Maybe Moving to Southern Maryland (Frederick, Waldorf: real estate, townhouse, buy)

[egup82]

My husband is thinking of taking a job in the DC area around Chevy Chase Village. We want to live in a rural small town within an hours commute. We would be looking for a house or townhouse for under 400 k. I dont know if this is possible.

I've been reading online about how terrible the commute is around the DC area which is understandable because of the large population. He will most likely be commuting by car since there is not a subway stop where he would be working. Any suggestions on where we should live? We are looking at Southern Maryland. Thanks.

[egup82]

So i've been reading some other posts. It looks like middle class people should stay out of the Maryland/Northern Va... I guess theres West Virginia??

[TeamBenya]

Southern Maryland may be an option. A small townhouse would go for 200k-250k, a large one (3 stories+) would go for 260k-315k.

Up to $400k, there's a huge selection of single family homes available! You can get new construction for as little as 300-320k, and if you buy resale, you can easily find something with 1+ acres and privacy in a rural setting. You might even find something with enough acreage to even have horses, if you so desire (having horses requires 3+ acres of land).

If you want the rural feel, stay away from Waldorf, it's just too suburban, IMHO. Hughesville, La Plata, White Plains, Mechanicsville, or perhaps North Beach may be an option.

[jmking]

I agree to the post above. Not Waldorf but just a bit farther south. White Plains or La Plata would be my choice. However the commute to Chevy Chase would be an everyday adventure that will get old real quick! I wouldn't do it. If Chevy Chase is the place he will work you may want to look towards northern Maryland on 270 Frederick area.

[egup82]

thanks for the suggestions!! i was getting discouraged after reading some other posts about maryland. i came across a town called poolesville which may be a good place for us.

[jmking]

Poolesville is in Montgomery County and it can be pricey in taxes and real estate. My thinking is it would be more expensive there than southern Maryland. If you look more north (up 270) out of Montgomery County your rates should drop.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by egup82

thanks for the suggestions!! i was getting discouraged after reading some other posts about maryland. i came across a town called poolesville which may be a good place for us.

Maybe you should look at Calvert county.

[North Beach Person]

Calvert County is a hike to Chevy Chase on a road, Rte. 4, that is bumper to bumper for 3 hours in both rush hours and with driveways entering it. A one car accident gridlocks the entire Calvert penninsula. Their best bet would be to look towards Frederick County.