Moving to Silver Spring area (Rockville, College Park: how much, townhouses, safe area)

[cattwl]

I'll be moving to Maryland cos I will be attending school at UMD. I'm looking for a 1br apt.

Can someone advise on the following:

1) Safe area to live in (family of 2 + 1 kid)
2) Cost of utilities for a family of similar size
3) Is it really impt to have utilities included in rent?

Thanks

[Nober]

As a former UMD student, I would suggest exploring the downtown Silver Spring area. It is within close proximity to the campus without being in the middle of a rowdy college town atmosphere. Also try southern sections of Rockville off the Beltway and along Rock Creek.

[ebo202]

I went to UM too. I would really look into the newer developments on Rte 1 and next to Ikea. They are new enough to accomodate a small family and at the same time far enough from campus to avoid drunken frat boys.

The neighborhood in College Park isn't bad, but avoid Hyattsvile past East-West Hwy. Just my opinion, but I think Downtown SS is too far.. lotsa traffic to deal with both ways. Another idea would be along Cherry Hill Road, closer to Rte 29. Townhouses galore, yet 5 minutes drive from campus.

Hope that helps!

Oh yeah, I forgot... It REALLY depends how much money you have to spend... You're looking at $1,500 minimum around campus and $1,800+ around Silver Spring and Rockville areas. Utilities depend on the size of your place, a 2BR 2BT runs about $80-$130 depending on how much you use/conserve.