Condos/Townhomes between Frederick and DC (Columbia, Silver Spring: real estate, to rent, mortgage)

[MMP88]

I currently live in a city where the cost of living is VERY inexpensive. We pay a $1,700 mortgage for 2,200sq ft in a quiet neighborhood. I realize I won't find that anywhere near DC, but I'm looking for a general area to begin my search.

Looking for: 2+ bed, 1.5+ bath, off-street parking, allows 3 pets (2 cats/1 dog) if a rental, within 50 miles of DC, as close to $300K as possible, ideally near some bike trails

What neighborhoods come closest to meeting these qualities? I work remotely, so only one of us will be looking for work (gov employee, so no shortage of opportunities where we'd be moving). Ready to downsize, but still hoping for a safe-ish neighborhood with off-street parking and near some parks or bike trails for outdoor recreation.

Near a metro would be great, but I understand that drives up the cost of just about everything, so I'm thinking I won't be able to stay within this budget anywhere near it if I focus on metro access only. I'm willing to pay a little bit more or get a slightly smaller space near the red line, but I don't want to live in a cardboard box.

Thanks! Just in the beginning stages of considering a move to this area--need a change of scenery. I travel to DC and Gettysburg enough to justify the move!

[macroy]

My recommendation is to rent for a year or two and look around to see what you really like.
As it is, 300K is essentially condo's unless you're looking at much older neighborhoods. The DMV is expensive to begin with, and it's pretty outrageous now after the last 18 months.

I'm renting a house in Frederick - pretty much just inside your 50 mile limit to DC. It's a 30 year old TH with no real updates (3br, 2+2x1/2 bath)... and I'm paying more than your current mortgage. A few in my court went on-sale this spring, and they went for just under 400K.

I think renting will give you some time to look around, and also allow you to see if the markets adjusts a bit.

Just my .02.

[goldenage1]

There are small townhouses under $300K in Olney, Upper Marlboro, Silver Spring, Langley Park and other places in Prince Georges County. Some of them need a lot of work, and some are in not-so-safe neighborhoods. There are ones slightly over $300K in Silver Spring 20905 and 20906, which I think would be reasonably safe. Laurel and Columbia also have some townhouses and condos in your range. They offer the MTA conmmuter buses to downtown DC.

It is a good idea to rent a place while you get a feel for safety, and what you are able to compromise on.

[DaveinMtAiry]

I'm no real estate but I am aware that with the interest rate hikes houses are not selling quickly as they have in the past few years. So I agree to rent and see if home prices come back to reality.