MD, DC, VA Roll Call

[The_Rope]

Thanks all. I will keep looking around and peek into the areas that you have listed. Let me see what the bank is willing to loan me. lol

Good luck with the search darlin'! Hope you find something you're happy with.

 

[StarGazer58]

I will probably end up renting first until I buy. I will be working from home for a little while and then in DC.

If you are hot looking you can live with me.

 

[The_Rope]

If you are hot looking you can live with me.

LMFAO!! Nice!

 

[thesan]

If you are hot looking you can live with me.

Awww... that is almost sweet. Nah, I am passably pretty. So not Hot. But my personality ROCKS!!!! lol But just in case... where do you live... exactly?!?!?

I usually hang out on Fet (same user name as here) so I only get over here every once in while. Thanks for making me laugh out loud this morning. I just about snorted coffee through my nose when I read this. So a huge THANK YOU. Humor should never be underestimated.

And again, the more suggestions about neighborhoods the better. Even if you think it is too... pricey, far away, whatever. I would prefer to search through a lot of areas and find EXACTLY what I want, then to search through not enough and never find what I am looking for. And if you could tell me why you think a neighborhood is awesome would help out a lot. And yes, I know it is subjective but still... inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Spins]

One more guy to add to the pile.

and TheSan...

It really depends on what you are looking for in terms of neighborhoods/bars/shopping.

And a good deal on how much you have to spend.

Personally I love the Rosslyn/Courthouse/Clarendon/Virginia Square area.

I little preppy, but spaced between the really douchebag hangouts are several cool bars, nice shops, and plenty of laid back, interesting people. It is an interesting mixture of young singles, newlyweds, established families, and retirees.

It also isn't that far of a commute into DC proper.

In DC proper there are so great little neighborhoods that are adjacent to the "happening" spots, but you pay for it. Neighborhoods northeast of Capital Hills and Chinatown have complexes that are both inexpensive (relatively speaking) and less than a mile from the major strips.

 

[StarGazer58]

Awww... that is almost sweet. Nah, I am passably pretty. So not Hot. But my personality ROCKS!!!! lol But just in case... where do you live... exactly?!?!?

I usually hang out on Fet (same user name as here) so I only get over here every once in while. Thanks for making me laugh out loud this morning. I just about snorted coffee through my nose when I read this. So a huge THANK YOU. Humor should never be underestimated.

And again, the more suggestions about neighborhoods the better. Even if you think it is too... pricey, far away, whatever. I would prefer to search through a lot of areas and find EXACTLY what I want, then to search through not enough and never find what I am looking for. And if you could tell me why you think a neighborhood is awesome would help out a lot. And yes, I know it is subjective but still... inquiring minds want to know.

Passably pretty counts and match that with a rocking personality and sounds like a winning combination to me. I actually live in Southern MD, way outside DC but I could entertain you in the evenings so no need to go into DC. LOL.

Old Town Alexandria and Crystal City in Northern VA are nice places and just across the river from DC. Old Town Alexandria has lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance and has a nice atmosphere. Crystal City just has lot of apartments and is only a couple of metro stops from downtown DC. Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and Georgetown are other areas in DC that are right in the mix of things that you would probably enjoy. All three of those areas right in the heart of downtown DC with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, nightlife that can be walked too. I think the area around China Town is up and coming too, it is near the Verizon center so lot of businesses popping around there.

You find a nice, central location and you can host some Lit get togethers. lol. We promise to bring some house warming gifts.

What is Fet? Never heard of it. Do tell us if it is an interesting site.

 

[StarGazer58]

Maybe we need to take turns driving Thesan around to show here the areas and sights. I am a pretty good personal tour guide.

 

[highlandpiper]

Maybe we need to take turns driving Thesan around to show here the areas and sights. I am a pretty good personal tour guide.

Hmm... Stargazer that has possibilities! Oh passably pretty? As Stargazer said it still counts in our book.

Some other ares to consider would be Ellicott City, Md or Columbia, Md

Both are well situated between the Baltimore and DC job markets. Columbia can be a bit "snooty" but overall it's not a bad town.

