"Commute" to Salisbury and DC from MD Eastern Shore (Bethesda: renting, daycare)

[tinjimmy]

I'm looking for some advice on a move to the eastern shore of MD. We'll be renting at first and trying to keep the budget under $1500 per month for a 3BR house.

I primarily work from home but will need to commute to Bethesda and DC for a couple of days every other week or so. I don't mind 3 hour drive for that, since it's not every day - but I am concerned about the summer traffic across the Bay Bridge. How easy is it to plan commute around peak traffic?

My husband will be working on finishing his BA and then an MSW online/distance and then at Salisbury. He can manage a 30-45 min commute, but any more would probably drive him crazy.

We have a 9 year old and a 2 year old- so a good school/daycare is important.

We all are looking for a low key, laid back lifestyle. Safe for the kids and the closer to the beach the better. We're definitely looking to avoid the typical planned subdivision with rows of identical houses.

We've looked at OP and Berlin online and are planning a visit in a few weeks. Anywhere else we should consider?

[sciencejock]

I live just west of Salisbury near Hebron. Bay Bridge traffic ebbs and flows with rush hour of course and isn't bad most days of the week but is downright awful on a friday afternoons coming back to the shore during the summer. I would stay away from living in Salisbury itself, but the surrounding areas are nice. I always thought OP was pricey for what you get. Snow Hill is a very nice little town with good schools in Worcester Co. If I were moving any time soon that's where I'd be. Still close to the beach.