Home Buying Decision (lease, townhouses, school district)

[jren8888]

Hey Guys,

I am looking to buy a townhouse in gaithersburg and I am kinda torn. I am looking at a price of around 300k. The area I am considering are:

Amberfield (20878) - This is by Muddy Branch. I really like the community, location, school district, but the house is a bit old and above my price range a bit.

Warther (20878) - Across the street from Amberfield. The people that live here looks slightly shady. The location and pricing is very good. The house here is not as nice as Amberfield.

Shady Grove Village (20878) - Across from Warther. Looks and feels a bit more shady than Warther. The location and pricing is also very good.

Hidden Creek (20877) - The community itself is very nice. Very New townhouses. What I dislike is the school district, and the area around Lake Forest. The price is comparable to Amberfield.

So really, old house, good location versus new house, more shady location. What are you thoughts and suggestions?

[Debi18]

If Amberfield is your preference, start there, submit an offer within your price range and see what happens.

[TrippingJay]

If you have kids that nearing the age for schools, I'd go with the places in 20878 over 20877. By the same token, if you want something new and don't have kids, Hidden Creek might be a good option. Plus, if you're just starting out who knows what the schools will be like 5-7 years from now.

Personally I think the TH's in Shady Grove have more character than the other two developments and don't have the cookie-cutter generic look. I've driven around most of these areas and shopped at the Muddy Branch Giant when I lived at the Rio and didn't get a sketchy vibe from any of the areas. Keep in mind that in most TH developments you might more neighbors that are transient as many townhouses are often leased out.