Where to live in Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's Co. (relocating, downtown)

[chirae]

Thanks for all the advise so far, everyone. I think we're going to start looking seriously at Silver Spring, since I'm not thrilled about the idea of commuting from the Laurel area towards the city. I'd like to find a little more information about crime and safety first. Does anyone have any advice concerning safety in Silver Spring. Specifically, is it safe enough for me to go walking around alone? I'm a 22 year old white girl.

[hairmetal4ever]

Originally Posted by chirae

Thanks for all the advise so far, everyone. I think we're going to start looking seriously at Silver Spring, since I'm not thrilled about the idea of commuting from the Laurel area towards the city. I'd like to find a little more information about crime and safety first. Does anyone have any advice concerning safety in Silver Spring. Specifically, is it safe enough for me to go walking around alone? I'm a 22 year old white girl.

In most areas you should be OK - I see lots of 22 year old white girls walking around downtown Silver Spring with no problems!

[koofie]

Originally Posted by hairmetal4ever

In most areas you should be OK - I see lots of 22 year old white girls walking around downtown Silver Spring with no problems!

I agree! Just be aware of what's going on around you. Been there, done that (except ~8 years ago)!

[dreamer08]

Originally Posted by AlicynD

Fulton/Maple Lawn area is right on the Laurel and Columbia border and right off of Route 29 so very easy access travel routes for Laurel and Washington D.C. area. There is a new shopping center there that has office buildings, boutiques, restaurants, day spa, coffee shops, etc.

I love the Maple Lawn area. It is an easy commute to DC, Baltimore, or even Virginia. The downtown is wonderful. I highly recommend.

[Jaded]

Originally Posted by chirae

Thanks for all the advise so far, everyone. I think we're going to start looking seriously at Silver Spring, since I'm not thrilled about the idea of commuting from the Laurel area towards the city. I'd like to find a little more information about crime and safety first. Does anyone have any advice concerning safety in Silver Spring. Specifically, is it safe enough for me to go walking around alone? I'm a 22 year old white girl.

Where are you from? I'm confused. I'm not sure if you stated your age and ethnicity because you WANT a non-diverse neighborhood or if you stated it because you're ignorant to the fact that crime happens everywhere, and most predators commit crimes against those of the SAME race.

[spoonman3]

Originally Posted by chirae

Thanks for all the advise so far, everyone. I think we're going to start looking seriously at Silver Spring, since I'm not thrilled about the idea of commuting from the Laurel area towards the city. I'd like to find a little more information about crime and safety first. Does anyone have any advice concerning safety in Silver Spring. Specifically, is it safe enough for me to go walking around alone? I'm a 22 year old white girl.

Hey Chirae, Silver Spring does have a high crime rate as do most areas around DC or Baltimore.

If you are talking about going out and walking alone at night as a young girl, I would not recommend it.

Where are you moving from? Maybe then I can give you a better idea of what to expect as I have traveled extensively around the United States.

[TuborgP]

You would love most of Columbia

[Jaded]

Chirae - I've been told from time to time to be more specific on these forums. To be fair, you weren't specific in your meaning when you posted your ethnicity and age. That's your right, but people on these forums will and do "pounce" on hot issues such as this.

Now I understand what you meant...and yes, I agree, there are neighborhoods that fit your description all over the USA. But safety is your main concern, and people who tell others to "get out" or "go back..." probably reside in unsafe areas period.

Think safe, child-friendly (a lot of times, parents w/small children, who are fine with them playing outdoors, speaks volumes to safety in a neighborhood) and you should be fine, regardless of your ethnicity.

Good luck with your house-hunting.

[terp4ever]

Best places to live in MoCo, Howard, & PG (ranked by quality of life):

wealthy-
1.Chevy Chase
2.Bethesda
3.Rockville
4.Potomac/North Potomac
5.Darnestown
6.Ft. Washington

upscale-
1.Germantown
2.Clarksburg
3.Columiba
4.Olney
5.Gaithersburg
6.Mitchelville
7.Ellicott City
8.Bowie

middle class-
1.Takoma Park
2.Silver Spring
3.Greenbelt
4.College Park

anywhere else isn't worth it

[chirae]

Thanks, everyone who gave a real response to the original question. We have nailed down an area that we like, but I do like reading more of what people think about the area. Thanks for posting that list, Terp.