🚀 go-pugleaf

Sir, I share your concerns. But I am afraid that your situation is the
quentessential illustration of the decline in DC's middle class tax base.

>I am a little confused about housing costs within DC.  According to all the
>statistics, DC has had a loss of population the last 10 years wheras noVA
>has had a gain.  Would this not bring housing costs down due to an
>over-supply?

Simply put, the market demands of the wealthy are forcing the middle
class out of DC. DC spends much of its gov't effort keeping "desirable"
and "emerging" neighborhoods safe and clean, leaving very little to attract
middle income people to anywhere else in the city.

(To klaatu -
The Brookings Institution says this is a *good thing* - because after all,
who else would "take care" of those horrible-looking neighborhoods like
Shaw and Petworth that only the middle-class can afford to live in?)

>Ultimately, I would prefer to live in Washington, DC vs Northern Virginia,
>but according to everything I mentioned, this does not economically
>feasible.  Is this correct?  or  am in misinformed?

If you buy a house, you might actually be able to find good bargains but only
in middle-ring neighborhoods such as Mt. Pleasant and Takoma Park.
On Capitol Hill, however, you will probably be able to find a good deal in a
slightly higher price range, with the ability to sell up.

>I would greatly appreciate any input anyone may have, or any advice from
>people who have had to make a similar decision.

I don't know enough about the condo market, but my recommendation is DC..
There are real quality of life issues that you give up in Arlington,
unfortunately.
The homeowner tax credit, if it applies to condos (anyone??) should offset
things
somewhat, the overall tax rates aren't that much different. Also, DC just
slashed
its taxes.

-BER Takoma Park, MD