Looking to relocate between McLean, Va and Columbia, Md (Silver Spring: apartment, rental)

[garymuhb]

I will be starting a job in McLean in August, and a friend of mine will be starting a job in Columbia around the same time. We want to split an apartment/condo and are curious what area of Md to start searching for places that would be a good middle-ground for our commutes.

We are both recent college grads and would like to be in an area with a somewhat younger demographic and a decent nightlife. Our max budget, utilities included, will be somewhere between $2300-2600.

Thanks for the input.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by garymuhb

We are both recent college grads and would like to be in an area with a somewhat younger demographic and a decent nightlife. Our max budget, utilities included, will be somewhere between $2300-2600.

If you can find a place in Bethesda, that would be your best bet. Otherwise, look for newer buildings in North Bethesda and Rockville.

The commute to McLean will be heavy around the beltway, and you might look for alternative routes in case of accidents on the bridge. The commute to Columbia might be longer, but it will be easier.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by garymuhb

I will be starting a job in McLean in August, and a friend of mine will be starting a job in Columbia around the same time. We want to split an apartment/condo and are curious what area of Md to start searching for places that would be a good middle-ground for our commutes.

We are both recent college grads and would like to be in an area with a somewhat younger demographic and a decent nightlife. Our max budget, utilities included, will be somewhere between $2300-2600.

Thanks for the input.

Try Silver Spring. I think it's a good location in between both places, it's in your budget, and it's a place where a lot of young professionals live.

[MrMaryland455]

Originally Posted by pgtvatitans

Try Silver Spring. I think it's a good location in between both places, it's in your budget, and it's a place where a lot of young professionals live.

I agree either "Downtown Silver Spring" or "Bethesda" that would be your best bet......Especially for young proffesionals.....They have an excellent nightlife and minutes from D.C.

[ItalianExec]

Commute to Columbia from Mclean will be terrible, could take up 1 hour and 30 mins each way. I drove it for a project. If it rains, could be 2 hours!

As others have stated, Bethesda is somewhat in between and close to DC nightlife. Living in Mclean and working in Mclean is ideal for you. Close to your job, DC nightlife, and with the amentities of Tysons Corner.

[laminmd]

There are good rental options in downtown Bethesda within your price range. There is a very active night life and a great range of cultural options in (or within easy access of) Bethesda, which is filled with people of all ages, and you will be more or less splitting the difference between your two work locations if you live there. But as others have said, the commute to McLean will be awful at rush hour and the commute to Columbia will only be marginally better.

[Zimar]

Honestly, if I were you, I would just live with a different friend (if you can). With your jobs, one of you is going to have a bad commute no matter what arrangement you come up with, and you might as well both have a nice commute while you can, before spouse/house/kids makes things more complex.