Shady Grove area of Rockville? (Germantown, Gaithersburg: rentals, daycare, townhouse)

[deannaf87]

We're moving to the DC suburbs of MD next spring. My husband will be working at Walter Reed and wants to commute using the metro.

We have been looking heavily at the Rockville area, but most 3 bedroom rentals up there are $$$$$. I've found some affordable townhouse rentals in the Shady Grove/Redland area. Specifically in the neighborhood just south of Shady Grove Middle School.

I was just curious about the opinions on the area. We will have a elementary school student and a preschooler who will need a good daycare. The elementary school (Mill Creek Towne or something like that?) seems to be decent based on greatschools.org reviews.

Would you say the area is safe? We've lived in small town Texas and Kansas and really have no experience with a more metropolitan area.

Also would you say the commute from north Rockville to Walter Reed is reasonable? From my research I'm estimating 35-45 minutes by driving to Shady Grove station, taking the metro to Medical Center station and walking to Walter Reed. Is that too hopeful?

Any and all info on the Rockville area would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[goldenage1]

I'd say the area is safe, but don't expect to leave bicycles outside or leave your doors unlocked. I also suggest putting the address in the spotcrime.com website.

If you found an affordable place, you might also check with the management to see if it is "income limited" housing. The county has had to force some developers to provide units for moderate income people.

You might also look into living further out in Gathersburg or Germantown for less costly alternatives.

[deannaf87]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

I'd say the area is safe, but don't expect to leave bicycles outside or leave your doors unlocked.

If you found an affordable place, you might also check with the management to see if it is "income limited" housing. The county has had to force some developers to provide units for moderate income people.

You might also look into living further out in Gathersburg or Germantown for less costly alternatives.

Thank you!

Our biggest problem has been our dog, who is a 70 pound boxer. Doesn't seem like a lot of places are willing to allow a large dog. I found a townhouse I loved with a great elementary and super close to the Shady Grove station, and of course no pets allowed at all. The price I pay for being a dog lover.

I will definitely look into Gaithersburg and Germantown. Are they comparable to Rockville school and safety wise?

[MrMaryland455]

Originally Posted by deannaf87

Thank you!

Our biggest problem has been our dog, who is a 70 pound boxer. Doesn't seem like a lot of places are willing to allow a large dog. I found a townhouse I loved with a great elementary and super close to the Shady Grove station, and of course no pets allowed at all. The price I pay for being a dog lover.

I will definitely look into Gaithersburg and Germantown. Are they comparable to Rockville school and safety wise?

Overall...there good school in both areas Gaithersburg and Germantown......its simply on where you look.....Germantown (You should either look in South Germantown or Milestone area)......Gaithersburg (Orchand pond area/lakeland area or Rio Washingtonian area).........Truthfully you can't go wrong either way.......Montgomery county has the top schools in the nation!!!!!.......Good luck

[dkf747]

Gaithersburg - look in 20878 zip code area for good schools.

[deannaf87]

If we go the Germantown route, how bad is the traffic in the morning to get from Germantown to Shady Grove metro station?

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by deannaf87

If we go the Germantown route, how bad is the traffic in the morning to get from Germantown to Shady Grove metro station?

Traffic on 270 will be very heavy. Same thing on Great Seneca Hwy (119).

[opequon]

For your husband's commute, you are right to stay within a few miles of Shady Grove or Rockville metro stations. The other end at Walter Reed is an easy walk, but consider where the Ride-On bus lines run, if he might take a bus, and otherwise, be prepared to park in large parking structure at Shady Grove that can take 10 minutes to find your space and get to the platform. Renting or buying makes a big difference as rules about dogs, parking and other life events can be difficult with some rental rules. Montgomery County Public Schools has a good website for school info, and there is good daycare in the area as well as summer camps run by the City of Gaithersburg, and the City of Rockville.

[G-Burg Native]

Originally Posted by deannaf87

If we go the Germantown route, how bad is the traffic in the morning to get from Germantown to Shady Grove metro station?

It depends on what time of the morning he'll be leaving. Before 7am can take 15 minutes or so but between 7am and 10am would take a half hour or longer depending on traffic.

[milhouse92]

Originally Posted by G-Burg Native

It depends on what time of the morning he'll be leaving. Before 7am can take 15 minutes or so but between 7am and 10am would take a half hour or longer depending on traffic.

I live in Germantown (off Great Seneca Highway), and I commute taking 270/370/Shady Grove Metro exit. I leave anywhere between 8 and 9 am, and it only takes me 15 minutes to reach that exit (unless there's rain or snow). Yes, traffic on 270 is usually heavy after 6:30 am, but I'm only on for a very short stretch and just stay in the far right lane.

But, Montgomery County is just an awful place to live.