Your partner works in Frederick, and you in DC - Where to live?

[ampel]

Another vote for Gaithersburg...especially the Kentlands/Lakelands neighborhoods.

[PhenomenalAJ]

Definitely pick Rockville/Shady Grove because its the farthest northwest you can live on the Metro line. A commute into Frederick could be 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and exactly where you live, but its doable. Some parts aren't very walkable but Rockville Town Center is gorgeous with tons of good restaurants and bars. It may not be a gay mecca but it is a gay friendly place. For gay nightlife, Dupont Circle is a short Metro ride on the Red Line. If you move somewhere like Gaithersburg that is more convenient to Frederick, you're in for a world of commuting hell and will either need your partner to drop you off at the Shady Grove Metro or take some buses.

[NorthernLad]

Thanks for all your help. It really does make a difference.

Can anyone tell me an estimated commute time from Rockville to Silver Spring via the Metro?

One friend said it was a miserable commute for her, but she was driving - which I won't be doing.

[superseiyan]

Gaithersburg in the vicinity of Shady Grove Metro OR a Marc train stop (Metropolitan Grove, Gaithersburg (Olde-Towne)—free parking).

Thats about the middle point, and you get to avoid having to drive into DC which sucks.

[localcall]

I would personally vote for Bethesda if you can afford it. It's definitely a walkable neighborhood and DC is right next door. You can get away from not having a car on the weekends plus the drive from Bethesda to Frederick isn't really that bad since you'll be going against traffic. I would definitely say it'll be under an hour.

As for living in Gaithersburg or Rockville... well, the commute to Frederick will definitely be better, but it is by no means urban. There's a few walkable town center, but you'll likely have to drive there. Taking the metro to DC will be a long ride but it's a straight shot. And if you live in Gaithersburg, then you'll likely have to drive the metro station. It's definitely far enough that you have to plan to hang out in DC. Plus, you have to understand that people flock to Gaithersburg and Rockville because they want space to have a family. So these areas are definitely more family-oriented so they may not be the funnest place to live in (i.e. you won't exactly be finding bars/nightlife there).

[2rock]

Originally Posted by localcall

I would personally vote for Bethesda if you can afford it. It's definitely a walkable neighborhood and DC is right next door. You can get away from not having a car on the weekends plus the drive from Bethesda to Frederick isn't really that bad since you'll be going against traffic. I would definitely say it'll be under an hour.

As for living in Gaithersburg or Rockville... well, the commute to Frederick will definitely be better, but it is by no means urban. There's a few walkable town center, but you'll likely have to drive there. Taking the metro to DC will be a long ride but it's a straight shot. And if you live in Gaithersburg, then you'll likely have to drive the metro station. It's definitely far enough that you have to plan to hang out in DC. Plus, you have to understand that people flock to Gaithersburg and Rockville because they want space to have a family. So these areas are definitely more family-oriented so they may not be the funnest place to live in (i.e. you won't exactly be finding bars/nightlife there).

Total nonsense.

[localcall]

What did I say that makes it nonsense? I actually live and enjoy Gaithersburg and have commuted to DC before. So my post was based off my experience. Have never driven to Frederick from Bethesda, but my commute had me driving South on 270, and I only see open lanes going North.

[dkf747]

I see a lot of negatives about Gaithersburg in this thread, but, really, It's not a bad idea at all. There's easy access to Metro by bus from just about anywhere in the city. The buses are pretty good, and pretty reliable. If you have to drive to Metro, the trip is pretty short. The only problem would be driving to work towards DC. 270 is hell.

[DillThePill]

See the trip planner at wmata.com for transit information. Gaithersburg to Silver Spring is about an hour because the red line goes downtown and back out.

You aren't going to keep any semblance of your urban lifestyle in Gaithersburg or Rockville. I think you'll be bitterly disappointed if you hope that a newly built town center will be a substitute. If you move there, embrace it for what it is (convenient, comfortable, safe, quiet), but don't expect it to be something it's not. I also predict you'll break down and buy a car if you live there.

Bethesda is a great choice for your needs if you can afford it. It has some walkable, light urban areas and is a good compromise for your commuting requirements. But it's not cheap to be near the Metro.

Frederick is charming and has a small, walkable downtown with some character. (Think revitalized small town, not city.) Frederick has changed a lot in recent years so maybe my viewpoint is out of date but I'd be concerned about how gay friendly it is. There is a reason we used to call them frednecks (sorry). Obama lost Frederick County while winning adjacent Montgomery County with over 70%. I know that's not a perfect cultural measuring stick but it's not nothing.

[westsideboy]

Originally Posted by DillThePill

See the trip planner at wmata.com for transit information. Gaithersburg to Silver Spring is about an hour because the red line goes downtown and back out.

You aren't going to keep any semblance of your urban lifestyle in Gaithersburg or Rockville. I think you'll be bitterly disappointed if you hope that a newly built town center will be a substitute. If you move there, embrace it for what it is (convenient, comfortable, safe, quiet), but don't expect it to be something it's not. I also predict you'll break down and buy a car if you live there.

Bethesda is a great choice for your needs if you can afford it. It has some walkable, light urban areas and is a good compromise for your commuting requirements. But it's not cheap to be near the Metro.

Frederick is charming and has a small, walkable downtown with some character. (Think revitalized small town, not city.) Frederick has changed a lot in recent years so maybe my viewpoint is out of date but I'd be concerned about how gay friendly it is. There is a reason we used to call them frednecks (sorry). Obama lost Frederick County while winning adjacent Montgomery County with over 70%. I know that's not a perfect cultural measuring stick but it's not nothing.

Frederick County is still red on the whole, but turning bluer as the Montgomery County diaspora heads up I-270. The rural parts of the county are still conservative, but the city itself and the bigger 'burbs are pretty liberal.