Advice on where to live in or around DC?

I'm planning to move from Ankara, Turkey to DC. I'm married and have two children. Ages 6.5 and 1. Could you advice where is the best place to look for rentals? My biggest concern would be to find a good school for my first grader and a good preschool or childcare center for the baby. And will be looking for a safe neighborhood of course. I will be working at the centeral part of DC. Which location is the best? VA? Alenxandria? Arlington? Silver Spring? Any other advice? Info about cost of living would be very much appreciated. Thanks :)

I live in Alexandria and I love it. The homes are smaller, but the location is the best. You don't have to deal with all the DC nonsense, but you're not out in the sticks either. I can help you out, just drop me a line.

I used to babysit in that area. Reston, Va, Centreville, VA, Rockville, MD and I lived in Arlington.

I liked it there, all the facilities for kids seemed fine, lots of playgrounds etc.

So I recommend VA .

don't move to DC

I like VA best, but I am biased....basically look at the places you've mentioned, avoid PG County (mainly because of the schools not being as good), find a rental near the Metro and when you miss Turkey you can always go here:
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticle...
or here: http://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantr...

and lastly info here on the area http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...

The northwest district is the safest- not to mention has the most attractive neighborhoods. With the metro, you will be able to get to work easily. Even if you drive, it isn't that far.

Be glad I found your question. lol.

I'm a NATIVE of DC/MD.

1. Don't move to PG born and raised there it's the ghetto. lol.
2. Don't move to Southeast, DC or Northeast, DC also very ghetto.
3. Move to maybe Bethesda expensive but good schools and not as much crime.
4. Northwest DC is the safest section if you want to move IN dc.

Silver Spring is good because it has good schools, and it is close to downtown (centra) DC. Unfortunately cost of living is high but the whole region has very high cost of living. Also look at Rockville or Bethesda area (Rockville is slightly farther from downtown but still it's close and might be cheaper). All of these areas are in Montgomery County which have very good schools.

Don't do it move to the suburban life