Frederick, MD (Baltimore, Columbia, Gaithersburg: appointed, condo, townhouses)

[DCNative]

Is a totally different world from Washington, DC. You might as well be in Kentucky or Maine or Arkansas. I started my part time job at Best Buy there, and the people are much friendlier and laid-back than those in DC. Just wanted to share this tidbit.

[boltzst]

yea, but look at what you're comparing it too.

it's like comparing the bronx inner city to sea world.

[westsideboy]

It just depends on your perspective. I get a great view of the I-270 gridlock every morning and evening. What is more D.C. than that? If you spend time in D.C. and head to Frederick, it looks rural. If you are coming east from Western Maryland, Frederick is the "big city."

[azucarnegra]

I live in Montgomery County and work in Frederick. It is not as diverse as most areas and there seems to be an overall lack of acceptance for people who look 'different' in this area. I have found some to be overly friendly to the point its scary and others to be so friggin rude its not funny. I am from the south and know southern hospitality..somethings a little different here.

I see Frederick as the outskirts or more rural park of MD. I've been told anything past Gaithersburg is the boondocks.

[westsideboy]

Frederick County is an exurb of D.C. The population has grown by about 50% in the last 15 years. 40% of the workers commute to the inner burbs, D.C. or Baltimore every day. The average personal and family incomes are some of the highest in the entire country. Housing prices are high. True, there are some rural people left in the northern and western part of the county, but they are now a minority in their own county to the Washingtonians.
If this is the "boondocks" to you, I'd hate to see what you think of the some of the real rural areas of MD.

[Dingler]

Go to the big Mall in Frederick, MD and you will see the huge difference. It is mostly white people. Go to Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg and nearly everyone is speaking another language. The two places feel so different.

[terryandtouey]

Poor Frederick has experienced a lot of growing pains. They have overcrowded schools. Have had water shortages due to overdevelopment. Traffic congestion is as bad up there as in other parts of MD.

Traditionally, it's a very conservative town, politically and culturally. Largely a blue collar and agricultural town. There's a lot of that still apparent -- some of which is good and some not so good.

The big mall in Frederick -- if you are used to urban shopping, or large suburban malls like Tysons, Columbia, or even Montgomery Mall, you'd probably be disappointed.

It's a lovely old town and I can see why it appeals to so many. However, it might be a good example of what happens when developers are allowed free reign without adequate community and government involvement and oversight.

[azucarnegra]

Originally Posted by westsideboy

Frederick County is an exurb of D.C. The population has grown by about 50% in the last 15 years. 40% of the workers commute to the inner burbs, D.C. or Baltimore every day. The average personal and family incomes are some of the highest in the entire country. Housing prices are high. True, there are some rural people left in the northern and western part of the county, but they are now a minority in their own county to the Washingtonians.
If this is the "boondocks" to you, I'd hate to see what you think of the some of the real rural areas of MD.

Exurb of DC. Why I am I not seeing it on a daily basis. Can you tell me which part has the DC overflow so I can go check those out.

[westsideboy]

azucarnegra, check out the condo boxs and townhouses in Ballanger's Creek, Urbana, On Rt. 26 as you head east, Lake Linganore, and all of the new developments in the city limits, but outside the old town of Frederick, Overlook, Buckingham, Yellow Creek, etc. Most of these places are filled with recent immigrants to Frederick (mostly from other US states, but some other countries too.)

Do you head north on 270 in the morning? If so check out the traffic jams heading into Montgomery County and D.C. These are the exurbanites!

[azucarnegra]

Thanks Westsideboy. I had 270N each morning and I cry for the folks heading south. I thought that Ballenger Creek was one of the up and coming areas. I told my husband that might be a good place to look into but we are both leery about Frederick County.

Thanks for the response.