Young Professional Montgomery County (Baltimore, Silver Spring: apartment complex, home, neighborhood)

[lizardo5]

I recently took a job in Gaithersburg and currently commute from Baltimore. It roughly takes me an hour to an hour and a half. I am interested in moving to Montgomery County and was wondering what were the best places for a young professional. I really like living in Baltimore, and I would like to find an area where I could still have nightlife and meet people. I am also looking to shorten my commute if possible. I've been leaning towards Bethesda, Silver Spring. Would Rockville or DC be an option? Thanks in advance!

[e30is]

Originally Posted by lizardo5

I recently took a job in Gaithersburg and currently commute from Baltimore. It roughly takes me an hour to an hour and a half. I am interested in moving to Montgomery County and was wondering what were the best places for a young professional. I really like living in Baltimore, and I would like to find an area where I could still have nightlife and meet people. I am also looking to shorten my commute if possible. I've been leaning towards Bethesda, Silver Spring. Would Rockville or DC be an option? Thanks in advance!

Those cities I highlighted would be your best bet. The rest would come somewhat close but they are more family oriented (as is Bethesda). You haven't stated a budget however and it's not cheap to live in these cities, but assuming that you're in Baltimore City, it may or may not be sticker shock to you.

[lizardo5]

I would like $1500 to be my maximum monthly rent. I'm considering living with roommates. Is that a feasible amount? Just from doing research online, I haven't found many places in Bethesda around that price.. that's why I'd be considering a roommate..

[e30is]

Originally Posted by lizardo5

I would like $1500 to be my maximum monthly rent. I'm considering living with roommates. Is that a feasible amount? Just from doing research online, I haven't found many places in Bethesda around that price.. that's why I'd be considering a roommate..

I think it is, I haven't entirely checked since I haven't done roommates since college. Though I'm confident that you'll have some options in that price range.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by lizardo5

I recently took a job in Gaithersburg..... I've been leaning towards Bethesda, Silver Spring. Would Rockville or DC be an option? Thanks in advance!

Rockville is certainly an option for nightlife. But I would not rule out Gaithersburg either, especially around the Rio development. I also like Kentlands and King Farm for walkable area with good shopping. I'd ask your colleagues at work where they live.

Commuting from DC to Gaithersburg would not be much shorter than from Baltimore, plus a decent place will be even more expensive than in Bethesda.

[Captain_Fingers]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Rockville is certainly an option for nightlife. But I would not rule out Gaithersburg either, especially around the Rio development. I also like Kentlands and King Farm for walkable area with good shopping. I'd ask your colleagues at work where they live.

Commuting from DC to Gaithersburg would not be much shorter than from Baltimore, plus a decent place will be even more expensive than in Bethesda.

I agree that Rockville is going to be more affordable. However, I met some people a few months back who lived in an apartment complex in downtown Bethesda on Bethesda Ave., I believe, behind the Giant which is on Arlington. If you can picture this, you would go past the Arlington intersection on Bethesda Ave, and almost at the end, there is a set of garden apartments on the right. I was amazed at how low those rents were, given the neighborhood. That may be a good option.

This way, you can walk to everything that downtown Bethesda has to offer, and walk to the metro to go to DC.

Just a thought..

[ay jayy]

Rockville nightlife is getting better, there are a few places in the Town Center that are decent, but Bethesda is your best option. You might find a studio in an older building in your budget. Otherwise, you'll have to find roommates.

[badchad]

Sounds like you're quite flexible on commuting, roommates etc. Since you're looking for "nightlife" I'd suggest you take a look at living in DC proper. Places like Dupont Circle, Georgetown etc. come to mind.

[stpickrell]

If you are ok with roommates I'd consider DC itself.

I'd give downtown Frederick a look too, since your job's in Gaithersburg. Rent's cheaper, your commute won't be a nightmare, you could have your own place, and you can make it in to DC for concerts, Kennedy Center stuff, whatever.

If you did that have a few friends with whom you could crash in DC and treat them to dinner.

[Captain_Fingers]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

I'd give downtown Frederick a look too, since your job's in Gaithersburg. Rent's cheaper, your commute won't be a nightmare, you could have your own place, and you can make it in to DC for concerts, Kennedy Center stuff, whatever.

While the old town part of Frederick is OK, it won't compare with DC or downtown Bethesda. The commute can be really bad actually, since 270 is a four lane highway (two on each side) all the way to Germantown. The way home can be especially horrendous as four lanes merge into two at that point.