Relocating to Silver Spring/Bethesda area (Gaithersburg, Rockville: apartments, to rent, townhomes)

[Tim Hoppenrath]

I am in need of some advice on safe, yet affordable, cities to live near Bethesda. Preferrably, a family friendly planned community with community pool and all the amenities. (can afford a home $400-$450K) My son is 8yo and I would like to enroll him in a great public school. My job will be in Silver Spring, but I am willing to commute 30-60 min for a better quality of life living in the suburbs. Also, if anyone has any info on furnished 2/2 apts or townhomes, I will need to rent beginning in Jan. until my wife and son arrive at the end of June. I am a very stable non-smoker, non-drinking, good person who wants to have a very streamlined transition to this area. Thank-you in advance for you help.

[maria08]

You might want to consider Rockville, Gaithersburg or Silver Spring for your needs. I think Bethesda will be very pricey and space will be limited. The schools in all three are pretty good - I would research the elementary schools in the districts you are considering. All these towns are in Montgomery County, which has good schools.

I don't know Silver Spring very well, but if you go out Route 355 in Rockville there are a number of town house communities and apartments that you could consider. It's a safe area, though a bit crowded and traffic can be frustrating. If you don't mind a longer drive you could go farther out to Gaithersburg or Darnestown, which would also have a good selection of developments, and might be less congested.