Working in silver spring downtown and need help on where to live (Gaithersburg: for sale, real estate)

[newbie_tester]

Hi,
I am relocating to MD and need advice as where to live.
I got a job offer for 85k annually in Silver Spring downtown, MD. The office is right behind the metro train station.
Now I need help the following:
- I have a wife(not earning) and we would want to live in 1 bed or maybe 2 bed room apartment.
- Is it possible to get decent 1 bed room in a decent area between 1000 to 1300?
- Is it possible to get a decent 2 bed room for 1500?
- I do not mind traveling for 30 mins one way each day(somewhere where i can catch the metro would be great). If not I don't mind driving.

I would like some suggestions on where to live. As long as the place is safe and the apartment is decently sized I have no other preferences.

Also, 1 year down the line I intend to purchase a house. Would I able to purchase a 4 bed room 4 bath house 1 year down the line for 350-400k in a good schooling area.

[newbie_tester]

So far i have looked at Rocksville, Gaithersburg md. Gaithersburg seems to be on the expensive side.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by newbie_tester

Also, 1 year down the line I intend to purchase a house. Would I able to purchase a 4 bed room 4 bath house 1 year down the line for 350-400k in a good schooling area.

No, expect to pay $600,000 for that size house in a good school district.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by newbie_tester

- Is it possible to get decent 1 bed room in a decent area between 1000 to 1300?
- Is it possible to get a decent 2 bed room for 1500?

I would have suggested Gaithersburg as as a place where you might find apartments in this range. There is also a 2 bedroom place on Amherst Avenue in Wheaton for $1395--- check Realtor.com . Despite what some people say, Wheaton is a decent area.

If you want to be able to buy a house eventually, I think your wife should find a well-paying job.

[newbie_tester]

Thanks goldenage1. I am really confused as where to live. I live in the midwest and I pay 900$ for a 2 bed room apartment.
Its really difficult to find even a 1 bed room apartment in that range.
Another option I was considering was living somewhere near Twinbrook Metro Station. It would be just 36 mins through metro and I wouldn't have to drive.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by newbie_tester

Another option I was considering was living somewhere near Twinbrook Metro Station. It would be just 36 mins through metro and I wouldn't have to drive.

Live in Wheaton. It will be two stops on the Metro and 15 minutes to downtown Silver Spring. If you live at the Twinbrook Metro, you will take the long way around the U-shaped Red Line. Another place to consider is Takoma Park. It is a short bus ride to Downtown Silver Spring. If you attempt to drive to work, you will have a large parking bill. Some employers will give you credit to use public transportation rather than driving.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by newbie_tester

Also, 1 year down the line I intend to purchase a house. Would I able to purchase a 4 bed room 4 bath house 1 year down the line for 350-400k in a good schooling area.

Let me clarify my previous remark. You can find a 2-3 bedroom house and maybe a 4 bedroom house that needs work and does not have 4 bathrooms. The school district is likely to be an average one in the county, and not the top district. People pay a lot more money to be in the best school districts.

A salary of $85K will allow you to live decently, but it is not the top of the food chain. Good luck with the decision.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

You can find a 2-3 bedroom house and maybe a 4 bedroom house that needs work and does not have 4 bathrooms.

Here's a good example with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in an average school district. It is at 131XX Sepentine Way in 20904: REALTOR.com - Real estate listings & homes for sale

[newbie_tester]

Thanks goldenage1. That gives me a good idea. For now I think I will settle for a 1 bed room apartment for the first year around the 1200$ range. Like you suggested my company would give me upto 100$ credit for public transportation. So I guess I would consider living somewhere near a metro station,

[Clea6243]

Have you looked at Hotpads.com? You can plug in prices and see available rental apartments and houses.