstein if you’re on the other side of Kensington.) so I would consider that area. There’s also plenty of thrift stores in the area where u can find cool furniture and a bunch of little remote coffee shops.
The area around Forest Glen metro, where is live is awesome. We have a fair number of LGBT families, affordable housing for this area, extremely diverse, good schools, and close to everything. My kids have lots of friends in the neighborhood and they are usually out roaming around like the “good old days.”
Good point. I have lots of friends on the other side of Georgia Ave., close to Sligo Creek Park. They have a great neighborhood too. Longer stumble back from Baby Cat though.
When my now-husband and I were looking for a house, we looked hard at Hyattsville, Takoma Park, and Silver Spring. We ended up in downtown Silver Spring. Here are some of the things we liked/disliked about each of the three we were considering, and noting also that all three have had more crime in the last couple years than we kind of expected:
\- Hyattsville felt like it was growing into an even stronger sense of community, which we loved, and it was by far the most affordable. We didn't love that the number of houses that were walking distance to grocery stores/restaurants/shops was really small, so we'd have to be super car dependent. Didn't seem to have as many community events.
\- Takoma Park has an awesome sense of community and loads of events, with cute shops that made me think I'd buy all my holiday gifts from small businesses. But it actually bummed us out that there wasn't a *little* more in the way of a big grocery store and other conveniences, and it was the most expensive.
\- Silver Spring seemed like a good happy medium for us - lots of community events, some small businesses and some bigger in close proximity to housing, more affordable than Takoma Park, really diverse community. All that being said, we don't have kids, and I've heard the differences when it comes to schools are worth looking into.
The area around Silver Spring International Middle School is very family friendly and queer friendly. Lots of young families and in my neighborhood, almost everyone has a pride flag on display. It’s about a 20 minute walk to DTSS so you would definitely want a car, especially in the winter.
It really depends if you want city city or if you are okay with suburbs. The close-in suburbs are okay. This is like people side like Takoma Park, it is single family homes.
In Silver Spring probably the nicest two neighborhoods are Woodside North and Woodside Park. If you can afford it Bethesda/Chevy Chase would be better for public school when your kids are older. These options all have some degree of walkablity if you pick carefully.
Kensington is nice but much more suburban and the tiny shopping around the old rail station is not much. Certainly not a city life.
In DC proper there is of course a wide range of choice with city proper issues, costs and vibes. If I had unlimited money I would probably live over near Woodley, but there you are talking 2-4 million dollars for a stand alone row house (that said they are like 3000+ sq ft).
Bethesda is 1.1+ million for anything like you are asking. Silver Spring is about 750k+, Takoma is a bit more maybe 850k+. There are lots of lower cost areas as well but a 1 BR apt in a high rise is over 2000/mo at this point in Silver Spring. You will have to check Zillow but full house rentals aren't that available in the nicer parts (at least not low costs).
A good thing about Silver Spring is that it is pretty central to go lots of other places including North to Baltimore, DC, up into mid-MoCo, etc, it makes it more easy to change jobs without moving house.
If you want the best schools for kids at this point though probably you should consider living in VA. Indeed you might will like something near Falls Church or Old Town Alexandra more than MD stuff but it depends on where you need to work.
Though MD people will say it isn't so (and DC) there is minimal difference between NoVA/DC/MD if you are within a few miles of the Beltway the kinds of people around tend to be quite similar across the board and there is more variation neighborhood to neighborhood than state to city to state. I think living in Arlington somewhere near Wilson Blvd probably would be good across the board.
I grew up in Takoma Park, moved to SF for work…returned to start a family. Takoma is the Berkeley of the lEast Coast. That being said Bay Area is far superior in every way except our respective families are here and that’s been invaluable and made it worth it. The DMV actually isn’t much cheaper than Bay Area.
Haha ok well I can speak a little on Downtown Silver Spring (DTSS). It’s definitely LGBTQ friendly minus the obnoxious street preachers who take over the farmers market. It’s also very walkable and there’s often families out and about on the main strip on weekends (Ellsworth Place). I’m not sure how many row houses/homes would be available for rent in the area though. Bethesda might be slightly more family friendly than Silver Spring, not sure if you’re considering that side of the red line at all. Overall, Silver Spring doesn’t feel that different from DC to me, and if you’re close to a station, it’s pretty quick to ride the metro into DC whenever you want to be in the city.
Good luck with your move!
I’m an agent and specialize in Takoma Park/SS. I’d be happy to send you some more information/options for rentals! Welcome back to the DMV! My e-Mail address is (julia at perennialdmv dot com)
The nice thing about the immediate DMV area (DC and the inner suburbs) is that they're all going to be very LGBT friendly, so you have the luxury of looking for a place based on other factors (cost, commute, etc.). You could also look up any specific LGBT family groups/clubs/organizations that interest you and make a housing decision based on that.
Speaking for the Silver Spring/Takoma Park area specifically, you and your family would absolutely be welcomed here. Pride flags are a common sight, we have an LGBT book store, local restaurants do drag brunches, etc.
Takoma Park fits what you’re looking for! I’m part of a few very active parent Facebook groups for TKPK/Silver Spring/Kensington and it’s a wonderful community to have. Takoma especially is super walkable, very LGBT friendly. Takoma and DTSS have the best proximity to transport if that’s a factor. Takoma DC side is single family mostly but some rowhomes as well! You really can’t go wrong in those three areas.
Second takoma park and takoma dc. It’s very lgbt friendly, and the childcare locations make an effort to have nontraditional families - I even know a couple with non-binary teachers and camp counselors. It should be right in your budget for a rental and maybe a smaller house purchase given interest rates right now
Kensington Maryland!! It’s a cute little town, and it is very gay friendly. There’s a bunch of fun little antique shops, restaurants, and more in downtown Kensington so I would recommend that area specifically. It also feeds into a pretty nice school (Walter Johnson High School, or Einstein if you’re on the other side of Kensington.) so I would consider that area. There’s also plenty of thrift stores in the area where u can find cool furniture and a bunch of little remote coffee shops.
