Commuting to Rockville...from as far away as possible! (Columbia: houses, good schools)

[Rob M]

Hi Everyone-

I work on the Rockville/Gaithersburg border (near Shady Grove Hospital) and live nearby in the southern part of Germantown. I love my job, but really have come to dislike Montgomery County, at least as a place to raise a family (I'll save my venting for another time!).

I'm thinking of taking on a mega-commute - up to two hours each way - to move us to a less "intense" place (okay, there's my mini-vent!). So, the two-hour drive could put us into southern Pennsylvania, West Virginia (Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Charles Town), some parts of Virginia (Winchester, Front Royal, etc.) or even other parts of Maryland (e.g. Frederick or Hagerstown, although I'm concerned that Frederick is becoming too much like here).

Does anyone out there have any experience of having taken such a step, and/or recommendations of places to consider?

What am I looking for? At this point I'll admit to quite possibly being very unrealistic, as I want all of the good parts of Montgomery County, but not the bad. I'd like good schools, more affordable housing (large houses on lots of at least a half-acre for not more than about $750K), and a more-laid back atmosphere, that's still as cosmopolitan as we can get without the Montgomery County baggage.

Any ideas? THANKS!

[cutgarden]

Every place has it's problems and and advantages. Try Carroll County though; I think it's a great place to live, and the schools are pretty decent. And, we gots us liberries and ever'thang!

[Rob M]

Carroll does seem to fit the bill in all areas except housing prices. Part of this "lifestyle change" we're considering means moving from a two-income to a one-income family, so we really are looking for housing prices that are significantly lower than Montgomery County, so that our one income can get us a house comparable to what we have here. Carroll County housing does seem to be less expensive, but not by enough.

[Tim Rankin]

I've always been a big fan of the Frederick area. It's pretty civilized, and there're nice areas just south, east and north of Frederick too. I'm pretty sure you can get what you want for much less than 750K. p.s. I understand your frustration with Montgomery, but I would think carefully about a 2 hr. commute - it can be miserable.

[Leanne23]

how about Columbia?

[cutgarden]

Even check out the areas around Emmittsburg, straight up 15. You've got Mt. St. Mary's College, and lots of country side. I don't think prices are so bad around there, and it's easily under 2 hours, I would think.

[alido]

Our family moved from Gaithersburg, my spouse commutes to Bethesda, we live in Washington County, Md. One of my siblings lives in Sheperdstown WVa and commutes to Montgomery County, Md. Both counties have a commuter bus, and the train stops in Martinsburg,WVa. My husband drives each day. I jotted down some counties where friends live who also make a commute. You will have to mapquest the distance and visit to get the right match for you.

Frederick, MD,Frederick County, MD - Official Website
(Might be a duplicate to where you r now as far as schools/costs/housing/lifestyle)
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Wash Co Md includes many more commutable options. Check it out, come for a visit.
Clear Spring, Smithsburg, Hagerstown, Williamsport, Boonsboro, Maugansville, Funkstown, Sharpesburg, Cave Town
Washington County Maryland Home Page
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In nearby Pa check out Greencastle and other towns.
www.co.franklin.pa.
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West Virginia has Sheperdstown
Jefferson County West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, WV,

[Grasonville]

m thinking of taking on a mega-commute - up to two hours each way - to move us to a less "intense" place

You are looking in the wrong direction - don't look NORTH - look EAST - for the same housing money you could live ON THE WATER on MD Eastern Shore - nice people - friendly atmosphere - English speaking

[Hawa]

Why leave MoCo? We have diversity and ecomical strength. Well Maybe the Frederick Hagerstown, Greencastle, PA area.

[scottfs]

I'm with you on disliking Montgomery County. I work in Rockville and am looking to move farther away soon as well. How long do you think a commute from Frederick would take?