Old Town Ellicott City riminds me very much of western Md as it's tucked into some hills just outside of Baltimore.

My personal fave though is still Annapolis (even though I live about 15 miles north near the airport)

 

[thesan]

Well, the least amount that I could spend would be great. Saying that... I could probably get about $550-650k from a bank no problem. I could go up to $1M if I needed to, but I really don't want to go that high cause then I would have to restructure or sell some of my other RE. I would prefer lower but sadly I am aware that to be in a relatively crime free area, I am going to have to shell out some dough. Soooooo... what I would really like to do is find a good neighborhood and buy the cheapest house in that area or even a fixer upper cause I can and do use power tools. I wouldn't mind a remodel at all cause I normally end up tearing everything out and putting in new shit anyway. I like REAL floors... wood, tile, etc.

Fetlife. Just google it. Sign up and send me a PM. lol You can also see my legs there. If that entices you to come over to the kink site.

 

[RedJohnny]

Neighborhood Suggestions

Adams-Morgan is always and interesting choice. Townhouses available in that area in the price range you're talking about, and there still are some fixer-uppers over there, too.

Arlington (esp. Court House/Clarendon area) has what you've described. Population is generally on the younger, post college side.

Bethesda also has what you've described. Population is generally older than Arlington, and the co$t can be much higher. Not too many fixer-uppers. Developers have been snapping them up, tearing them down and building mini-mansions.

Reston, is another option. Slightly different crowd, but if you want to get downtown you have to deal with the 10-miles of soul-sucking-hell that is the Dulles Toll Road.

I'm a DC native, so I'd be happy to provide advice.

 

[thesan]

Thank you RedJohnny. Taking notes.

 

[StarGazer58]

Well, the least amount that I could spend would be great. Saying that... I could probably get about $550-650k from a bank no problem. I could go up to $1M if I needed to, but I really don't want to go that high cause then I would have to restructure or sell some of my other RE. I would prefer lower but sadly I am aware that to be in a relatively crime free area, I am going to have to shell out some dough. Soooooo... what I would really like to do is find a good neighborhood and buy the cheapest house in that area or even a fixer upper cause I can and do use power tools. I wouldn't mind a remodel at all cause I normally end up tearing everything out and putting in new shit anyway. I like REAL floors... wood, tile, etc.

Fetlife. Just google it. Sign up and send me a PM. lol You can also see my legs there. If that entices you to come over to the kink site.

A woman who uses power tools. You become more intriguing by the minute. lol. I think a fixer upper is a great idea. Put some sweat equity into the house. That is what I hope to do with my next house though I am nowhere near the price range that you are.

 

[highlandpiper]

A woman who uses power tools. You become more intriguing by the minute. lol. I think a fixer upper is a great idea. Put some sweat equity into the house. That is what I hope to do with my next house though I am nowhere near the price range that you are.

I love a woman that uses power tools!

Thesan, Definitely check out Annapolis. There are plenty of new and fixer uppers in the city and in fact the city is going through a bit of a renaissance.

Stargazer, it seems like a great idea at first, but I'll tell you from personal experience, it can also be a huge drag. It's tough to come home from working a long day only to realize you have more work to do at home. It gets old fast... LOL

It is a good experience though and wouldn't trade what I've learned over the last 14 years, but man it can be a drag sometimes.

 

[The_Rope]

Stargazer, it seems like a great idea at first, but I'll tell you from personal experience, it can also be a huge drag. It's tough to come home from working a long day only to realize you have more work to do at home. It gets old fast... LOL

It is a good experience though and wouldn't trade what I've learned over the last 14 years, but man it can be a drag sometimes.

Agreed Piper!

 

[Earthgoddess]

Baltimore

Baltimore has some amazing older homes, in areas like Federal Hill, Roland Park and Bolton Hill, I mean mansion sized places in that price range 3-4,000 square feet, right in the heart of the city. In my area you can get a 6-7 bedroom house all ready fully renovated with almost 1/2 an acre for less than 400,000. Fells Point and Canton are also options with lots of waterfront available still in your price range.
I have now lived through three massive renovations, all labors of love, all well worth it, and would still make house #4 a fixer upper. Nothing better than sweat equity and architectural salvage, spending each weekend at auctions or in a warehouse sorting hinges. Ah yeah, the best ever, spending every free moment on all the mini projects and getting Home Depot gift cards for every holiday.
I miss it, so I am now renovating my yard.

