Opinions on University Park (Silver Spring, Takoma Park: apartments, rent, utilities)

[TheEscapeArtist]

I will be looking for a new apartment in a few months and have been trying to figure out what area(s) would be a good fit for me. I really like downtown Silver Spring but the rents are incredibly high. Takoma Park is another possibility, though I have not had a chance to investigate the average rent costs there.

Anywho, I was recently talking to someone who mentioned they were moving to University Park and quoted me an incredible rent/cost of living rate. He was basically getting "everything" (rent, utilities, cable, internet, garbage, parking, ect. ect.) for around 875 a month. On top of that, he will be living alone, something I would like to try and do.

Is this rate realistic for UP? Is UP a desirable area for someone looking to be around other professional 20-somethings and to have access to a thriving nightlife and/or cultural scene? Is it fairly safe?

And if not UP, are there any other areas that I should be considering?

[lscalder]

University park is close to Dc. The area is Ok

[dakwilk]

I live in UP. It is a great city. You would be VERY lucky to find a rent that low unless you are sharing a house. There are no apartments in UP. It is mostly professional young families, but there may be some singles. I'm just not in that place in my life. We are a short walk to the University of Maryland, so you would have access to the students there and their nightlife. You could go to any club in DC within about 20 minutes. It is very safe. We have our own police force for a town of 2000 people. I let me 4 year old play in the back yard and everywhere we go we see friendly people that we know throughout town.