New to MD: Silver Spring or College Park? (images, document)

[cpterp]

scrapper105: Well, Univ. Park is different and from what I hear doesn't have much crime and is very livable. PG Plaza and the new development there is actually nice as well, but it does have it's fair share of crime due mostly to surrounding communities such as some parts of Hyattsville. Last year IIRC there was a shooting in front of the Target there.

[dkf747]

University Park is right next to PG Plaza. I've always wondered how they keep the crime from University Park?

[cpterp]

Univ. Park is a slightly isolated "enclave" like Berwyn Heights or Ft Washington, although the former is suurounded by decent areas. I read about a incident in Univ. Park about a month or two ago and residents were quoted saying how low the crime rate was and how happy they were with it.

Here's the article: Student Robbed at Gunpoint in University Park

Don't really like how they dragged College Park's name through the mud though...

[paposo]

All of the choices you mentioned have "nice area" mixed with "rundown". It really depends on where in those areas you choose to live. You have to do your homework in all of these areas. I like your idea of renting first so you can see for yourself.

[BimpO]

I'm puzzled by the oft-stated preferences for Takoma Park over College Park.

I fell for this when I moved to the DC area a year ago and now live in Takoma Park. The taxes are high, neighbors are inconsiderate with barking dogs, and many storefronts are empty. People who earn average wages cannot afford the housing prices.

I'm seriously thinking about moving to the more affordable and vibrant College Park area.

[cpterp]

Originally Posted by BimpO

I'm puzzled by the oft-stated preferences for Takoma Park over College Park.

I fell for this when I moved to the DC area a year ago and now live in Takoma Park. The taxes are high, neighbors are inconsiderate with barking dogs, and many storefronts are empty. People who earn average wages cannot afford the housing prices.

I'm seriously thinking about moving to the more affordable and vibrant College Park area.

Haha, I wouldn't call College Park "vibrant," although it is affordable (if you know where to look). It's decent, and not really new or exciting, but it's not run down or crime infested either. From I've been going there, the area hasn't really changed much (for good or bad). Some businesses such as WaWa's and an antique bookstore have closed, but they replace them with different ones. The only thing new in College Park is the M Square UMD research park near the Metro station, and hopefully the East Campus development will be built in the future.

I've been to Takoma Park numerous times and I prefer it (the Silver Spring side, not the Langley Park side). There's a reason why it costs more to live there...

[NJ2MDdude]

Originally Posted by BimpO

I'm puzzled by the oft-stated preferences for Takoma Park over College Park.

I fell for this when I moved to the DC area a year ago and now live in Takoma Park. The taxes are high, neighbors are inconsiderate with barking dogs, and many storefronts are empty. People who earn average wages cannot afford the housing prices.

The taxes are high because you live in a nuclear-free zone. The Star Wars technology is costly to maintain.

[BimpO]

Thank you - these posts are VERY helpful.

I'm looking to purchase a home and I need something to justify high property taxes (in excess of $9000 on homes that cost less than $500,000), which must be paid year after year after year.

[vivo]

another consideration for you may be purple line access which is slated to have 2 or 3 stations in cp and go through greenbelt. it's not a go yet but hopefully it'll be done in 6-8 yrs. I believe 2016 is slated if started in 2013?
I believe university pk right by hyattsville is safe. pretty small only 4 thousand some people. has it's own police station. high median income.

[vivo]

this one has very high ratings in hyattsville about a mile fromthe metro
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