From nyc to maryland..single mom..please help! (Baltimore, Silver Spring: section 8, rent)

[sgladden]

I'm ready for a change and want to move. I love my but I've spent enough years here and it's too freaking expensive right now for me to live how I would ideally like to live. I know every state has its own reputation but is there any part of Maryland that is affordable, near public transportation and has a good school system plus has that ny urban feel?? Or is this wishful thinking?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by sgladden

I know every state has its own reputation but is there any part of Maryland that is affordable, near public transportation and has a good school system plus has that ny urban feel?? Or is this wishful thinking?

There really is no place that is an affordable version of New York with good schools. What are your job skills? Can you drive a car?

If you are willing to give up the requirement for a NY urban feel, there are plenty of places to live in this country that are cheaper than Maryland.

[beasley106]

Well compared with NYC practically anything in Maryland is going to be cheaper by comparison, although Maryland is still an expensive place to live compared with other states. That being said most of the areas with excellent/decent schools will be in the suburbs which will necessitate you having a car to get around.

[sgladden]

Thanks no I don't have a car and I have experience with sales, administration and customer service. I currently work for a prestigious hospital in the city.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by sgladden

Thanks no I don't have a car and I have experience with sales, administration and customer service. I currently work for a prestigious hospital in the city.

About the only areas where you could survive without a car are Baltimore, Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. Montgomery County has decent schools, but it is not especially affordable. You might look into Silver Spring.

[hojobojo]

I agree with goldenage1. Look into Silver Spring.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by hojobojo

I agree with goldenage1. Look into Silver Spring.

I see that in another thread the OP was looking for a 2-bedroom in the $900 range. That will be tough in downtown Silver Spring unless she has a Section 8 voucher. Otherwise she might look into Montgomery County's rent subsidies for "workforce" housing. Alternatively, she could go way out to Bowie or Crofton. But that would require getting a car or tolerating a long commute on a bus.

On the whole Philadelphia sounds like a better option if she is stuck with a $900 budget.

[AeroGuyDC]

Originally Posted by sgladden

I'm ready for a change and want to move. I love my but I've spent enough years here and it's too freaking expensive right now for me to live how I would ideally like to live. I know every state has its own reputation but is there any part of Maryland that is affordable, near public transportation and has a good school system plus has that ny urban feel?? Or is this wishful thinking?

Look closely at Frederick, MD. Not as urban as a big city, but certainly offers a nice downtown component and relatively affordable housing (compared to urban areas in MD near DC and Baltimore).

[sgladden]

thank you!^

[Zodiac212]

Hagerstown is the only truly affordable part of MD for those who are working class.There are parts of the eastern shore that are as well,but they are very rural.

I moved to Frederick from NYC in 96 and regret it,it's cheaper here,but this place is way to pretentious on housing prices.