Relocating: Work in Georgetown Live in Montgomery County? (Silver Spring, Bethesda: rent, high crime)

[concord39]

I am moving to take up a job at Georgetown University. Will be moving with my wife and 3 year old daughter. Household income should be about $100k. Could rustle up $30k down payment but will probably rent for at least the first year. Owning is desirable but . . .
I would be taking train/bus to work - there is a GT bus from Dupont Circle. I'd like a commute that is less than an hour.
Am also interested in how long the drive into DC would be at weekends e.g. to museums etc.

Have been thinking about Montgomery County. A good public school is important.

Takoma Park looks interesting. Maybe parts of Silver Springs? These seem more affordable and livable than closer-in areas like CC, Bethesda etc.
But of course I am posting here because I am open to suggestions because I have limited knowledge of the area.

(Arlington VA has also been recommended to me)

Thanks.

[chaipork]

Takoma is a high crime area, although it is very cute and affordable.

[dkf747]

CC, Bethesda, N Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, or Gaithersburg (ZIP 20878) will all work. Parts of Silver Spring as well. All have good schools. Arlington would be good too. Bethesda or Arlington are the best choices for Georgetown, but are both very expensive.

[diplomat74]

Rockville or North Potomac would fit your requirements

[Arigatou]

Commuting to Gtown from the North Bethesda-Rockville area is very different if using car vs metro. By car it will take 30-40 minutes (by using canal road/MacArthur Blvd). By train, be prepared for about 80-100 minutes to get to the university. The GUTS bus does leave every 15' (on paper) from Dupont, but you can never time when it comes and leaves, much like most metro buses in MontCo. The variation in day-to-day commute time by metro drove me nuts. If you do end up living in that area, and are lucky enough to get parking at Gtown, I'd recommend driving.

[luishi]

I used to work at Georgetown and my commute was terrible ( I feel sorry for you). I started taking the Metro to Dupont Circle and then the GUTS bus but waiting for the bus in the cold, cold winters and the hot, hot summer was terrible. If you want to drive, parking is very difficult to find and very expensive. If you are on campus, you will have to go on a wait list to secure a parking spot on campus (if you are lucky). From the areas you listed, I will choose Rockville, but Rosslyn, VA is pretty close to Georgetown so it may be a little more convenient.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new job ... I hated working there.