Single Male in early 30s relocating to DC/Balt area - Need some pointers

[stampoutspam]

Go with Columbia. It's very close to Beltsville, has great shopping and restaurants. And, YES, it has a great singles scene when it comes to happy hours (Nottingham's, Ram's Head Tavern, Green Turtle). Ft. Meade is right next door and lots of technology professionals work nearby (contractors). For weekend fun, you're better off going to the city (either Baltimore or DC). But it's much better to commute on the weekend that daily! If you want to get a good idea, go to Nottingham's on a Thursday or Friday evening.

[scottfs]

Originally Posted by JerryP2375

Thanks Tone509 & Shannobanano for recommending Rockville! I actually took a run out there last night & really liked the suburban/urban vibe. Tone you were dead on with Rockville Pike comparing to Rte 611 on steroids. This is exactly what I was looking for! "Downtown" Rockville reminded me of "Downtown" West Chester a bit. I actually took a look at a an apartment complex in the Fallsgrove area & hit the Starbucks in the Fallsgrove shopping plaza which was right around the corner, big plus. I then took a run down Rockville Pike & hit a local bar/restaurant & had some good conversation & exchanged numbers with an attractive waitress.... The ride out was something that annoyed me a bit as I left from work & sat in some traffic along Veirns Mill Rd, but I think I can find a better way once I learn the area. I don't see the commute into work being a problem as I leave at @ 6-6:15am & there wouldn't be too much of an issue taking 270 to 495 to Rte 1 in the morning & then the back roads home. Again, thank you very much as this was exactly what I was looking for. Now to find an apartment within my budget. Would anyone be able to point me in the direction of some good classifieds, other than the generic online sites?

Yeah I think if you are leaving for work around 6am you won't have too much traffic at all. And I'd guess you'd probably be leaving work around 3-4 with that kind of schedule, so probably not too mcuh of an issue coming home either. Not sure about classifieds, but if you want to, let me know what apartment complexes you are considering and I'll give you my opinion. (I grew up in Rockville, lived there all my life besides college years)

[Tuneful]

Consider your commute VERY carefully. DC to Beltsville could be bad. However, DC is not just for kids. People of all ages and descriptions live there, it's very diverse. MANY single professional women of all ages there. DC is especially good if you like cultural things such as museums, concerts, etc.--they are all right there. However, many bars can be for the younger set (though I'm not into bars).
Downtown Bethesda is a nice compromise (and pricey; relatively safe) although doesn't have much of a "scene," lots of restaurants, a few bars, two multiplexes. Silver Spring would not be a bad commute to Beltsville. Rockville used to be deadsville but may be changing. Traffic congestion is a way of life almost anywhere around here, unfortunately.
Craigslist and apartments.com are two resources.
I also like the Columbia/Ellicott City idea, in part because you are about 20 mins from Baltimore and all it has to offer and they are adult-age "bedroom" communities with a few decent places to go.