Looking for a "cool pocket" to live in-UMD (Silver Spring: apartment, rent)

[valerienicole]

Hello! My fiancee & I are researching areas around College Park. He will be attending UMD so it's been my focus for all of this searching.

Here are our stats/expectations:
Both 25 yrs. old, he's a student, I will be working.
We have a large dog who will need lots of walking and playing outside.
We'd love to have at least 750 sq. ft. for 1200-1300 or less.

The aspect I would really like to see is a place that really embodies a more progressive way of life... cyclists, music, a great farmer's market, local shops, organic grocer/co-ops... You get the picture. They don't need to be next door; walkability and bikeability are nice but we're from the midwest, so trust me, anything in this area is a step in the right direction.

I don't mind if it's a little more rural of an area, especially if there is a great park or wilderness area nearby (I'm thinking around Greenbelt with the national park?) to walk the dog.

I know there are lots of these cool little pockets, but mostly they seem a little farther out from College Park. We're looking at 20-30 min. (or less!) commute, metro would be nice if possible.

I'm sure I'm not asking too much, but it's so hard to know where to fine-tune a search when you're not familiar with the area.
Any town/community/apartment or condo suggestions are MORE than welcome.
Thank you!

[HurricaneDC]

You might like Mt. Rainier, MD. It's down the main highway to/from UMD. Farmer's market (I think), definitely a co-op, it's quite granola. It's not too far from the Metro (though you may wanna drive it).

A similar place would be Takoma Park, MD. That would be close to the Silver Spring Metro, which would require one transfer. It's a bit safer (not that Mt. Rainier is particularly bad or anything) but a bit pricier.

[TCR25]

Mt. Rainier is nice; Glut Food Co-Op is great, but the farmers market there is pretty small and has a short season. Takoma Park is much more expensive, but the farmers market is vibrant year-round.

Give Hyattsville a look: It's a little closer to the University, the farmer's market in neighboring Riverdale Park is great (the Tuesday one in Hyattsville itself is okay and has a shorter season), a public dog park on the west side of town, and growing retail and restaurant space on the east side of town, including a chain organic grocery. Two Metro stops are available and there are easy connections to the Anacostia trail system for biking.

[2rock]

Ah, stuff white people like. Don't forget to check crime statistics.

[tonyc]

Cheverly....

[scrapper105]

Based on your budget and hopes, I would start in the City of Greenbelt. Please note that anyplace with a Greenbelt address is not necessarily in the City of Greenbelt - there are some areas that have a Greenbelt postal address that embody none of the things you describe.

After that, I'd echo what other previous posters have said, Mt. Rainier, the City of Hyattsville (same situation as above with city vs. postal designations). There are also areas of Riverdale Park that are close enough to the City of Hyattsville to have the same feel, but I think rent will be slightly cheaper in Riverdale Park.

I think rent will be too high in Takoma Park.

Best wishes !

[HurricaneDC]

Originally Posted by 2rock

Ah, stuff white people like. Don't forget to check crime statistics.

yes, because non-whites just care about liquor stores and methadone clinics right?

[coquinegra]

I think Takoma Park is worth a look. Also the Hollywood section of College Park

[2rock]

Originally Posted by HurricaneDC

yes, because non-whites just care about liquor stores and methadone clinics right?

Do they?

[adelphi_sky]

Hyattsville (the Arts District if you can afford it)

The Neighborhoods of EYA