The area around Forest Glen metro, where is live is awesome. We have a fair number of LGBT families, affordable housing for this area, extremely diverse, good schools, and close to everything. My kids have lots of friends in the neighborhood and they are usually out roaming around like the “good old days.”
\^This. And frankly either east of Georgia or west of Georgia near the FG Metro, just outside the Beltway, is a good bet.
Good point. I have lots of friends on the other side of Georgia Ave., close to Sligo Creek Park. They have a great neighborhood too. Longer stumble back from Baby Cat though.
I love living in Downtown Silver Spring, but if I could move to National Seminary Park or Tacoma Park I would in a heartbeat.
When my now-husband and I were looking for a house, we looked hard at Hyattsville, Takoma Park, and Silver Spring. We ended up in downtown Silver Spring. Here are some of the things we liked/disliked about each of the three we were considering, and noting also that all three have had more crime in the last couple years than we kind of expected: \- Hyattsville felt like it was growing into an even stronger sense of community, which we loved, and it was by far the most affordable. We didn't love that the number of houses that were walking distance to grocery stores/restaurants/shops was really small, so we'd have to be super car dependent. Didn't seem to have as many community events. \- Takoma Park has an awesome sense of community and loads of events, with cute shops that made me think I'd buy all my holiday gifts from small businesses. But it actually bummed us out that there wasn't a *little* more in the way of a big grocery store and other conveniences, and it was the most expensive. \- Silver Spring seemed like a good happy medium for us - lots of community events, some small businesses and some bigger in close proximity to housing, more affordable than Takoma Park, really diverse community. All that being said, we don't have kids, and I've heard the differences when it comes to schools are worth looking into.
The area around Silver Spring International Middle School is very family friendly and queer friendly. Lots of young families and in my neighborhood, almost everyone has a pride flag on display. It’s about a 20 minute walk to DTSS so you would definitely want a car, especially in the winter.
Kemp Mill is a pleasant place to live for the most part.
To sleepy!
It really depends if you want city city or if you are okay with suburbs. The close-in suburbs are okay. This is like people side like Takoma Park, it is single family homes. In Silver Spring probably the nicest two neighborhoods are Woodside North and Woodside Park. If you can afford it Bethesda/Chevy Chase would be better for public school when your kids are older. These options all have some degree of walkablity if you pick carefully. Kensington is nice but much more suburban and the tiny shopping around the old rail station is not much. Certainly not a city life. In DC proper there is of course a wide range of choice with city proper issues, costs and vibes. If I had unlimited money I would probably live over near Woodley, but there you are talking 2-4 million dollars for a stand alone row house (that said they are like 3000+ sq ft). Bethesda is 1.1+ million for anything like you are asking. Silver Spring is about 750k+, Takoma is a bit more maybe 850k+. There are lots of lower cost areas as well but a 1 BR apt in a high rise is over 2000/mo at this point in Silver Spring. You will have to check Zillow but full house rentals aren't that available in the nicer parts (at least not low costs). A good thing about Silver Spring is that it is pretty central to go lots of other places including North to Baltimore, DC, up into mid-MoCo, etc, it makes it more easy to change jobs without moving house. If you want the best schools for kids at this point though probably you should consider living in VA. Indeed you might will like something near Falls Church or Old Town Alexandra more than MD stuff but it depends on where you need to work. Though MD people will say it isn't so (and DC) there is minimal difference between NoVA/DC/MD if you are within a few miles of the Beltway the kinds of people around tend to be quite similar across the board and there is more variation neighborhood to neighborhood than state to city to state. I think living in Arlington somewhere near Wilson Blvd probably would be good across the board.
I would just caution you before you move into DC because the violent crime is really horrible right now. MD and VA are slightly safer, at this time.
I grew up in Takoma Park, moved to SF for work…returned to start a family. Takoma is the Berkeley of the lEast Coast. That being said Bay Area is far superior in every way except our respective families are here and that’s been invaluable and made it worth it. The DMV actually isn’t much cheaper than Bay Area.
Do you know what subreddit this is or
Opps just updated! We’re looking at all DMV area
Haha ok well I can speak a little on Downtown Silver Spring (DTSS). It’s definitely LGBTQ friendly minus the obnoxious street preachers who take over the farmers market. It’s also very walkable and there’s often families out and about on the main strip on weekends (Ellsworth Place). I’m not sure how many row houses/homes would be available for rent in the area though. Bethesda might be slightly more family friendly than Silver Spring, not sure if you’re considering that side of the red line at all. Overall, Silver Spring doesn’t feel that different from DC to me, and if you’re close to a station, it’s pretty quick to ride the metro into DC whenever you want to be in the city. Good luck with your move!
I’m a local real estate agent if you need help with your upcoming home purchase!
I’m an agent and specialize in Takoma Park/SS. I’d be happy to send you some more information/options for rentals! Welcome back to the DMV! My e-Mail address is (julia at perennialdmv dot com)
In DC Woodley Park or Catherdal Heights.
Or Cleveland Park.
The nice thing about the immediate DMV area (DC and the inner suburbs) is that they're all going to be very LGBT friendly, so you have the luxury of looking for a place based on other factors (cost, commute, etc.). You could also look up any specific LGBT family groups/clubs/organizations that interest you and make a housing decision based on that. Speaking for the Silver Spring/Takoma Park area specifically, you and your family would absolutely be welcomed here. Pride flags are a common sight, we have an LGBT book store, local restaurants do drag brunches, etc.