Cincinnati Native Move to DC (Silver Spring, Bethesda: apartment, houses, safe area)

[Jeffinersnow]

I am looking for advise on where to move in DC. Here are a few things about us. My husband took a position at the University of Maryland and I am still seeking a job. So, at the moment until I get a job we could only afford around $1,250. We currently live in the Gaslight area of Clifton and absolutely love it! If we could find a similar place that would be great. I would describe out area as fun, mostly upper 20 somethings surrounded by nice houses, easily walkable, not too congested, and not unsafe. We mostly care about being reasonably close to College Park in a safe area. The area I am looking into working are Bethesda and Silver Springs. Any recommendations of areas would really be appreciated.
Thanks!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Jeffinersnow

.....My husband took a position at the University of Maryland and I am still seeking a job. So, at the moment until I get a job we could only afford around $1,250. We currently live in the Gaslight area of Clifton and absolutely love it! If we could find a similar place that would be great. I would describe out area as fun, mostly upper 20 somethings surrounded by nice houses, easily walkable, not too congested, and not unsafe. We mostly care about being reasonably close to College Park in a safe area. The area I am looking into working are Bethesda and Silver Springs. Any recommendations of areas would really be appreciated.
Thanks!

Unfortunately, the areas that sound like your Gaslight district are likely to be much more expensive than $1250. Maybe in Takoma Par, Silver Spring or Hyattsville you can find an apartment in an older building, or a studio. For example, I'd suggest ones along Manchester Road in Silver Spring. I'd just look for the safest place for the money between College Park and Bethesda, but you won't get much for $1250. I have been looking at hotpads.com to locate places.

Perhaps you could also look for a house share on Craiglist until you find that second job.

Another thought-- Are you eligible for faculty or grad student housing at the U of Maryland through your husband's job?

[scrapper105]

Hi there -

You may want to look at the City of Greenbelt, sometimes called Old Greenbelt; the Calvert Hills section of College Park; the town of University Park (not quite as much to walk to) or the City of Hyattsville (the neighborhoods running along Route 1 near the new EYA and Pulte homes developments). If you look on a map it will make sense to you. I've posted on these neighborhoods several times previously, so you can search the forums for other comments.

Downtown College Park would be fun for a 22 year old, but not for an adult. It is nice to have the shopping to walk to, but it's mostly bars and chain casual eateries along with a CVS.

If you can afford it and your husband doesn't mind a 20-25 minute commute, Takoma Park sounds like it would also be a good fit, but I'm not sure about the rent.

Bethesda to the UMD campus can easily be 40 minutes in traffic.

[phoenixmike11]

you might want to get an apt in college park or somewhere near a metro station until you get a job and get settled. there is a subway station in college park and you can take the train from there to bethesda or silver spring and relocate later. unfortunately, the dc area is a lot more expensive than ohio and traffic in the dc area is horrible so living and working near a metro station for awhile might be a good idea