Young Professional Montgomery County (Baltimore, Bethesda: apartment, lease, townhouse)

[ay jayy]

Originally Posted by Captain_Fingers

While the old town part of Frederick is OK, it won't compare with DC or downtown Bethesda. The commute can be really bad actually, since 270 is a four lane highway (two on each side) all the way to Germantown. The way home can be especially horrendous as four lanes merge into two at that point.

I agree on the commute, it would be killer, but disagree on the nightlife. Downtown Frederick has many more options than Bethesda.

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by ay jayy

I agree on the commute, it would be killer, but disagree on the nightlife. Downtown Frederick has many more options than Bethesda.

If you just took "Downtown Frederick" and "Bethesda" by themselves they'd be in the same league IMO.

But in each direction from Frederick:
E: Farms
W: More farms
N: Farms with KKK members
S: Urbana

From Bethesda:
E: 16th Street Heights/Silver Spring
N: Rockville
W: Potomac
S: Woodley Park/AU Park

OTOH, if you're barely able to afford the fun of Bethesda/DC, this means less money for socializing, or (even worse) running up credit card debts. Frederick's not a social wasteland, and OP has more money for beer.

Commuting issues, good point there. I'd always thought 270 was ok until you hit Gaithersburg.

In theory CCT will go up to Frederick but that won't happen until 202X.

[Captain_Fingers]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

If you just took "Downtown Frederick" and "Bethesda" by themselves they'd be in the same league IMO.

But in each direction from Frederick:
E: Farms
W: More farms
N: Farms with KKK members
S: Urbana

From Bethesda:
E: 16th Street Heights/Silver Spring
N: Rockville
W: Potomac
S: Woodley Park/AU Park

OTOH, if you're barely able to afford the fun of Bethesda/DC, this means less money for socializing, or (even worse) running up credit card debts. Frederick's not a social wasteland, and OP has more money for beer.

Commuting issues, good point there. I'd always thought 270 was ok until you hit Gaithersburg.

In theory CCT will go up to Frederick but that won't happen until 202X.

Hmmm...I didn't realize Frederick's downtown had grown to Bethesda levels. Quite frankly, I haven't been up there in about ten years.

[ay jayy]

Originally Posted by Captain_Fingers

Hmmm...I didn't realize Frederick's downtown had grown to Bethesda levels. Quite frankly, I haven't been up there in about ten years.

I don't go too often, but was up there recently for a night out and was impressed. There are a lot of options.

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by Captain_Fingers

Hmmm...I didn't realize Frederick's downtown had grown to Bethesda levels. Quite frankly, I haven't been up there in about ten years.

They've put up a LOT along Carroll Creek/All Saints in the past decade.

[Captain_Fingers]

I'll have to go check it out some time.....if I can bring myself to drive up that far!

[lizardo5]

Thanks for all the input. I've been looking near the Rio lately - most of my coworkers live in Frederick - so I'm also going to consider that. I'm a little hesitant on DC because I don't know how much better the commute would be from there (in relation to current Baltimore commute).

[lizardo5]

It's also nice to hear that Frederick has some nightlife to offer.. I'm used to going out in Baltimore and walking everywhere.

[David_J]

Bethesda would be your best option around here. Not too far from DC, but also more... 'professionalized' than most of the city (excluding the extreme NW section). It's also slightly cheaper, though by no means is it inexpensive. Rockville isn't bad, but unless you really want to live close to Gaithersburg, it probably isn't what you want judging from your criteria.

Frederick isn't a bad option either, now that it's brought up.

[Mr Beco]

Originally Posted by lizardo5

I recently took a job in Gaithersburg and currently commute from Baltimore. It roughly takes me an hour to an hour and a half. I am interested in moving to Montgomery County and was wondering what were the best places for a young professional. I really like living in Baltimore, and I would like to find an area where I could still have nightlife and meet people. I am also looking to shorten my commute if possible. I've been leaning towards Bethesda, Silver Spring. Would Rockville or DC be an option? Thanks in advance!

Bethesda is good, and Rockville Town Center might work. Rockville Town Center might be cheaper, rent wise, but not sure. Best bet, Bethesda or say, Chevy Chase, or Tenleytown in DC, but stay on the Metro, Redline would take you all over!