Relocating to Germantown (Gaithersburg, Rockville: apartments, rental market, condo)

[zotmeister]

I am planning a possible relocation to Germantown, MD (working for the DOE). Does anyone have any ideas of where I can rent for a year where its safe and rent is reasonable for 1-2 bedroom under $1300/month.

I heard that Gaithersburg is not safe anymore....is this true. I was there 10 years ago and seemed like a nice area. I don't want to go too far north and be "out of touch" with social events in DC.

I am willing to do a reverse commute "northbound" to Germantown.

Also, if I plan to buy a condo or townhouse later, where would be a good neighborhood to buy (I am single and not married, so school systems are not an issue for me).

lastly, are there free parking at most metro stops so that you can dirve to the stop, park, and take the metro into the city???

Any suggestions would help.

[dkf747]

Part of Gaithersburg (west of 270) is still nice. Germantown is more likely to have something in your price range.

[psychofan]

Take a look at The Park at Kingsview Village in Germantown. It's on the west side of 270 by Clopper Road.

[zotmeister]

What are the rental price range in Gaithersburg or Rockville.... 1 bedroom apartment

[TrippingJay]

Originally Posted by dkf747

Part of Gaithersburg (west of 270) is still nice. Germantown is more likely to have something in your price range.

Very true. Actually, the main areas in Gaithersburg to avoid are around Old Town and Lakeforest Mall; although the Breckenridge and Hunt Club Apartments on Christopher Ave are fairly nice. Germantown also has it's good and bad parts; I believe the areas around Great Seneca Hwy are better than the ones off 355. However; Germantown is further north and not be the best if you wanted to go to DC on the weekends.

I would recommend Archstone Gaithersburg by the Rio-Washingtonian center which was walking distance to all the restuarants and stores at the Rio, and is close to 270 and Shady Grove Metro.

The rental market is also suffering so you should be able to find a 1 bedroom in the $1100-$1200 range in Gaithersburg or Rockville.