JHUAPL, where to live? (Baltimore, Columbia: apartment, rent, safe neighborhood)

[jhreav91]

I've created another post on this subject, but I've come looking for more.
My husband is currently at an interview at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and I am kind of looking into where we would live.

We currently live in a suburb of Chicago which is CHEAP ($600 rent). When we move we'd like to keep a lower rent, somewhere in the $1000 range or so (but cheaper is always better of course).
I originally looked into Laurel and surrounding cities, but I was even looking into nicer Neighborhoods of Baltimore that would be within around a 30 minute commute to the lab.

I'm mostly just looking for reviews of cities and areas from you guys! Thanks!

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by jhreav91

I've created another post on this subject, but I've come looking for more.
My husband is currently at an interview at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and I am kind of looking into where we would live.

We currently live in a suburb of Chicago which is CHEAP ($600 rent). When we move we'd like to keep a lower rent, somewhere in the $1000 range or so (but cheaper is always better of course).
I originally looked into Laurel and surrounding cities, but I was even looking into nicer Neighborhoods of Baltimore that would be within around a 30 minute commute to the lab.

I'm mostly just looking for reviews of cities and areas from you guys! Thanks!

Probably makes sense to post in the Baltimore or general MD forums. Also, let them know what you're looking for (urban/suburban; presumably 1br/studio, considering the low budget).

The DC area (this forum) doesn't make too much sense considering the job location and the budget. $1K is not feasible around here; you'll need to be towards/in Baltimore. The only way $1K gets you into the DC area is going the group house/shared apartment route.

[armory]

Originally Posted by jhreav91

I've created another post on this subject, but I've come looking for more.
My husband is currently at an interview at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and I am kind of looking into where we would live.

We currently live in a suburb of Chicago which is CHEAP ($600 rent). When we move we'd like to keep a lower rent, somewhere in the $1000 range or so (but cheaper is always better of course).
I originally looked into Laurel and surrounding cities, but I was even looking into nicer Neighborhoods of Baltimore that would be within around a 30 minute commute to the lab.

I'm mostly just looking for reviews of cities and areas from you guys! Thanks!

You don't have many choices at the $1000 level. I used to work there and there is nothing close you can afford. If your husband lands a good salary - contractor or lab employee? - you might swing something.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by jhreav91

We currently live in a suburb of Chicago which is CHEAP ($600 rent). When we move we'd like to keep a lower rent, somewhere in the $1000 range or so (but cheaper is always better of course).
I originally looked into Laurel and surrounding cities, but I was even looking into nicer Neighborhoods of Baltimore that would be within around a 30 minute commute to the lab.

Sorry, but you should budget at least $1200 for a one bedroom apartment in Laurel. You might find a cheaper place in the less desirable towns like Arbutus and Glen Burnie. But please don't go into an unsafe neighborhood.

A house-share in somewhere like Columbia or Fulton might be feasible. (Check Craigslist.)

[kjc5032]

Originally Posted by jhreav91

I've created another post on this subject, but I've come looking for more.
My husband is currently at an interview at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and I am kind of looking into where we would live.

We currently live in a suburb of Chicago which is CHEAP ($600 rent). When we move we'd like to keep a lower rent, somewhere in the $1000 range or so (but cheaper is always better of course).
I originally looked into Laurel and surrounding cities, but I was even looking into nicer Neighborhoods of Baltimore that would be within around a 30 minute commute to the lab.

I'm mostly just looking for reviews of cities and areas from you guys! Thanks!

My husband works at APL, and we live in Crofton, MD. He has about a 30-minute commute working from 7:30-4. However, you're not going to find a $1,000 rent here. Maybe in Odenton. We love Crofton, though, and the schools are fantastic (if that's something you're concerned about).

[EducatedBro82]

$1000 wont place you anywhere in the surrounding area. Either up your budget to $1200/$1300 which will place you in Laurel or Bowie or Columbia or down 29 in Silver Spring.. Keep in mind Rt. 29 traffic is crazy during rush hour.You may need to look into Northern AA County (Glen Burnie, Arbutus)