Interviewing for a job in Baltimore next week (Columbia, Towson: apartment, for rent)

[psulions2007]

Hi all-

I'm interviewing for a job with the state in Baltimore next week, and I was curious about your thoughts on some aspects of the city. I had been avoiding applying to jobs in the DC metro area (although I could get a decent job there paying $65K or more) due to the cost of living. I'm not really in the mood to pay $1500/mo in rent for a 2br apartment. I just finished doing $1300/mo on a 56K salary, and I would really just like to live somewhere cheaper. I applied to a job in Baltimore thinking it would be cheaper there, but my research is leading me to believe that Maryland is just a pain in the ass to rent in. The job overall looks great with good benefits, but unless I get in at like 70K with relo, I'm not sure what Baltimore offers that is better.

Ideally I'd like to live somewhere in the suburbs...and *ideally* paying $1000/mo for a decent pet friendly (I have a Siberian Husky) 2br which doesn't even sound reasonable at this point. Work would be on the SW side between downtown Baltimore and some place on the map called Gwynns Falls. How is that area?

So far I've had White Marsh, Glen Burnie, and Columbia/Crofton recommended to me as places to live, with WM and GB being decently "cheaper", and Columbia/Crofton having the better commute. Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[Pam.C]

Yes. Towson, specifically Rodgers Forge. Rowhomes, which are usually 3br, are regularly up for rent, pet friendly and if the rent is too much, you can always get a room mate as RF is very close to Towson University. Loch Raven might be even less expensive, but you'll want to check out the neighborhood more closely.

Good luck!

[P47P47]

A job between downtown and Gwynns Falls would be more easily accessed from the south and west of town. You might want to be looking around Arbutus, Halethorpe, Elkridge, Linthicum, and Ferndale.

[psulions2007]

Thanks for the help

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by psulions2007

Ideally I'd like to live somewhere in the suburbs...and *ideally* paying $1000/mo for a decent pet friendly (I have a Siberian Husky) 2br which doesn't even sound reasonable at this point. Work would be on the SW side between downtown Baltimore and some place on the map called Gwynns Falls. How is that area?

Gwynns Falls is somewhat grungy. But even there, you will have a hard time finding a decent 2 bedroom for $1000. If you find something cheaper, it may not be a safe area. Elkridge, Arbutus etc are good suggestions, and another is Catonsville.

[lumilintu]

You'd have a very hard time finding a livable 2 BR in either Elkridge or Columbia for $1000/month. You can probably find a budget 2BR in Catonsville and maybe Glen Burnie for that price. Gwynns Falls has a beautiful park with trails and hiking for you and your dog. You might also look at Windsor Mill/Woodlawn, and in a few of the far-west Baltimore City neighborhoods like Dickeyville, Ten Hills, Westgate, and West Hills.