Apartments in Rockville, MD (Germantown, Bethesda: apartment complexes, rent, crime)

[zotmeister]

I am anticipating a move to a job in Germantown and everyone sggests that I move to Rockville (not Germantown or Gaithersburg because of crime)....is this true? Are there other places where I can live so I can commute via the 270N and near metro so I can go into the city on weekends.

If so, where are good apartment complexes (please specify) in Rockville that is safe where I can find a 1 bedroom apartment for under $1400 (including parking and preferably own W/D).

Thanks

[scottfs]

I'd take Rockville over most of Gaithersburg and Germantown. There is more crime in those areas. I'm sure there are good areas there too but you'll probably like Rockville better as a whole plus the Metro goes through Rockville and doesn't go through Gaithersburg and Germantown. Your commute will be a breeze too since most traffic on 270 is heading south in the morning and north in the evening.

Apartments down on Rockville Pike are going to cost a lot if they're right near the metro and I don't know any well enough to recommend personally. I think you might want to check out apts such as King Farm. Not walking dist to Metro but you can drive there on weekends (when parking is free) in just a few min. Real nice area. I'm not sure what their 1br pricing is these days but you can always call them. Another nice newer community near 270 are the apartments near Fallsgrove. Check them out too. Very safe area.


P.S. I reckon you're from California or Arizona because you used the definite article "the" to refer to a numbered highway. We don't do that here. It's just "go north on 270" not "the 270"

[zotmeister]

Thanks for the correction on using "the". Also thanks for the heads up on some apartments. I don't need to be by the metro since I am driving for the work commute and will be going against traffic. You had mentioned that parking at the metro station is free on weekends....is this true of all metro stops in the greater DC/metro. area?? Sorry for the stupid questions, but what is Rockville Pike??? Also, is it better (safer or cheaper) to live east or west of 270 in Rockville, or it doesn't matter.

[macroy]

Everywhere has their 'good' areas and 'bad' areas. Do you have kids? If so, I'd suggest Rockville.

Rockville in general is more desirable as it contains/borders some of the nicer areas (Potomac, Bethesda etc.) of Montgomery County. The down side is obviously that you will be paying much more to live there than G-burg/Germantown.

The "pike" or Rockville Pike is basically US Route 355; the main thoroughfare (very congested these days) that runs through the city proper.

While there are exceptions, the area south (or west) of 270 between exits 8 (Shady Grove Rd) and the Beltway (I-495) is more desirable - albeit as you get closer to 495, it becomes Bethesda (read: more $$). The areas I'd avoid the area that is bordered by Gude dr/Rockville Pike/Norbek (known drug market of Rockville).

If I was to recommend someone for the Rockville area, I'd suggest the Falls Grove or King Farm communities. These are planned communities that have retail, restaurants, residences all intertwined to give a small city feel. Falls Grove is also right across the street from a major hospital.

The other area that is fairly nice is Lakelands/Kentlands, which is in Gaitherburg (also planned developments). But also keep in mind the surrounding area is not so hot (mainly by Muddy Branch Rd. north of Great Seneca Hwy).
I know I threw in there a lot of roads and areas that may be foreign to you. But I'm looking at Google maps, if that helps any.

[scottfs]

All metro parking is free on the weekends, and the fares are reduced as well. So it's a great way to do some sight seeing over the weekends, especially if you have family or friends coming in from out of town. Not sure east and west of 270 makes a huge difference rather than the specific part of town. macroy's advice was pretty spot on. King Farm like I mentioned is just east of 270 very very nice, Fallsgrove is west of 270 and also very nice. Both these communities have great access to shopping and restaurants and whatnot. If you decided to go live further south on the pike (Rockville Pike, i.e. 355) towards Bethesda, I think the nicer places would blow your budget and you wouldn't have nearly as good access to 270 which you need to get to work.

Let me know if you have any other questions I can try to help with. I've lived here most of my life so I know the area pretty well.

[zotmeister]

Hey scottfs and macroy, thanks for all the advice. it helps me out a lot in figuring where I can possibly live. I obviously want to get a nice, safe place for the lowest rent possible. I also don't want to be so far north on 270 such that I can't get the metro on weekends and enjoy DC. I figure Rockville would be much better than Gaithersburg and Germantown.

I will check out those locations you told me about and if I have more questions, I will definitely ask for your opinions.

I love this forum site...so helpful!

[dkf747]

Don't forget that parts of King Farm has kids going to Gaithersburg High School. You don't want to live in that part if you have teens.

[mississippimagnolia]

Good decision to stay out of Germantown. I don't much about Rockville, so I can't give suggestions. But Germantown is a nightmare.

[zotmeister]

Originally Posted by mississippimagnolia

Good decision to stay out of Germantown. I don't much about Rockville, so I can't give suggestions. But Germantown is a nightmare.

Can you describe what you mean by nightmare and what to avoid??

[tonyc]

Originally Posted by mississippimagnolia

Good decision to stay out of Germantown. I don't much about Rockville, so I can't give suggestions. But Germantown is a nightmare.

strong words....