Young professional areas in MD (Silver Spring, Bethesda: apartments, house, neighborhoods)

[nmsmith2006]

I recently started a job in DC area. I am an young professional and I need help deciding where to relocate to. I was looking at either Montgomery or PG county. Where are some nice areas for young professionals in MD or DC?

[fishfister]

The first thing anyone is going to ask is "what is your housing budget"?

There are lots of pockets of "hot-spots" for young professionals in DC, MD and VA. Decide on your budget and start from there.

[nmsmith2006]

I would say my housing budget is at max 1200 a month.

[emsgoof]

Roommate or no?

[mr_agba]

Are you looking for an apartment or a house? If you're looking for an apartment I would suggest Woodleaf Apartments in Silver Spring (Montgomery County). I lived there for one year before purchasing a house and I was very pleased. I paid $1040.00 per month for a one bedroom. It was rather small but it had its own washer and dryer. I only saw one roach while I was there and the roach was outside. I never saw one insde my apartment. Another thing that I liked about the place was that the apartment opened to the outside so there was no common hallway for odors to get trapped in. It was very fresh and clean. Homes in Montgomery county are priced higher than they are in PG county so I bought a home in the Mitchellville section of PG but I desperately want to get back to Montgomery County. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[Tim Rankin]

My advice is to go with shared housing initially. You'll be able to live in a nicer and more happening area, but on a lower budget. It's also a great way to meet people & get into some social circles. You can always get your own apartment/home down the road when your income increases.

[psychofan]

Either Kentlands in Gaithersburg or The Elms at Kingsview (Legend Management Group) are both really nice.

[nmsmith2006]

I would want a roommate. Their for that increases my budget to about $1600. I would love to know where these "hot spots" are.

[mariecug]

Depends a little on who you are I would say. I personally like Tacoma Park which has a earthy, liberal, low-key vibe. There are some neighborhoods in DC (U Steet, Dupont) that would be super fun to live in but you would need that 1600. If you like the finer things in life, Bethesda - yep, it has rich people but also great restaurants and lots to do. Arlington, Old Town Alexandria are pretty happening. Silver Spring is a DC metro suburb that used to be crappy but now is happening!

Keep in mind - many of these places have car/parking issues. Best choice is to be somewhere Metro accessible.

The great thing about MD/DC/VA is if you have the $, you can live almost anywhere in the DC metro area or DC/Balt corridor and have lots to do!

[lscalder]

If you want to live in PG county I would consider Beltsville,Greenbelt,Bowie,College Park. Upper Marlboro is nice as well but its more a family area with children.