New Job in Silver Spring, 25yo: Petworth/Columbia Heights a good fit?

[Mboogie]

Originally Posted by Plokivos

plus better authentically cultural places to hang out than MD or DC.

Live in VA.

Such as? I don't think that anyone from the area would honestly try to argue that NOVA has more "authentic cultural places"
than DC. Arlington and Oldtown do have a variety of dining and entertainment options, but they are supplemental to the core of the metropolitan area- the nation's capital, DC. People aren't flocking to places like Fairfax and Loudoun for the nightlife, cultural events/attractions and dining, they're there for the jobs, schools and safety.

To the OP, I would seriously consider Petworth as an option. Prices are, for the time, a bit lower than Columbia Heights, and you'll still be close to metro and downtown. You could look into the new or remodeled apartments close to the metro, but you could get a better deal in a group house. Plus you would have a bit more space. The area is mostly residential, with a few bars, shops and restaurants on Georgia Ave and street near the metro. But, if you wanted more, you're only a short bike ride/bus/cab away from the U street area, Columbia Heights or downtown Silver Spring. The Giant near the metro is being remodeled and a Walmart, up Georgia Ave, will soon be open. So that would meet your grocery needs. There is a remodeled library, park and community center in Petworth, too.

As a result of Columbia Heights ever increasing rents, there has been a huge influx of young professionals into the neighborhood. This isn't confined to a few blocks near the metro, I constantly see young professional walking dogs through Sherman and Grant Circles, jogging on Illinois Ave, and couples walking babies on Rock Creek Church Red. I will say that the area is economically diverse, and that some parts can appear more hood than they really are; but the truth is, most areas are safe and you can carry on like all the new, young professionals in the neighborhood.

[DistrictSonic]

1. His job is in SILVER SPRING can you not read that. The commute from Virginia would NOT be shorter than places in DC and Maryland. It would be hell. DC has buses and trains that go into silver spring which his commute would be half an hour tops. Shorter commute times, what a flipping joke. The only commute that is short in Virginia is for jobs in Virginia, and even then you often have to drive.
2. The cultural options in VA are comparatively horrible to DC or even Montgomery County. There is not much of a nightlife at all, the restaurants are better in Montgomery County and DC. Better culturally authentic places, what planet are you on. Most of the culture in the area is in DC, and Montgomery County a close second.
3. The only reason people live in VA is because of jobs, or they have kids. For somebody who is single DC is the best option really, great night life and community, the entire area is more walkable. You don't need to drive everywhere, or at all for that matter. Oh there is an actual nightlife within the district and buses run late.
4. You do realize there is a whole foods in downtown silver spring, and on 14th street in DC right? To me it shows you know little or nothing about either DC or Maryland.

Personally I kind of consider Virginia the worst place to move in this area if you are young and without children. In most of Virginia you have to drive, and the bus system is not nearly as consistent as DC or Maryland, and the metro access is worse. Getting from VA to Silver Spring where he has to work is a commute from hell, especially without a car and taking public transit. Hell even with a car it is a horrible scenario. You kind of missed the part about where he is working and what he is looking for.

With that being said, do not rule out the takoma and shepard park neighborhoods of DC, you are not hit with the weird takoma park double tax, and you would be able to walk to your job, Rock Creek park, etc. Again...it's a little different, but Takoma is getting it's share of young professionals. There is less of a nightlife, but you are a short bus ride from it. It's north of petworth, but should be on your list for proximity reasons.