DC/Rockville Suggestions? (Bethesda: apartments, rent, buying)

[Moving321]

My husband and I (late 20s) are moving to the DC area, for a job in Rockville. Can anyone provide advice on areas to live and apartment suggestions? We are open to living anywhere from Rockville to DC, with a commute of 45 minutes or less (the shorter the better).

Preferences:
Walking distance to a metro stop
Preferably 2 bedrooms but we will take a large 1 bedroom, at least 1,000 sq ft
We do have one car, so parking is a plus
Plenty of neighbors our age
Close to entertainment (restaurants, bars, etc.)
Max rent of $2K
Safe/walkable area
Cat friendly apartment

We also plan on buying within a year, so realtor suggestions are appreciated as well. Thanks to anyone who can give us some advice/suggestions!

[Collateral]

I would start my search with Rockville Town Center. For the price, short commute and other preferences you listed.. its probably the best bet. There is SOME nightlife there but its a relatively new thing so its limited. However there are lots of restaurants and a movie theater right there.

The next best choice is Bethesda. Lots of nightlife, restaurants, shops, bars, 20-somethings, etc. The downside is prices can get very high. But you have the advantage of being a couple so you can probably rent a one bedroom in your price range.

Also consider the areas around the White Flint and Twinbrook metro stops. The apartments and communities in those areas are nice and prices are decent for the most part. Not much nightlife, but lots of restaurants and shopping.

Once you leave Maryland and start looking in DC it gets harder to predict your commute time. If you're going by metro.. a ride from the out-skirts of Rockville to Downtown DC takes about 35-45 minutes. If driving.. it can be 40 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic and the route you choose.