SWF moving to Rockville, Germantown, Bethseda or Gaithersburg? (Bethesda, North Bethesda: section 8, cheap apartments)

[permasmile]

Hi, I'm a single female moving to Md w/in 2 weeks for a new job in Gaithersburg.
I'm looking in Germantown, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg. I realize rent is high, but my foremost concern is safety. Can anyone recommend a SAFE area for a single girl? Also, please advise if you are aware of first floor break ins in any of these towns.
Thanks!

[Kensington]

How old are you? I would live in Bethesda and reverse commute out to Gaithersburg. There is much more nightlife in Bethesda as opposed to the other places mentioned. Bethesda is quite safe as well.

[permasmile]

Thank you!!

[Joykins]

Bethesda is generally safe. Rockville and Gaithersburg have nice areas and not so nice areas. I'd avoid much of Germantown for the time being.

All these areas have high population densities, though, and there is walk-through crime even in "nice" areas. I'd focus on someplace well-lit and a little upscale even if it is more expensive.

AVOID the cheap apartments by Lakeforest Mall at all costs.

[permasmile]

Wow! Thank you! I was focusing on Germantown I'm glad you told me that. I'm driving in tonight to look at places tomorrow. I did find a place in Rockville for about $1100+ for a small 1BR, so I'm presuming it's fairly safe? Is there a crime report to look at for these communities? I'd be interested in seeing what the crimes are. Thanks!

[Joykins]

You could try entering the zip code here: Relocation Essentials

[filmsniffer]

Gaithersburg is going down the tubes even although Ryan Homes built a few houses here in the last few years.

Germantown even more. It's an eligible applicant for section 8 housing from other areas. So don't look there.

I rarely go to Rockville or Bethesda, so no information on that one.

[Tim Rankin]

My first choice would be Bethesda, if you can afford it. As a previous poster said, it has the best nightlife and city vibe, by far.

Second choice would be Rockville - not a bad place either. It also has metro access for heading into DC.

Both cities will have opposite direction commutes, which will be a HUGE plus.

Nothing wrong with Gaithersburg or Germantown, I just think you'll be much happier in Rockville, or Bethesda.

[palynew]

First choice, Bethesda.

Second choice, Rockville.
I would not go North of Randolph Road & 355 (Rockville Pike). Some are calling parts of Rockville "North Bethesda" now.

[lind1550]

Permasmile, if you're interested in the Rockville/Gaithersburg and want to live in a safe, nice apartment complex that is not a 15-story tower you may want to check out apartment complexes in the "new urbanism" communities (read lots of stores within walking distance and a mix of apts, townhouses, and single-family houses) of King Farm, Fallsgrove, and the Kentlands. King Farm and Fallsgrove in particular have really good metro access because they have shuttle buses that run that are free on weekdays (not sure if the Fallsgrove shuttle is free, most likely it is). Another area that is nice is the "Rio" area of Gaithersburg, its pretty much a bunch of townhouses and apartments that are near a shopping center with a Target, Barnes and Noble, movie theater, and other nice establishments.

I haven't really heard of any first-floor break-ins, but car break-ins are pretty common even in nicer areas so its a good idea to never leave anything of ANY value in the visible area of your car.

Hope this is helpful.