(might be) moving to MD... suggestions? (Baltimore, Columbia: apartments, to rent, condo)

[stoofy_t]

Hello!

There's a chance that I might be moving to Maryland; specifically, for a job in Towson. I'll definitely want to rent for a while (small house or apartment... I'm not too picky-it's just for me, no family), any suggestions on areas I should consider?

Some specifics I'm looking for:
*access to public transportation (even limited - it would be great to not have to drive to work)
*a decent nightlife (I'm only 26-still need to have fun!)
*relatively safe

Aside from that... it's pretty open; I just want details. For reference, I'd be relocating from metro Detroit.

Thanks, everyone

[marcnelsonjr]

Towson itself is a decent place. There's a nice little strip on York Road with bars (try the Kent!) and shops, and several bus lines run through. There's a Barnes & Noble and a Trader Joe's next to a fairly decent mall (Towson Town Center). The light rail runs near Towson - it's usefulness is somewhat limited, but it will at least get you downtown.

It's just over the city line, so you're not out in the boonies, but there is a dramatic drop in crime going from the city to Baltimore County. The downside (for me, anyway) is a large population of Towson University students. I don't know much about the housing situation other than that there were recently a few new condo complexes going up.

Good luck!

[lscalder]

If you are looking for the city life try Washington DC. You will have full access to metro within blocks of your home. You will be within walking distance to everything such as night life, clubs,bar,lounge,Restaurants. When the folks in Maryland and Virginia need to have fun we all pretty much go to Washington Dc. Since you are single,young you just check out DC I think you will love it.

[dhelfoioracle]

Hello,

I

[dhelfoioracle]

hello again sorry about that. I suggest look in the Towson area. Maryland has alot of things and places to go in general but Towson has alot stuff for singles. That's mostly because of Towson University.

[stoofy_t]

I went in to Towson last week for an interview with the place, and come to find out it's only a block down Joppa Rd from Trader Joe's! How fantastic

lscalder: isn't DC somewhat of a long commute? If not, that would be a great option, but I'm under the impression that it takes a while to get from one to the other.

[sobo16]

[SIZE=2]I personally would not recommend commuting from Washington, DC to Towson. The drive would be at least an hour without traffic.

Towson itself is a nice area, and there are plenty of apartments from which to choose. The bus would be the only public transportation available in Towson.

You stated that you still wanted a decent nightlife. I'm not knocking Towson at all, but I strongly suggest looking at neighborhoods in northern Baltimore City. Charles Village (very close to Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus) is an exciting place to be and provides easy access to both downtown and Towson. Mount Washington has several apartment communities that house people in your (our) age group. Finally, Belvedere Square (and its surrounding communities) has become quite the destination in recent years. A commute to Towson from there would involve a very short drive up York Road.

Charles Village: [/SIZE][SIZE=2]http://www.livebaltimore.com/nb/list/cv/[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]
Mount Washington: [/SIZE][SIZE=2]http://www.mwia.org[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]
Belvedere Square: [/SIZE][SIZE=2]http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/visitor/bal-guide-belvedere,0,2669131.htmlstory?coll=bal-visitor-storyutil[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]
Good luck!
[/SIZE]

[bobrulez]

Relatively safe and nightlife.... Towsen is a pretty good bet. Catonsville may be a good potential given it's close proximity to Baltimore.

I've never warmed to DC simply because of the hour-long drive and lack of parking, which leaves you stuck with either the metro or a cab. Baltimore has lots of nightlife opportunities.

Originally Posted by stoofy_t

Hello!

There's a chance that I might be moving to Maryland; specifically, for a job in Towson. I'll definitely want to rent for a while (small house or apartment... I'm not too picky-it's just for me, no family), any suggestions on areas I should consider?

Some specifics I'm looking for:
*access to public transportation (even limited - it would be great to not have to drive to work)
*a decent nightlife (I'm only 26-still need to have fun!)
*relatively safe

Aside from that... it's pretty open; I just want details. For reference, I'd be relocating from metro Detroit.

Thanks, everyone

[burnt]

I've always enjoyed Towson, so if you're going to work there, and you can find a decent domicile that meets your needs, go for it. Pikesville is also pretty decent, in my limited experience.

[stoofy_t]

Now Columbia is looking like a greater possibility than Towson. I've been researching that area a bit more; it seems a bit more pricey. Is that true, or am I just finding all of the most expensive listings? Are there areas within Columbia itself that I should check out or avoid? In addition to the points mentioned before, I'd also like to find a two-bedroom place (rental house preferably, but an apartment will do) for under $1000/month.

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by stoofy_t

Hello!

There's a chance that I might be moving to Maryland; specifically, for a job in Towson. I'll definitely want to rent for a while (small house or apartment... I'm not too picky-it's just for me, no family), any suggestions on areas I should consider?

Some specifics I'm looking for:
*access to public transportation (even limited - it would be great to not have to drive to work)
*a decent nightlife (I'm only 26-still need to have fun!)
*relatively safe

Aside from that... it's pretty open; I just want details. For reference, I'd be relocating from metro Detroit.

Thanks, everyone