 

[thesan]

I actually like it. And it is fun to have renovation parties. A labor swap. lol

Thanks everyone!!!! Keep them coming. I am seriously taking notes and cruising the web in the evenings and on weekends, checking things out.

 

[Analover]

I will probably end up renting first until I buy. I will be working from home for a little while and then in DC.

Depending on what you're into, there are areas in Frederick MD that you might like (about equidistant to DC and Baltimore, but a trek to both), and a lot of the stuff you're looking for.

Columbia is a cool town, but not a party spot. Ellicott City is STUNNINGLY beautiful.

Baltimore City has a lot of little neighborhoods, and different party vibes, depending on tastes, but it's not like there's a 'good part/bad part' of town. Usually the bad block is within 5 blocks of where you are at any time. Still, it's a city, and if you aren't in the drug trade, you are pretty safe. Canton is my favorite, though mostly near the bay. Too far inland or too far east and it gets ugh... Don't live in Fells Point unless you're trying to relive college life; but if you are close enough for the cheap cab fare there's PLENTY of interesting places to get sloshy/soak up entertainment.

I like Baltimore County (where I'm at now), and there's a good amount of places to go. Bars, comedy club, et cetera... but it's on the north side of b-more. I'd look at Perry Hall/ White Marsh. Harford Rd has most of the action, though it is all over.

Silver Spring is a pretty sweet place, I agree.

Holy shit, I was just rambling.

 

[StarGazer58]

I have built attached garages, decks and finished several basements but have never renovated a whole house. I know it would be a huge undertaking but great way to build equity in a house without a lot cash going out. Would love to try it if I could find the right place.

Good luck thesan in finding a place.

 

[thesan]

Rambling is good, Analover. Cause it means you are talking about something with some degree of passion. lol Thank you.

 

[Analover]

heh, then I'm VERY passionate.

But yeah, it all depends on the vibe you want. I know the houses around my area are great prices and the neighborhoods are pretty solid (Perry Hall/White Marsh). It's half the reason I bought here; safe money investments. Plus it's within a short drive to most everything.

If you want city life, though, this ain't it. I'd seriously look at the Canton area first; it's dis-jointed enough from the craziness that there's a peace about the area, but you are still close to the 'city' life.

Catonsville is a fine area, but kinda sandwitched between a few badder areas.

Ellicott City/Columbia are awesome, but not very entertaining. EC is visually stunning; hills and mountains, great buildings, cute shops and their pubs are really atmospheric.

I'm kinda repeating myself, but more trying to give an atmosphere for some of the areas I've lived/worked in.

 

[StarGazer58]

When can we expect the house warming party Thesan? Looking forward to it. lol

 

[highlandpiper]

Not to change the subject, but Labor day weekend is coming up and I was wondering if we might be able to arrange a get together in say the Annapolis area for the Maryland Litsters here (and anyone else who wishes to trek there)?

Maybe a pub crawl Friday or Saturday night?

 

[highlandpiper]

I will probably end up renting first until I buy. I will be working from home for a little while and then in DC.

If you're going to be working in DC then I would seriously consider Old Town Alexandria or Annapolis. Both have what you're looking for in that small town charm.

Both are about the same price wise.

 

[The_Rope]

Not to change the subject, but Labor day weekend is coming up and I was wondering if we might be able to arrange a get together in say the Annapolis area for the Maryland Litsters here (and anyone else who wishes to trek there)?

Maybe a pub crawl Friday or Saturday night?

Sounds interesting! Anyone else up for another attempt at a Lit gathering?!?

 

[highlandpiper]

Sounds interesting! Anyone else up for another attempt at a Lit gathering?!?

I was thinking a pub crawl in Annapolis as there are plenty of bars within stumbling distance of each other and it's fairly centralized. Also there are a few hotels that can be had for those who can't drive or wish to have some extra fun!