Advice for renting somewhere between Catonsville MD and DC? (Columbia: apartment, places to live)

[wakeupandshine]

Hi!

I'm looking for some housing advice. I've been offered a job in Catonsville, MD. My partner has been offered a job around the Farragut North. We are looking for a two-bedroom apartment (no real price budget at the moment to rent).

Ideally he wants to commute by public transport to his office (as he works long hours). I am ok to drive but we want something in between the two places. As both of us are new to the US, I need some advice on where to start looking for places? I am used to big city life so would prefer the amenities of DC, and particularly looking for somewhere gay-friendly to live.

Some people have mentioned Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Columbia to us, but not sure what the commute is like to drive to Catonsville? Can you please help?

Thanks

[sirc625]

Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Columbia are all great picks for both of your commute needs, but all are VERY expensive places to live. If $1400+ a month for rent isn't a problem than you're good as gold.

I think Columbia would be the best bet since it's 20 minutes from Catonsville and 30-45 minutes to the Silver Spring or Greenbelt Metro stations if you take Rt. 29 or the B/W Parkway (295).

[wakeupandshine]

Hi Sirc625, Thanks so much for this info.

Do you know out of interest what traffic is like leaving Silver Spring or Greenbelt to get to Catonsville in the morning, or returning in the evening?

[sirc625]

Originally Posted by wakeupandshine

Hi Sirc625, Thanks so much for this info.

Do you know out of interest what traffic is like leaving Silver Spring or Greenbelt to get to Catonsville in the morning, or returning in the evening?

If you take Rt. 29 from Silver Spring or Rt. 295 (B/W Parkway) from Greenbelt to get to Catonsville you are actually going in the opposite direction of most of the rush hour traffic going into DC, so the commute will be easier. The same is true in the evening.