Montgomery County (Baltimore, Silver Spring, Germantown: for sale, townhomes, employment)

[shereealewis]

To all Maryland relocation experts...my fiance and I are looking to buy our first home in Maryland. Based on my internet research Montgomery County seems to be the most fitting area for us to live. We are interested in living in a community that is diverse both in age and race, close to the city or an area that offers all the amenities of a city, employment opportunities and a place that isn't too stuffy, after all we are just 24. Please let us know if we're looking in the right county and if we aren't we are seeking your suggestions. Thank you!!!

[dullnboring]

Provided you can afford the exorbitant cost of homes in the area, Montgomery County has all that you are looking for. Considering your wants in a community and your age, I would say the best places to look would be Silver Spring and Takoma Park.

[shereealewis]

Thanks for your reply. We don't want to spend too much, but I'll definitely look into both Silver Spring and Takoma. Thanks again...

[silverspringer]

20910! (or 20912)!

[shereealewis]

Thanks for responding!

[TheSeakur]

It really depends on where you want to work and what you can afford. The further north up Interstate 270 the cheaper the housing gets but the worse the commutes get to any job heavy areas. Take commuting into account and, if you can, pay extra not to be in the middle of nowhere. Prices have stabilized and even gone down in a few areas but townhomes can still range from $200k to $500k. I'm in Germantown and the house across from me is up for $420k (single family, 1400 SF with a decent yard). Beware of the lure of Frederick! Many people look to the north to find bargains but can still find them closer to DC if they are patient. It took me 3 months to find my house but I think Germantown is the best of all worlds, close enough to DC and Baltimore but far enough away for comfort.

[shereealewis]

Germantown is actually an area that we are considering. Will we be able to find a home in Germantown for around $300k, or am I wishing on a star?

[Alanboy395]

if you want a townhome you should have no problem. sfh could be another story.

[TheSeakur]

Like my great granpappy used to say, drive an inexpensive car and buy the best home you can afford. For 300k you are looking at a townhome or maybe a single family fixer upper. Beware of homes close to the train tracks in Germantown. I lived 150 yards from them and at night the trains almost shook me out of bed. On the other hand, they are cheaper and you get used to it after a few months. I found an agent who let me cruise the MLS and print out different houses. I would then drive around and just get a feel for the area. If I liked it, I would make an appointment to see the house. Sometimes I would lose the opportunity because I was too slow but in the end I got exactly what I wanted. Drive around on the weekend and just look for "For Sale" signs. If you like the house, call the number and nine times out of ten the agent will give the price on the phone.

[opequon]

lots of diverse neighborhoods, but traffic is bad, so be sure you aren't locating too far from work