Renting in Gaithersburg/North Potomac area (real estate market, apartment complexes, for rent)

[jiunn]

We are moving to MD and are looking to rent (in advance) in the Gaithersburg/North Potomac area. Based on what we gathered, we have narrowed down our choices to the following few places:

1. Brighton Village
345-A West Side Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

2. The Fields of Gaithersburg
25 School Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

3. Governor Square
409-A Muddy Branch, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

4. Orchard Pond
925-A Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

5. Grove Park Apartments
750 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Can someone familiar with the areas let us know if these are safe neighborhoods to rent (low crime, good preschool, relatively near public transportation, ...). Any recommendations you may be able to provide on the apartment complexes would be appreciated as well as it is difficult to differentiate without physically being there. Thank for your help!

[macroy]

You'd want to avoid Muddy Branch Rd. North of Great Seneca. That takes out 1-4. I can't be sure about 5 as that's a bit ways outside of the other 4. Specifically, its that stretch of Muddy Branch between Great Seneca and Diamond Ave.

You'd want to be south of Great Seneca. But I'm sure prices will also increase (but there is a reason). I think that's where the district changes between Ouince Orchard HS and Gaitherburg HS. You'd want QO over G-burg. Of course, the best area to be in that area is Piney Meetinghouse and Glen Mill rd.... you'd feed into Churchill HS.

[jiunn]

Thanks for the info - we will explore the housing options in the area between Piney Meetinghouse and Glen Mill road. Really appreciate it!

[TrippingJay]

Actually 1, Brighton Village is a very nice community that is fairly safe and has access to good schools. I have a few coworkers who currently reside in this community and love it.

I would avoid 2 & 3. The Fields of Gaithersburg is designated for lower income families.

Orchard Pond and Grove Park are average. Grove Park used to be a bad complex but I believe they evicted several residents and have cleaned up the community considerably.

You might also want to look at Archstone Gaithersburg and Beacon Place in the Kentlands. Rents here are a little more but both are in great locations and feed into the best schools in Gaithersburg.

Another option is to look at townhomes and condos for rent. With the poor real estate market, many people are renting out their homes for reasonable prices.