Maryland or Virginia for Commuting to DC (Silver Spring, Bethesda: apartments, insurance)

[italylover]

Relocating wise (depedent on a new job of course), if one makes approximately 60K a year and is single, and female which is better for commuting? I really do not have an opinion although many I know do between the two states, all I care about is finding a place that is affordable, and not too concrete, but I am coming from a city without a needed car. If necessary I'll have to go with a more urban area as I have found having a car with 60K a year is next to impossible. I like NYC and Boston, if that's a help.

Thank you.

[dullnboring]

I would say that Virginia, in particular Arlington, has a slight advantage over commuting into DC just by virtue of proximity to downtown DC which is where the majority of people who work in DC commute to. The difference isn't incredibly pronounced however when we're talking about outer suburbs or commuting via car. Arlington however has a good number of Metro station and a good number of residential areas (apartments, condos, townhomes and single family homes) within walking distance to it's Metro station whereas in much of the rest of the area those areas are further away from the station and oftentimes the walk to the station is not very pedestrian-friendly. Generally speaking, there are few areas you can get by in the DC area without a car. You can get by without a car in Arlington and Alexandria, although most people still have one, and in DC itself, many people do not have cars. Truthfully, I don't see how it should be a problem if you are single and making 60K a year to own a car. Provided you don't live well beyond your means in other areas, I would think that owning a car and making payments and insurance should be perfectly doable.

As a whole, I'd recommend Arlington. It has a high concentration of young singles, good public transportation, a wide variety of things to do and an urban character, not like NYC or Boston by any means, but closer to it than you'll find in most DC suburbs which are largely sprawly and suburban.

[The Dissenter]

Maryland is defintely the way to go for commuting to DC. You should stay away from any part of PG county inside the Capital Beltway bodering Southeast Washington. Exceptions being Camp Springs, Forest Heights, and maybe the city limits of Captiol Heights. In VA youll have to cross a birdge to get to DC no matter where you live there. Buses and trains are plentiful here in VA and MD.

[adh0789]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

Maryland is defintely the way to go for commuting to DC. You should stay away from any part of PG county inside the Capital Beltway bodering Southeast Washington.

Northeast as well .

[jrm25]

Personally, I like MD better. Bethesda and Chevy Chase are the top urban commuting spots, but are way too expensive. Rockville is a good compromise (20 minute metro ride to downtown) that is less expensive with tons of things to do. Stay away from anything in PG County, Wheaton and Silver Spring, as crime is too high.

[mooseyba]

I've lived in both Virginia and Maryland and I prefer Maryland. The traffic in Virginia is just ridiculous. I would say Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring. People are always saying that the crime rate is high in Silver Spring, but I don't see it.

[carlakooij]

Does anyone know any garden style apartments within walking distance to a metro, with nice landscaping? Rockville or Alexandria, or Arlington preferred ... but open to suggestions. Just moved back here from Virginia Beach and it had such a naturalistic setting for every apartment, I'm looking for that ground floor apt. with trees behind, etc. Am I being too picky??

[Kensington]

If you don't want to buy a car I would choose Arlington (or DC) as well. I lived in Arlington without a car and did great, though it wasn't as convenient as when I lived in the city. Arlington is a cheaper cab ride from downtown. Personally as a single woman, I wouldn't want to live on the ground floor, especially if you are within walking distance to a metro. The inner suburbs are very urban, so you are primarily going to be looking at mid-rise or high rise apartment buildings.

If you don't want a car, I would spend some time looking in the city. I think you'd be happier.

[atlpsych]

Originally Posted by mooseyba

I've lived in both Virginia and Maryland and I prefer Maryland. The traffic in Virginia is just ridiculous. I would say Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring. People are always saying that the crime rate is high in Silver Spring, but I don't see it.

Can you tell me if you know an easy way to commute from N. Bethesda (Off Rockville Pike) to DC (Bunker Hill rd; Michigan Ave)

I'm new in town and so far my commute is about an hour...

[atlpsych]

I just moved here from Atlanta and, let me tell you, Atlanta has nothing on the commute this area has. I am travelling from N. Bethesda (off Rockville Pike) into DC (Bunker Hill Rd; Michigan Ave). Does anyone know a route that is easier than 495 E to Georgia Ave to Blair Rd..?

Thanks