Move from Philly to DC Suburbs - need a great neighborhood! (Columbia: transplants, neighborhoods)

[mm3733]

Hi y'all!

I'm a woman in my mid-twenties who may be moving from Philadelphia to work in the Rockville, MD area in a month or so. I absolutely LOVE the city of Philadelphia (having lived in Boston prior to this) and am very sad to leave. Specifically, I love the diversity, cultural opportunities, music scene (neosoul, R&B, hip hop), and food scene of Philly.

I am definitely not a suburban girl, but it seems like I will have to live out in a more suburban area if I don't want a really lengthy commute to Rockville. Does anyone have any suggestions for cities/towns/neighborhoods within a 20-30 minute commute to Rockville? I'd love to live in an area that has a slightly more 'city' feel and is somewhat walkable, but my main priorities are living in a diverse area that is near to some things to do - restaurants, shops, etc. If there was a great area that was a bit further away but able to commute via metro or something, I'd definitely consider it. I will probably have to buy a car but am very used to using public transit to get everywhere. Just don't want to get stuck driving an hour every day each way.

My price range is probably maxed out at 1400, and I'm looking for a 1BR. Cheaper would be AWESOME, but looking around, it seems like 1BRs are pretty expensive.

Thanks for any help you can provide in directing my search! It's hard to figure out where to even start!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by mm3733

My price range is probably maxed out at 1400, and I'm looking for a 1BR. Cheaper would be AWESOME, but looking around, it seems like 1BRs are pretty expensive.

I'd suggest Bethesda to give you some entertainment and dining options. It is not Philadelphia, but there is a walkable downtown area that is a good gathering place for young people. Yes, it is expensive, but if you look carefully, you can find a place under $1400. Look on Hotpads, and there is The Fields of Bethesda, which is an older building. (The Fields may be income limited, but there are others around $1400.) If you could accept a studio, that would give you a couple more options.

You might be able to commute by Metro, depending on where your job is, and where your live. You could almost certainly find a bus to commute on.

[mm3733]

Thanks so much, GoldenAge. The more I've spoken to people, the more they have suggested either looking in DC proper or out in Wheaton, Takoma Park, or Silver Spring. I will definitely look into the places you mentioned - thank you again!

[MrMaryland455]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

I'd suggest Bethesda to give you some entertainment and dining options. It is not Philadelphia, but there is a walkable downtown area that is a good gathering place for young people. Yes, it is expensive, but if you look carefully, you can find a place under $1400. Look on Hotpads, and there is The Fields of Bethesda, which is an older building. (The Fields may be income limited, but there are others around $1400.) If you could accept a studio, that would give you a couple more options.

You might be able to commute by Metro, depending on where your job is, and where your live. You could almost certainly find a bus to commute on.

I agree either Bethesda or Downtown Silver Spring....where you'll find shops, restaurants, and entertainment.....Both area are expensive (Bethesda more than the other) but your definitely find the mix your looking for.......................Plus there is an metro station right around the corner in Silver Spring that can get you to Rockville in 30 to 35mins

[MrMaryland455]

Here is the Downtown Silver Spring Link:Downtown Silver Spring | Shopping & Restaurants in Silver Spring

[swishplace]

I would say Downtown Bethesda but that 1400 isn't going to get you much here. I live in a studio paying 1425 and that's low-end in an older building. To be honest, 1400 isn't going to get you much in this entire area and that's the frustration I'm dealing with right now as someone who grew up here.

Given the cost I would look at Downtown Silver Spring. I don't venture there too often, so I can't say too much on it. Another option, since you'll be working in Rockville, is to look at areas a little further area from the city for now and then once you get acclimated here you can see what else is around. I know it's not ideal, but at least it gives you an opportunity to settle in for a bit and then decide what area suits you best.

[Aimewitue]

Originally Posted by mm3733

Thanks so much, GoldenAge. The more I've spoken to people, the more they have suggested either looking in DC proper or out in Wheaton, Takoma Park, or Silver Spring. I will definitely look into the places you mentioned - thank you again!

Those are really good recommendations. But philly and DC are different cities. Philly more blue-collar...DC more white collar.

Rent a lot cheaper in philly as well.

I miss philly as well. good luck on your search.

[TheCaliforniaMarylandPers]

You'd like Downtown Silver Spring better. It feels more urban than Bethesda. They're both near DC, though.

[stpickrell]

DTSS or Frederick if you are open to taking a train down to Rockville.

[Yeadon718]

Takoma Park (20912) or Silver Spring (zipcode 20910). Lots of NY/NJ/Philly transplants in that area and its very diverse.
You might even be able to afford Columbia Heights which is the most diverse neighborhood in DC. Petworth is another good urban neighborhood just north of Columbia Heights that you'll probably like as well. All options have good transit access.

Good luck on your search.