Commute - Odenton to Bethesda? (Columbia, Annapolis: real estate, to rent, buying)

[green_womyn]

We're moving from Los Angeles to MD and trying to keep a reasonable commute. We'll be working in Bethesda, and are thinking about living in Odenton. Any idea what the commute time is? Can we take the metro?
Thanks!

[dorado0359]

Your drive time from Odenton to Bethesda is going to be about an 1 hour, without heavy traffic. I have some acquaintances who were commuting by train out of Odenton into Virginia; But I am not sure if there is a train that goes from Odenton to Bethesda.

Unless you have specific reasons why you are buying in Odenton, I would look at communities a little closer to Bethesda. Columbia Maryland, in my opinion is a better location than Odenton, has more to offer in terms of activies and cultural event and will probaly save you 25 minutes in commuting time.

Good Luck.

[Leslee Borman]

I am a real estate agent in Maryland and I agree, Columbia would be a better choice for the commute. Be sure to Rent for a year or so just to see what areas you like. Although I no longer live in Columbia, it was a great place to start and you should check out Annapolis as well!

[Rmx Christina]

I think Odenton is a very nice area. I work in the Remax office in Odenton. There is a nice community with very nice amenities called Piney Orchard. There is a Marc train station nearby, I know it takes you into DC because my dad took this for his commute when we lived here. Need to verify about Bethesda....(??)

You can search the MLS on my website with no login. You don't have to give any personal info, all i ask is when you need a realtor, please let me know...My office is in Odenton, and I'd be happy to help you find a house.

[emsgoof]

If you're working in Bethesda, move to the Bethesda / Chevy Chase area.
No kidding, it took me 45 minutes the other day just to go 3 miles from the Beltway to Bethesda Naval Hospital, and that really isn't too uncommon during the rush hour.
The two areas (Odenton and Bethesda) are on opposite sides of the metropolitan area, with some of the worst traffic in the nation. 2-3 hours wouldn't be unrealistic for a time frame for the commute.

[Rmx Christina]

To avoid, plan on taking the train.... =)

[emsgoof]

(Ambulances don't fit on trains!)
But yes, as long as you have time, MARC stops in Odenton (commuter train), get off at Union Station, take the Metrorail red line to Bethesda or Medical Center. Probably around 1.5 hours each way, but way less stress and wear and tear on the vehicle.