Where to live? New job (DC Area) (Silver Spring, Gaithersburg: apartments, home)

[filmsniffer]

I recently started a new job in Falls Church, VA - which is close to MD.

Can anyone provide me information as to if living in MD near work would be better rather than in VA?

I currently have no place to call home - I'm temporarily staying with my parents in Mont. Co until I find a place to live. I currently commute from G'burg to Falls Church. It's not bad in the mornings if I leave early, but I frequently get in gridlock on the way home on 495/270 around 3-3:30.

I need to find a solution. The gridlock is driving me mad. I don't mind the commute...when there is no traffic.

Any idea where to look? I'm only thinking for one, so there are hardly any restrictions. Except I refuse to live in apartments and I like to lean towards rural settings.

[DJShymansky]

Commuting from Gaithersburg to Falls Church isn't that bad. I agree the 270/495 spur would be a pain. I grew up in Southern MD, Charles county, and worked in DC and Silver Spring for years. I feel your pain.

Why Maryland vs. Virginia though? Potomac's nice and a bit closer than G'Burg to work, but you could probably find something slightly more rural out towards Great Falls, Oakton, Reston city limits, basically anything outside of the beltway. I know a few realtors up that way that could recommend some spots. PM me if you're interested.