First Time HomeBuyer: DC or MD?

[Naomi Marie]

Good Morning BP Nation!

I'm in the market for my first home purchase. I'm an active duty service member that currently lives in works in MD and I will be utilizing the VA loan. I've looked around in MD and feel comfortable about my preferred locations but I recently began considering DC. I like going out to DC and I have always considered that commute when looking in MD. My question is, assuming I'm ok with the extended commute ( 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic), where would I see the a good ROI on investment in DC. I know of a few up and coming areas and I know which one I'm leaning towards more, but I always like to get a few expert opinions. Just as some background information, I have 2.5 years left in the Navy and place to get out. Once I do, I will be staying in the DMV and be working mostly out of my home and going to school. I'm interested in being able to live in this place for about 5 years and either sell or keep as a rental. I'm a young, single woman, originally from Montgomery County but as I said before I like DC and would love to learn it more, so proximity to things to do is pretty important but I am willing to live a little farther out for the right reasons. All of these places are updated and move in ready (unlike a lot of the places in MD) So here's the areas I'm considering:

1. Condo on Pennsylvania Ave SE (3bd/1ba, w/ parking)

2. Condo on Queen St NE (2bd/2ba, w/ parking- super small... I would have to give serious consideration as to whether my existing furniture would fit)

3. Condo on Holbrook St (2bd/1ba, NO parking...I haven't seen in person but the living area looks more manageable than on Queen St; having no parking is ALMOST a deal breaker)

4. Brand new town home on Eastern Ave NE (Eden's Place, 3bd/ 2ba, w/ parking)

Any and all constructive advice is welcome!!! Thanks!