Cool place for Young people?? (Baltimore, Columbia: hotel, townhouse, employment)

[libby22]

I am 23 yrs old and will soon be re locating to the Maryland area. My boyfriend will be taking a job which requires him to travel to DC. I have taken employment near Baltimore.

I was wondering what is a great place to live in between those two areas that is good for young people?? close to bars, entertainment, and close to major highways, but still able in a laid back area.

Also what are the travel opportunites or best ways to travel for commuting to Baltimore via metro/MARC???

Thanks!

[SteelCityRising]

I've been doing a lot of research into Annapolis lately while planning a vacation, and the city seems to be very well-cultured, very clean, and very convenient to both Baltimore and DC (About 30-45 minutes from each it appears, depending on traffic). I'm noticing a lot of mostly "upscale" advertisers in the tourism publications I've been scouring, so I'd have to infer that the cost-of-living here is very expensive. To me, this sounds like a utopia to visit with its historic downtown and, of course, the US Naval Academy, but I don't know if you'll be able to afford it (Or even if I can find an affordable hotel within walking distance to the city!)

Judging from my atlas, I'd also bring up towns such as Laurel and Columbia, but others from Maryland would have to consult you on those areas, closer to I-95 (I'm just a da*n Yankee! LOL!) Good luck! ;o)

[mrsbridge]

Libby

I am a 34 year old "Annapolitan" and have lived in this area all my life. The downtown area of Annapolis is a hot spot for young people - if you want to visit the bars/restaurants/shops all you need to do is park downtown and everything is within walking distance. You are also close to the DC/Baltimore area. The Annapolis area is pretty pricey when it comes to housing - my husband and I are just about to list our 2/3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhouse for $325k - which is actually considered pretty reasonable in this area. We live right outside of Arnold, but its still considered Annapolis. I actually love Annapolis and its pretty easy for a young couple to meet a lot of nice young professionals here. Plus living close to the water (mostly everywhere in Annapolis is either on or close to the water) makes hanging out in Annapolis during the spring and summer great fun.

If you have any specific questions, let me know and I will be happy to help!

[mrsbridge]

Posted to quick, didn't see the questions about commuting. Annapolis is close to all the major beltways. DC is about 40 - 45 minutes from here (considering traffic) and Baltimore is about 20 -25. Not too familiar with the MARC, but I occasionally worked in Alexandria, VA and took the Metro there from a station about 20 minutes from here. You can take the MARC from the BWI station, which is again about 20 minutes from here.

[pkoons]

Annapolis!!!!!

Mrs. Bridge described pretty well. Lots of great restaurants and bars, cool touristy stuff, and you're right on the water. It's a blast.

Second choice would be Columbia, third would be Laurel (really! I enjoy going out in Laurel, but it's a little more lowbrow, honestly...)

Let me know if oyu have any questions!

[tarp]

Either way be prepared for some awful commutes, especially the one into D.C. -- into Baltimore won't be as bad.

[dcvtss]

Originally Posted by tarp

Either way be prepared for some awful commutes, especially the one into D.C. -- into Baltimore won't be as bad.

I'll second that, Annapolis is a very cool city but the commute into DC (I'm assuming downtown/NW) is a nightmare.