is Gaithersburg - 20877 (GIRARD ST/ Victory Farm Dr) safe? (for rent, HOA)

[antar]

Hi
I have found simple but nice town house on GIRARD ST/ Victory Farm Dr in Gaithersburg (20877) for rent and planning to move..but I am new to this area and wife is a little bit paranoid because of the lake forest mall stories.
I'd greatly appreciate if someone throw some light..especially in and near GIRARD ST/ Victory Farm Dr area.

Thanks a lot in advance...

[MDWanderlust]

The community you are referring to seems to be Audubon Square / Fallbrook. That area has changed a lot in the last decade, however, it is predominately a change in demographics. It remains a relatively quiet and solid middle class community. The only crime there would be typical property crime present in any other working class neighborhood. From occasionally visiting friends and old neighbors in that community, I do not feel unsafe.

There does not seem to be much crime-related effects from Lake Forest Mall. The mall is a good mile and a half away and the community is separated by other communities and Asbury Methodist Village. There are more likely minor effects coming from the multi-family communities to the north and east. Please also be aware that there is a decent amount of foot traffic through the neighborhood from the adjacent middle school. As a former resident and occasional visitor, it is a relatively quiet and safe place to live as long as you are open to the changing demographics.

[filmsniffer]

If this townhouse is in the Audubon Square, it's okay. Quite a bit of shady immigrants, though. But no real issues. Many do not follow trash rules! Most people in that subdivision have multiple residents or cars, resulting in a very crowded Fall brook Street when parking are permitted.

If this is in Federal Ct, avoid at all costs!

[larisa727]

Hey Antar --- I am in the middle of a property search and saw your post about the Girard Street area. Did you ultimately decide to move to that area? And if so, do you and your wife feel comfortable there. I have lived in a fairly rural area for the last 15 years or so and realize that I would be in for a lot of changes --- just trying to get a feel for how drastic those changes might be . Many thanks in advance for any information and/or suggestions!

[naimaoul]

Dear all,

I am new in the area. I found a very clean and affordable townhouse in Bralan court, Gaithersburg, MD20877 and I would appreciate if you tell me a little bit about the safety in the neighborhood for the last few years? Any crimes? Robberies? ...Something else that I should now before I decide to move in on July 2011?
Many thanks in advance for your input.

[superseiyan]

I live in 20877 zip code. It IS safe.

[tonic226]

If you are refering to Audubon Square, then it is a relatively nice community. The only gripe I have is how the bulk trash pick-up is handled every first Monday of the month. Many residents leave prohibited items such as paint and othe construction materials around which may sit for a week or so or until the HOA is notified. The HOA does a good job with snow removal and the City of Gaithersburg is right on top of the job.

As far a crime goes, the area near the elementry school can be sketchy but the neighborhood itself is ok. There have been some petty crimes such as property damage and a few burgerlies but which neighborhood doesn't deal with those problems. I haven't seen any gang activity in the neighborhood which is mostly confined around Lake Forest and parts of Olde Towne.

Good Luck with your search. Do you have a street in mind and maybe I can help you with those details.

[maurenemm]

I know someone (family member) who lives on Bralan Ln (which is just one street over). I think it is relatively safe but they are often complaining about the neighbors (some are good, some are bad). I believe that last summer they did not open the neighborhood pool because they couldn't afford the necessary maintenance on it. I'm not sure if its open this year or not.