Check out the Woodmoor neighborhood and other areas of Silver Spring. Walkable, mostly bike rideable, bus and metro access pretty good, schools are good, family friendly, downtown is pretty good (not much nightlife, but for families this isn't really a factor). Real estate isn't too sky high. Downtown is constantly improving. Farmers market and csa. Takoma park sensibilities at somewhat lower cost
I am am extremely partial to my neighborhood for many reasons. Neighborhood school for 3-5, walkable to the high school, grocery store, a couple restaurants, cvs, bank, ice cream, parks, McDonald's, pizza, etc. short distance to downtown and bus/metro. Excellent neighbors. A few houses for under 400k. Bike ride or walakBle to the ymca, public pool. Downtown, library white oak shopping center, trader jones, etc. etc.