[Shai]

Hi everyone!

For those who remember me, I know, I know I should keep up with the boards and all of this. But, with hubby being in Honduras for the year, I've been running ragged! LoL We're half way through the tour! WHO HOO!

Those who don't know me ... well, I am a scatter brain and not very reliable on posting right now. I live in England. My hubby is on a Short Tour (Remote). We're moving to DC this summer.

We just found out. It wasn't even on the Wish List! My question is any advice on moving to the area, any realtors you suggest, any certain areas to live in and those NOT to live in or just anything is always helpful. I had a realtor send me TEN pounds of info (overkill and made my head swim!) on houses for sale, a DC military phone book (?), a cookbook (::shrugs: and a two inch thick book of recommendations (which is being recycled to use as packing material - gotta love shredders!).

I can't believe we're, finally, leaving. It's been 5 years with one month back to the States for me. My choice. England's home right now. But LOTS of travels and lots of memories (pictures/video) and a friend I don't know what I'll do without her being within driving distance. )

I am thinking that emails may be the best way to go to reply to this posting. I wouldn't want someone offending someone else by saying "Oh I wouldn't go to this area" and have someone living IN that area

All my best,
shai

[ScrappingForever]

Shai! You're coming home! How wonderful!

So, where is hubby going to be working? Right in DC? Is VA a definate for where you're going to live or is MD a possibility? Just thought I'd ask.

[Smiles]

We loved it!
There's a thing called Potomac Fever - you PCS in dreading it, then the family puts down roots, and never wants to leave.
Fairfax County Schools are some of the best in the nation.
As a rule of thumb, areas are desirable based on proximity to METRO (the underground), and people plan their lives based on commuting.
Lots of my friends lived out a ways and took VRE (commuter train).
The thing about the National Capital Region is all the incredible cultural opportunities.
We found our place thru the Pentagon Housing Referral Office.
Lots of military folks lease out their homes/townhouses when they PCS out of the area, knowing they'll be back.
There is lots more family housing available in the last few years, also. Don't know if you're interested, but they've had private corporations build townhouses on base and manage for the military.
We left in 2001 but stay in touch with friends in the area.
I was ready to leave after 4 1/2 years, but I wouldn't have missed the tour for anything.
I'll PM more.

Smiles

[PBarnes]

Hi Shai, I don't think we've met but its good to have you checking back in. Hope after you get settled in the DC area, you can spend more time at Scrap Girls again.

I have a son and his family that are at RAF Croughton (near Oxford.) They've been there 2 1/2 years out of the 4 they are supposed to be but they are looking to come back sooner because of his stepson's health problems. We visited in Sept. of '06 and loved it.

[catinkeri]

Shai, I think an important question would be where will he be stationed? Pentagon, Baltimore, Andrews?!?!?!
When my husband was at Andrews we lived in Southern Maryland which was an easy 45 minute drive in traffic from Andrews. However, if you're going to be driving to the Pentagon, then it would be along the hour to two hour drive during peak traffic. The schools where we were (Charles County) weren't too bad, but not the best either. We loved the countryside there and met some really lovely people. We bought and sold - probably wouldn't be able to afford buying again there though. A good military site for housing around the area is militarybyowner.com so you can check that out. That's how we sold our house within 24 hours. They also have rentals there if you wanted to rent instead.
Good luck with the move and welcome back to the US in just a few short months!

[CRS]

I don't have any advice on the area, but I just wanted to say Welcome Back!

[siskitkat]

Does your husband know what his assignment after the DC area will be? My husband (army) has always been told, espeically in the DC area, to look at the next assignment, also. If you think that you will be in the area for the next two tours, try to pick something between the two. That way, you won't have to move again.

[needadietcoke]

I just want to say thank you to all of you who serve or are spouses of those who serve our country. Your dedication and your sacrifices humble me. I think that military wives are some of the stongest, most amazing women I know. I can't imagine having to move so often or having my husband away for months or years at a time. You are a national treasure. Thank you from the bottom of my heart-

[Sarah in VA]

Hi Shari,

Welcome back to SG and back to the states. We are in the Northern Va area, Fairfax County. Like Carole said, it all depends on where your husband is going to be working. VA would be the obvious choice for Ft Myer, Ft Belvoir, Pentagon or Bolling AFB. But as Jan said, probably MD if he's going to be at Andrews AFB. We lived in Crystal City when my husband was in the Pentagon and it was wonderful to be so close to the metro and the city, but when he retired we moved out to Fairfax County to be closer to his office out here.

It's a great place to live - if expensive - and I know you'll love your time here. There is just so much to do!

Let me know if I can be of any more help to you.

[bthornton17]

Welcome back and I know how you feel about Europe. I have never lived in the same house this long and it will be strange to leave. But we are due this summer and we are both getting really excited about it.

I agree with all that was said above about the DC area. We haven't been stationed there but have family there and that is where we visit when we go back from Germany. My in-laws are in Northern VA and I would agree about Fairfax County schools. They are great.

Commuting is key. You have to make that decision before you start looking at houses. If you know he wants it short, then that is where you look. I spent 5 weeks looking a year ago (to see if we wanted to move there) and I was spinning the whole time. There is just so much out there. But definately use the base referrals. They can take people off their list if there are problems so usually they work out pretty good.

Also as for Charles County - I taught there for 2 years. I would agree they are okay but not the best.

[bthornton17]

Welcome back and I know how you feel about Europe. I have never lived in the same house this long and it will be strange to leave. But we are due this summer and we are both getting really excited about it.

I agree with all that was said above about the DC area. We haven't been stationed there but have family there and that is where we visit when we go back from Germany. My in-laws are in Northern VA and I would agree about Fairfax County schools. They are great.

Commuting is key. You have to make that decision before you start looking at houses. If you know he wants it short, then that is where you look. I spent 5 weeks looking a year ago (to see if we wanted to move there) and I was spinning the whole time. There is just so much out there. But definately use the base referrals. They can take people off their list if there are problems so usually they work out pretty good.

Also as for Charles County - I taught there for 2 years. I would agree they are okay but not the best. But you will find great teachers in yuck schools and yuck teachers in great schools.

Check out www. greatschools.net for good info.

Take care and enjoy you last few months over here. I know we are trying to get in all our last minute travels.