Question : What neighborhoods, if any, have good schools and decent houses for < 0k within commute distance to D.C.?
We’re considering relocationg for a job in Arlington, VA. We have a 5th grader in the GATE program for gifted and academically talented students, and want to find schools at least as good as the ones we’d be leaving. We’re unsure how to identify homes for sale in the neighborhoods where those schools are located.

All help welcome — except premature contacts from realtors. We’re exploring our options, but would rent for quite a while before buying.
My question is based on the assumption that students can only attend their neighborhood schools. If this is incorrect, what are the criteria for being able to enroll at the identified “best” schools? Thanks, everybody, for the help.
arlington homes for sale

Best answer:

Answer by DCrob
North Arlington, the city of Falls Church, the McLean/Falls Curch areas of Fairfax county.

Homes under $ 700K are rare. Expect either a modest townhome or a 1950′s rambler on a small lot in these areas for that price — and a competetive bidding war for the sale.

A limited number of Arlington residents can enroll in schools outside their neighborhoods, but it’s too risky to make that assumption when buying a home.