Need advice on relocating to PG County, MD or surrounding areas (Baltimore: apartments, foreclosures)

[MDbound2]

Hi,

I have finally decided to move back to Maryland. However, I have not lived in the DC/Maryland area in years so I know a lot has changed since that time. I'm really looking for advice on areas that are within a reasonable commuting distance to DC but are still decent enough to live. Please keep in mind that I am single and will want to mingle with other singles in the area as well so a general mix of venues to socialize would be nice. Money is definitely a concern, but I'm willing to pay to get a nice place. Also, if you can recommend decent apartments there, (not necessary but helpful), that would be nice too.

Thanks in Advance!

[trying2moveup]

Be more specific so we can help you-

do you want condo/TH/SFH (think forward to where you might be 10 years from now - married with children, b/c it may take 10 years for the housing values to get back on a normal track).

What do you want to pay for a home?

Do you want to be near mass transporation/beltway/MARC?

Do you prefer cultural ammenities and restaurants, etc? or do you want something more "rural' but somewhat close to these things?

[MDbound2]

Good questions. Right now, I'm just looking at apartments down there because I need to get to know the area again. Eventually I would like to buy a town house or a single family home but I'm taking my time because that's a huge investment.

I definitely need to be near the beltway as I will driving a lot but somewhat close to the metro.

As far as cultural amenities, as long as they are within a reasonable commuting distance, I am cool.

[tercel95]

I would consider the montgomery county area. For whatever reason I don't understand people will defend to the death areas in PG county that I think are garbage. Silver Spring is not the best but, gaithersburg, rockville, and olney are all pretty nice. My Dad lives in Olney and commutes to GW University everyday. I live in southern MD now and would never go back living that close to the beltway but I understand people need to be where the jobs are...

[MichaelinMaryland]

In Rockville, Maryland the Congressional Apartments are pretty nice (grandparents lived there) and they are close to 270 south and north. In Bethesda, the apartments on battery lane I heard are nice and they are right near DC and other hot spots and they are also close to 270 south and 270 north...270 south breaks off into 1-495 east pretty close from there

[MDbound2]

Thanks, I knew a few people that lived in Silver Springs. They loved it but I thought there was too much traffic for me. I would like to get back and forth from Baltimore to DC easily.

[tonyc]

Originally Posted by MDbound2

Thanks, I knew a few people that lived in Silver Springs. They loved it but I thought there was too much traffic for me. I would like to get back and forth from Baltimore to DC easily.

Easily between Balt' <-> DC; then u will want to be either in Howard County or maybe even Laurel.

[hump368]

Check all of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac foreclosures,,, there are bunches of them around Silver Spring and the surrounding areas. We live in Bel Air, and are looking, however, Freddie and Fannie are mostly South of Baltimore City. That is good for you. It is in your best interest to sign a buyer's rep agreement with a Realtor. Negotiate tough. Offer 65 % of listing price to start. The market is getting ready for another downturn and you don't want to buy and owe more on the house you just bought in a matter of a few months. Houses up here that sold for $ 299,000 at the top fo the housing bubble are now listing for $ 199,000.

[MDbound2]

Thanks, I'll have to check these places out upon my visit there this spring.

[MajeztikJah]

That's where you want to be if you are going back and forth between Bmore and DC. Or along the 95 corridor. Now I suggest inside Laurel because traffic is horrendous either side (north or south) of Laurel so it would be easier getting out of Laurel than trying to go though Laurel. Secondly, Greenbelt is a very good location close to the BW Parkway and 95. Beltsville, Adelphi, Burtonsville to name a few.
P.S. Don't listen to all these people trashing Prince Georges County. Life is what you make where ever you decide to live. It's all about how you carry yourself.