Moving to Maryland in July (Silver Spring, Germantown: apartment, lease, houses)

[Lou & Matt from OK]

Hi! My husband and I are moving to Maryland in July, and would like some pointers from residents as to where we should look for a home. We are coming from Oklahoma, so sticker shock is wearing off after two weeks of online shopping. Our situation is as follows: I'm in the military and will be working at the Bethesda Naval Hospital/University of Health Sciences. We have no kids, with exception of our three LARGE dogs and two cats. We can only spend about $2500 MAX on montly payments. I'm very impressed with the Gaithersburg/Germantown/Rockville area, but I would like specific neighborhood suggestions. I'll probably be taking the Metro from Shady Grove as it seems to be the most efficient mode of transportation unless I feel like hanging out in traffic forever. We're hoping to start a family, so a relatively safe neighborhood with homes that have room to grow would be great.

Anyways, we're excited, yet apprehensive. Hope you can help in any way possible. PS--there is NO WAY we'll not have our three dogs, so please don't suggest it! We love them!

[YaMaximka]

are you looking to buy or to rent?? I've sold few houses in Rockville and Gaithersburg resently and maybe i can find you one and actually help you to make your decision.

[Lou & Matt from OK]

Originally Posted by YaMaximka

are you looking to buy or to rent?? I've sold few houses in Rockville and Gaithersburg resently and maybe i can find you one and actually help you to make your decision.

We are going to rent first for a few months, then we'll buy after we figure out the local market and the neighborhoods.

[teleblazer]

Originally Posted by Lou & Matt from OK

We are going to rent first for a few months, then we'll buy after we figure out the local market and the neighborhoods.

Depending on where you look in Maryland you can get some pretty great neighborhoods and nice size houses (to own) for pretty close to your rent price. That way you get equity while your in the area.

Good luck with the search

[pointermom]

If you didn't post your name, I'd have thought you were the same person I talked with last week. They are moving from OH to the area because the husband is going to work at the Bethesda hospital too.
I'll send you to my realtor too. Debbie at [email]removed/email]
She watches out for her clients, and I met her because she is a dog person
She understands our needs. (She helped my husband and I find a place for our 5 dogs)

[cwhan]

Silver Spring might be a good alternative for apartment renting. It has Metro bus directly to Bethesda/medical center and it takes just 20 to 30 minutes to get to Bethesda station. The rent cost me around $1650 at the Blairs for a 2-bedroom. Like me, you could sign a year lease, enjoying its convenience while getting familiar with the neighborhood, then take your time to find a home to buy.

[workingmom1]

I agree with Silver Spring being an alternative but yet when ready to buy go towards G'burg ang G'town. Although most of MD is like a mini NY right now with all the traffic Gtown is further away from the city and might be quiter for family pruposes but catch 22 for commuting purposes(might have to do bus then metro) I lived right across From Bethesda naval base my whole life and i loved it ....prior to all of the blockades and searches. good luck you will love it!!!!!!!!!!!