Young Professional Taking a Job in Gaithersburg (Bethesda, Rockville: low income, apartment)

[mrk25]

I am currently living in New Jersey, but a program I was accepted into is having my first rotation be at our offices in Gaithersburg. I am 23, and have no family to move. Since I know no one in the area, I am looking for somewhere that has many young professionals my age. I am a nightlife guy and so that is important to me as well. I do need a 2 br apartment because 1) my rotation lasts 1 year and so I cannot own, and 2) someone in my company that works in Colorado is moving down as well, and we are going to share an apartment. It is very short notice, as my new position begins by the end of January (not my choice).

Any ideas (and rent costs that I should expect) for areas that I should be interested in?

Thanks.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by mrk25

Any ideas (and rent costs that I should expect) for areas that I should be interested in?

In Gaithersburg itself the lower-end 2 bedrooms run 1100-1500, and the upper-end run $1960-2600. Rockville is similar running from 1100-2400. Basically you pay more for nicer amenities and locations. (I have left out a few cheaper places as they may be reserved for low income people.)

I'd suggest Bethesda for active night-life, but I'm not sure it's in the budget for people starting out. I'm seeing rents of $2300-2600 for 2 bedrooms, up to $2900-4300. (I'd suggest living in Gaithersburg, and visiting Bethesda for night-life.)

BTW, I am using Realtor.com because it has better quality places. You might find cheaper deals on Craigslist.

[reiflame]

I live in the Gaithersburg area and it's definitely not a great place for nightlife and young singles. It's mostly families up here and there's only two good bars - Growlers and Dogfish Head. Bethesda and DC proper are going to be the best for nightlife, but they'll both a good deal more expensive than Gaithersburg if you want to live alone.

If you are ok with roommates you don't know, I'd look for a couple of rooms in a house in DC. You can drive or metro/bus to Gaitherburg. If you care more about the commute time than the nightlife, then live in Gaithersburg and drive/metro to DC for socializing.