Montgomery, Anne Arundel areas for schools, commute to DC (Baltimore: rentals, low crime)

[tkhirsch]

We are moving to DC metro area in late June and we're also coming out next week to scope out areas to reside. Hubby will work at White House, and we have 2 kids - 15 & 12 who are active in sports. We want to rent first before we buy something (house or townhome) with 4br, low crime, top schools, close to shopping and access to MARC line to DC for around $2500. I've been looking at Silver Spring or Crofton, but I'd like to hear from you guys as to your opinions. I've gleaned so much from the many posts here. Thanks!

[peetsie]

Consider Derwood, MD near the Shady Grove Metro. It has great Montgomery County Schools for your children, low crime, close to shopping and commuter routes.

You would have options to commute via the following options:

1) Marc train (Brunswick line, Washington Grove or Gaithersburg station)
2) METRO ( Redline on the system)
3) Car (270/370/495)

All my neighbors think it is one of the best kept secrets in Montgomery County.

[newhart]

If you don't find what you're looking for in those areas, you might consider checking out Howard County. The schools are great, it's very family-oriented, and the Dorsey Marc station is right off of Rt. 100, very convenient for Ellicott City.

[ladams1228]

I live in Crofton (moved here from NE Washington DC) and grew up in Severna Park (also AA County). I like Crofton a lot - very family friendly, good schools, great community sports teams, activities, etc. There are a lot of single family homes and townhomes and $2500 would easily get you a nice rental. That said, my husband was commuting to DC and finally changed jobs (and now works in Annapolis) because the 1 to 1.5 hour commute go to be too hard.

The MARC is in Odenton, which has a lot of new construction and new neighborhoods (Piney Orchard) - also good schools and lots of stuff for kids. You can definitely get a nice place for $2500 there.

Silver Spring is a great option. There are a few very good high schools and a city-like downtown (and therefore more "going on.") It's a busier place and a bit more "transient" than places further north (a lot of temporary DC folks). The commute would be much better, though. I'm not sure about rentals for $2500. We couldn't afford the nicer neighborhoods there.

It all depends on how long your husband is willing to commute. I like the quiet and the serenity of my Crofton neighborhood and people who live here, stay here...but the commute was too much for us.

I hope that is helpful!

[ladams1228]

As long as you're in Crofton, check out Severna Park. Great schools, strong community, excellent sports, and nice neighborhoods with water access to the Severn or Magothy rivers.

[notdancingqueen]

I commute to the Judiciary Sq./Chinatown area of DC daily from Severna Park -- best I can do is 42 minutes. Average is about an hour. Anything over 65 minutes mean it's either a) raining/snowing or b) an accident. You need to plan well, though - go in early or late...between 7-8:30am is hell. Best commute -- and best kept secret -- in the DC area imho. Housing is MUCH cheaper out here, schools are great in S.P., and the proximity to DC/Baltimore/Annapolis plus BWI and National airports can't be beat. Crofton also has very good schools and would knock 15-20 minutes off your commute.

[CH Fisher]

where can I get a house/townhome for under $320,000 and still have good schools for my kids to go to? My husband will be commuting to Bethesda everyday. Is Howard County too far?