Moving between Baltimore & DC with no clue where to live (Columbia: apartments, to rent)

[tn_a4]

​I'm a young, single male professional who works hard, has lived mostly in Pennsylvania but also in Europe, and is finally starting to settle down (at least for the next few years). I'm moving to the Ft. Meade, Maryland area in the spring and I'm looking for an area to live close by with things to do and other young professionals like myself. I'm looking for a place to rent and not buy at least until I know the area a little better. It's difficult to describe quite what I'm looking for and understand I will most likely need to make concessions on getting everything I want but I'll do my best. Apartment wise I’d prefer newer construction, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom or a studio are fine, but more rooms would obviously be acceptable. As far as a budget, I’d prefer to spend $1,200 or less per month but I am slightly flexible to an extent if I need to be.

​I like city life without being directly in the heart of it. I like the feeling of having everything I need being close by but don't want to feel the need to fight for a parking spot when I come home late at night. I'm very aware of my surroundings once I live somewhere but still don't want to feel like I need to look over my shoulder every time I'm walking down the street at night so obviously an area with a lower crime rate would be preferred. I do not mind driving a little bit to work each morning and around a 30 minute commute to work every morning is fine by me. I've been told by friends that the Columbia, Ellicot City, Laurel, Annapolis, and DC areas would suit my needs the best but when I ask why everyone seems to have the same answer of "Oh people I know live there and it sounds like what you're looking for." I would definitely prefer to have places with good food, nice little restaurants (not chain restaurants), smaller bars with a lot of different microbrews and microbreweries near by. Walking distance or the ability to hail a cab would be great, but not a deal breaker. I'm not a snob but I definitely appreciate culture and nicer things in life such as museums, art shows, or summer/fall festivals. Mass transit (MARC/Metro) nearby would be nice but not a deal breaker.

​I may be asking a lot but any help is greatly appreciated. If you suggest an area please let me know why it would fit me well and if you need any more info on what I'm looking for please let me know.

[rsh56]

Are you going to be working in Ft. Meade? If so, look at Bowie or Columbia.

[tn_a4]

Originally Posted by rsh56

Are you going to be working in Ft. Meade? If so, look at Bowie or Columbia.

Thank you for replying Yes, I'll most likely be working at Ft. Meade. Why are the Bowie and Columbia areas the best areas for what I'm looking for though?

[rsh56]

They're both almost a 20 minute drive to Ft Meade on a good day. Columbia is kind of new compared to most places in MD and has a mall and many amenities. I'm not sure about breweries but Ellicott City should have some of those. It's a town with a lot of history if you're into that. Laurel is also a nice place but this area is spread out within 3 counties (Howard, PG and AA). You might want to visit these places to get a better understanding of what you want. Also look at some of the threads here regarding info about the places you're into. DC is nice but that's a little longer to Ft. Meade.

[slowlane3]

Does the city of Bowie even have any apartments? Isn't it mostly 1960s single family homes? Maybe there are some I'm not aware of.

[KLynch10]

If you want a young professional life, you should go to Federal Hill in Baltimore. 20 minute drive to Ft. Meade. Just find a place with a parking spot.

[sobo16]

I second KLynch10's recommendation. I know you said you didn't need to be right in the heart if the city, but honestly, you will be downright bored living in the suburbs based on what you want to have close by. You will easily be able to find a renovated house share situation with parking with your budget. Also check out Locust Point in the city. It's near Federal Hill, it's very safe, and both neighborhoods are convenient to 295 and I-95. These areas are full of young professionals, and I know several people who commute from there to Fort Meade.

[sobo16]

You might want to look at the apartments at McHenry Row. They are brand new, and they are in a great location between Federal Hill and Locust Point, right next to the new Harris Teeter and other stores.

[diplomat74]

I agree with the other posters, you def dont want to live out in burbs if you are a single young male. It will be way too quiet and much harder to meet other young professionals. I would recommend you go to Federal Hill.

[rsh56]

Federal Hill is also a good idea.