relocating....Rockville questions (Bethesda: apartment complexes, rentals, loans)

[Uhaul Is My Friend]

Fiancee will be working in Bethesda, looking at area and was wondering about Rockville areas to avoid. We are relocating from out of state in two weeks and need all the advice we can get. I was originally looking at Nova but am worried about never getting to see him due to nightmarish commutes.

Specifically, is the Burgundy Hills area ok?

Any advice will be great. We are looking for a small home to rent, 2bedrooms as we do not have any children. We are trying to stay under $1700 a month and I know that will be a tremendous feat but grad school loans are rough.

Thanks so much!!!

[MDWanderlust]

If you are open to apartment living, take a look at the apartment communities off of East Jefferson Street and Rollins Avenue in Rockville. That area is just west of Rockville Pike - the main north-south thoroughfare through the area - and is very convenient to shopping and dining. It will also be closer to Bethesda - just a few miles drive down Old Georgetown Road or Rockville Pike. The commute to any place in Bethesda should be no more than 20-30 minutes - even in rush hour. The apartments in this area are older garden style complexes and therefore more affordable - however, without the sacrifice in safety and nearby amenities. It also has easy access to both the Capital Beltway (I-485) and Interstate 270. Getting an older two bedroom apartment in this area would be closer to work - but much more affordable compared to the newer buildings in the area.

[Uhaul Is My Friend]

Thanks, we will scope that area out and if we are lucky enough that any one of the 6-8 agents we have who offered to help us will call back, will see what is available. Otherwise, I may be back here asking about specific apartment complexes.

[beth121]

You might also want to check out the Twinbrook neighborhood in Rockville. It offers plenty of small houses in your price range, a safe, pleasant neighborhood and easy commute to Bethesda. You can find rentals on longandfoster.com or craigslist (driving through the neighborhood and looking at signs is probably the best way, but since you are out of state I assume that is not an option).

[profesora]

A friend of mine rented an apt in that area a few years ago - don't remember the name of the complex but it's off Twinbrook Pkwy and right beside Rockville HS. Rents are in your range and I think most of them come with W/D in the apt. It also borders Rock Creek Park which was nice. It's in a safe area and older apts/houses plus grocery stores and a library are very close also (less than 5 mins).