Commuting to Silver Spring from Catonsville (Baltimore, Columbia: relocating, employment, housing)

[al_e_sun]

My husband and I are currently in the process of relocating to MD from Western MA. I work in Woodlawn, and he is seeking employment in Silver Spring, MD. Catonsville seems to be the most reasonable place between the two cities as the closer you get to DC the housing prices go up drastically. Here are my questions:

Any other suggestions for places to live between the two cities?
What is the commute like between these two cities? Does this general rule continue from what I've seen in this area: Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Keeps the Commuter from Yelling and Cries?
Can anyone give suggestions about public transportation to Silver Spring?
I think the closest MARC train is in Halethorpe, but how long would it be to Silver Spring from there?

Thanks for any help you can give!

[SaraLizBeth]

There are some other cities you could look into, Hanover has recently been built up and it is a little bit closer to D.C than Catonsville, traffic coming in from Hanover will not be bad going towards Woodlawn. Another option would be either Savage or Elkridge both of which are very close to major highways and will only extend the commute a little for you but cut it drastically for your husband.

In regards to the commute to the D.C or the surrounding areas there is nothing enjoyable about it. I was driving to Bethesda every morning and unless I left before 6:30 in the morning I was sitting in traffic.

As for public transportation I know there are quite a few train stations in the Laurel, College Park and Beltsville area that do go into Silver Spring, Bethesda area. Hope this helps a little

[goldenage1]

Another public transportation option is the MTA commuter buses. The 915 bus goes from Columbia to Silver Spring and Washington. The schedule is here: Maryland Transit Administration

You could drive from Elkridge or Catonsville to Columbia and pick up the bus. There may be other buses going to the Woodlawn government offices.

[goldenage1]

Taking the train from Halethorpe when your destination is Silver Spring isn't a direct route. Your would have to go in to Union Station in DC and transfer to Metro. Metro from Union Station to Silver Spring is 25-30 minutues. I don't know the total time. Here's the train route map: Maryland Transit Administration

IMHO, the MTA buses are a better option.

I live near Catonsville and think it is a good community. The Catonsville High School has some of the highest achievement scores in Baltimore County.