Comp and Circumstance: Location Versus Space for $320,000

• January 19, 2011
• 9 Comments

by Rebecca Ortega

Comp and Circumstance presents two “for-sale” homes of roughly similar prices in DC and compares the pros and cons of each. This week, we examine two properties of varying size in very different parts of the city that are listed for just under $320,000.

See all our past Comp and Circumstance features here.

One-Bedroom Co-op on 17th Street in Dupont Circle

Located along a main artery of Dupont Circle, 1526 17th Street NW, #110 is on the low end of the price spectrum for similar-sized units in this highly desirable neighborhood. The one-bedroom, one-bath coop measures out at 600 square feet with the majority of space in the living room and bedroom. The kitchen is fairly dated, but could be brought up to modern standards with new appliances and fixtures. At first glance, the monthly fees ($394.80) appear steep, but this figure does include both taxes and utilities. The building residents share laundry facilities, but also share a view of a common garden at the center of the building and an almost ideal location if you want to be situated near downtown and DC nightlife.

Four-Bedroom Renovated Rambler in Woodridge

3201 Walnut Street NE is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom rambler located in Woodridge, near the intersection of Bladensburg Road and New York Avenue. This location provides an easy exit from the city, but is a drive from most other parts of DC and a good eight-minute drive from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station. The house is newly renovated with tidy landscaping and a simple, clean interior. The main floor includes large open-concept living and dining areas, and a kitchen that has been redone. There are three moderately-sized bedrooms on this level, but just one full bathroom. The basement serves as a fourth bedroom or recreation room, with a separate entrance, additional full bathroom, laundry and tile flooring. Lastly, out back is a yard, small concrete patio and a storage shed.

So, what do you think? Let us know your preference in the comments below.

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/comp_and_circumstance_location_versus_space_for_320000/2865

9 Comments

1. Elliott said at 3:34 pm on Wednesday January 19, 2011:
   Woodridge is a little too far out for my tastes, but that is a lot of space for the money. I would go with Dupont.

1. L said at 4:39 pm on Wednesday January 19, 2011:
   Interesting comparison but I think you can do a lot better for your $$ in Woodridge than that particular house. I would go with this one over the one featured: http://franklymls.com/DC7358419

1. Rob said at 5:08 pm on Wednesday January 19, 2011:
   The single professional will choose the Dupont property whereas those with a significant other or little ones may want to go with the Woodside one. I'd personally pick the Dupont property as it's smack dab in the middle of it all - and the better value. $319K for a one-bedroom in that neighborhood is an absolute steal.

1. SL said at 7:47 pm on Wednesday January 19, 2011:
   Well, I think it depends on your life stage, but the two neighborhoods also couldn't be at further extremes in terms of demographics or type of neighborhood (close to everything vs. practically no retail, no metro). It's hard to imagine there would be many people deciding between these two places. I think if the price point was $420-450K, then you'd have a lot of people deciding between 2 bedroom condos or houses in starter areas like Petworth, Hill East, Eckington, etc. Most of my neighbors in Petworth who bought in the last 5 years lived in Adams Morgan or Mt. Pleasant before moving here and made exactly that choice.

1. Mike said at 8:36 pm on Wednesday January 19, 2011:
   The lack of my own washer and dryer would be a big drawback, despite the Dupont place being in such a wonderful place. I'd gladly play some bucks for that amenity not to feel back in college again. Interestly enough, there is a 2/2 with 1300 sq ft listed in the same building for $482k and updated kitchen and nice exposed brick walls as a comparison.

1. Trish said at 11:54 pm on Thursday January 20, 2011:
   You can do even better than that: Look at Springfield. Nice late 50's split level homes with nice sized yards for around $350k We bought ours in September for 330k: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Close to I395, I495, Springfield Mall Metro. Walk to Starbucks, Giant and more. And the Nation's best high school TJHSST less than a mile away.

1. paul said at 12:44 pm on Friday January 21, 2011:
   this is not a serious comparison. What's next....Georgetown vs Manassas?

1. Andy said at 1:03 pm on Friday January 21, 2011:
   Is none of the above a choice? I get the point of this, but neither of these places seems all that desirable. I will say that its funny to think of owning a home where you share laundry with folks. Maybe that's my suburban upbrining coming out. LOL. So if I must decide and at this price point, I'd say Woodridge. With more families and couples moving into the city (that are used to driving everywhere already), I feel it will be more attractive and valuable in the long run...which is what we should be looking at when we're buying...right?

1. yup said at 2:52 pm on Friday January 21, 2011:
   @ paul -- The whole point of the article is to compare different properties in varying locations that are in similar price ranges, so yeah, in fact Gtown vs. Manassas might make since if the properties were similarly priced.