Commute from DC into MD (buy, living in, bus)

[delphinius81]

I have a job up in Rockville, MD and I'm looking to live in DC (most likely NW, but am flexible). Is there such a thing as a reverse commute in DC? I know traffic towards DC stinks during rush hour, but how bad is it trying to leave during those times or right after (say 9am)? Depending on the length of time to get out of the city will help narrow down what areas I'm looking to live in. Also, I know there is a Metro to Rockville, but it isn't walking distance to where I'm working (~2 miles away ), so no dice on ditching the car.

[MadManofBethesda]

It depends where you would be in NW DC, and to where in Rockville you will be traveling. Would you be leaving DC at 9am or is that when you have to be at work? Connecticut Avenue would be a horrible reverse commute because of the lane reversal during rush hour (only 2 of 6 lanes go North), but would not be an issue after 9:00. I find Wisconsin Avenue to be bad at anytime due to all of the lights. And coming through downtown Bethesda and then NIH/Medical Center is horrible. Canal Road is one-way coming into the city in the A.M., so that wouldn't be a possibility if you were living in the Georgetown area. I-270 itself is not a problem heading out to Rockville in the morning; the problem would be just geting to it.

You mentioned that there isn't a Metrobus near your place of employment, but have you checked Montgomery County's Ride-On bus system? They pretty much blanket the county and depart/arrive at Metro stations. Your best bet may be to take the Metro to Twinbrook or Rockville and then catch a Ride-On bus to your worksite.

[delphinius81]

I don't need to be to work until 9:30-10, so I'd be thinking of leaving before 9. The job isn't that far away from the 270 exit, so I'm practically there once I get off the highway. The job is 2 miles south of the Rockville Red Line stop. I'm not familiar with the Ride-On bus though. I'll have to check that out and see where it stops and what times it runs as far as getting back to the station after work. If I can do it all with the Metro, I'd love it.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by delphinius81

I don't need to be to work until 9:30-10, so I'd be thinking of leaving before 9. The job isn't that far away from the 270 exit, so I'm practically there once I get off the highway. The job is 2 miles south of the Rockville Red Line stop. I'm not familiar with the Ride-On bus though. I'll have to check that out and see where it stops and what times it runs as far as getting back to the station after work. If I can do it all with the Metro, I'd love it.

Ride-on is a pretty good bus system. I use it often. Just use the trip planner at wmata.com. It includes Ride-on routes in the results. When you find the route click on it and it will open a new tab/window of the Ride-on website.

[macjr82]

what is the reason u want to live in dc? if it's the culture, u can experience everything dc has to offer and save a daily headache by living in rockville. it's a lot easier parking and taking the metro into dc. metro doesn't close until 3 on the weekends. cab fare is reasonable to rockville should u be out later. dave & busters is a good time right in rockville.

[delphinius81]

I've spent the last 6 years in suburbia hell in Florida. Rockville is a nice area, but it's not what I'm looking for right now. Far more people my age (late 20s) in DC than in a MD suburb. Plus, call me crazy, but I like crowds of people going to and fro.

Anyway, I checked out the Ride-On thing, and it would be 1 stop from the metro, and drops me off right at the corner where my office would be. So thanks for the suggestion!

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by delphinius81

Anyway, I checked out the Ride-On thing, and it would be 1 stop from the metro, and drops me off right at the corner where my office would be. So thanks for the suggestion!

You're welcome.

I'm glad that worked out for you.

FWIW, I agree with you that you'd be much happier living in the city as opposed to Rockville. (Although Rockville, has come a long, long way in the last 5 years.)

BTW, when you're in Rockville you just have to get a donut at the Fractured Prune in the Town Center. You'll never buy a donut anywhere else!

[vivo]

Originally Posted by delphinius81

I've spent the last 6 years in suburbia hell in Florida. Rockville is a nice area, but it's not what I'm looking for right now. Far more people my age (late 20s) in DC than in a MD suburb. Plus, call me crazy, but I like crowds of people going to and fro.

Anyway, I checked out the Ride-On thing, and it would be 1 stop from the metro, and drops me off right at the corner where my office would be. So thanks for the suggestion!

there's always dtown Bethesda.