commute from Silver Spring area to Smithsonian vicinity for work? (Colesville: real estate, apartments)

[whirledpease]

Hi,
considering a job near the smithsonian, 12 St SW, in DC.
Looking for rentals, round 1100 sq feet, no hi rises, townhomes preferred.
or single family homes. Silver springs seemed to have the best prices.

Would anyone here have insights on the commute from Silver springs area to SW DC?
On google maps bothdriving and the metro (one change) seem to take about an hour. For 10 miles.
thanks
W.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by whirledpease

On google maps both driving and the metro (one change) seem to take about an hour. For 10 miles.
thanks
W.

You will probably be best to take Metro, and the time estimates are likely accurate, as you have to change trains to get to the Southwest stop. With driving, it would be stop-and-go at every traffic light. Unless the employer provides parking, you would pay an exorbitant amount to park downtown. There are discounts on monthly Metro tickets, and some employers give public transit incentives.

Yes, Silver Spring is a good location, and renting a townhouse or house is feasible. However, I would not rule out a high-rise if you could walk to the Metro stop. From most townhouse areas, you would have to catch a Ride-on bus to get to Metro, and that will add to your time. (Try google maps on your total commute time from one of the rentals, or the trip-planner at WMATA) Additionally, many of the high-rises are newer luxury buildings that have very nice amenities, and are nicer than any low-rise buildings.

[whirledpease]

thanks , goldenage.needed the basement space in a townhouse....the commute is discouraging.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by whirledpease

...the commute is discouraging.

If you ride the Metro as most people would, you can read or listen to music or do paperwork on the train to pass the time. It is far easier than driving into DC.

[AnonymouseX]

Originally Posted by whirledpease

thanks , goldenage.needed the basement space in a townhouse....the commute is discouraging.

The commute all over the area is tough but the metro isn't too bad.

Not sure of your budget but SS, Arlington, Alexandria are all good. Also parts of Fairfax County have good deals.

[It's Bobby Again]

My opinion is that if you are considering moving to the Silver Spring area you can actually live day to day without a car. I know you said you don't want a high rise, but right now they are popping up all over the place like crazy. Hopefully that means some competitive pricing.

The challenge in this area is always the commute. If you can figure out how to do it without stress, you may actually like the area. My suggestion is to check out the apartments on East West Highway near Colesville Rd or 16th and walk to the Metro.

It takes my wife 45 minute to get to her job near NY Ave. So I would also concur that a commute from SS to the Smithsonian stop would take close to an hour.

If you are set on a house or town home, you may consider Arlington or Alexandria, but you are looking at an hour commute any way you slice it. Unless you live where you work, it will take you an hour minimal to get there.

I'll probably get killed for this, but I work 600 feet from my place. It's the only reason I still live in this area. I will probably live 10 years longer because of it.

[It's Bobby Again]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Additionally, many of the high-rises are newer luxury buildings that have very nice amenities, and are nicer than any low-rise buildings.

Totally agree, I was resistant to this at first, but then we downsized, got rid of all our junk that was weighing us down and never looked back.

[whirledpease]

thank you all. Am checking real estate options on the Virginia side as well. For various reasons (foot/knee issues that are prone to flare-ups) I do need the car; and at least occasional non-metro options. Downsizing remains a goal, admittedly. best, W.

[scrapper105]

The cost of parking near the Smithsonian will be very high.

[whirledpease]

the employer 's parking lot with permit (that the employees pay for) is about 200 a mnth. is that roughly the rate in the lots there?