Working at NIH and commute options

[Joykins]

Originally Posted by speedbasix

We are now focusing on the Silver Spring area north of the beltway...any suggestions on neighborhoods??

Stonegate, Naples, Sherwood Forest, Woodmont, Cresthaven, all really nice, probably pricey though. There is a neighborhood that has musical names of the streets that was nice back when I was a youngun, don't know if it still is as nice but there are townhouses there that could be more reasonable.

I commuted to downtown Bethesda from Stonegate, btw. It usually took about 45 minutes either way. And that was 13 years ago.

[speedbasix]

We are on the move in about 3 weeks and are still working on finding a place...we still like Silver Spring but also based on the posts on this site are considering Rockville, Gaithersburg and Germantown...quick thoughts on what areas to avoid would be great!

[flowerlady9]

Silver Spring is very mixed as very as good and bad neighborhoods. I have a friend who lives there and commutes to NIH and is satisfied. Having said that you should know that just about anywhere in the area, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville on a good day to NIH main campus is going to be 30minutes to hour. On a bad day over an hour. I've had it take me 2 hours down the 270 corridor to Bethesda from Germantown.

If you want to minimize your commute you'd need to live in Potomac or North Bethesda or close to a red line Metro station. If you don't mind living in a very congested area, King Farm in Rockville is very close to the Shady Grove Metro and runs a shuttle there.

Personally, Gaithersburg is too congested for me and has crime issues. Germantown is better but is also starting to get built up and has had some issues with gangs lately. Clarksburg is ok but also has overdevelopment issues. Kentlands in Gaithersburg is a nice area with lots of houses, townhouses, shops, restaurants and movie theaters. But again very tightly packed.

Good luck!

[jamC]

Hey Guys! , I live in Baltimore (around White Marsh) and I have to commute to NIH Rockville campus everyday for work, I was wondering if someone could tell me what time should I leave for work and if I leave early around 6 from my house , should I take 495 or should i just take the Burtonsville exit and go from there and how long is it going to take if I leave around 6 or 6:30 am...and what time should I go back home. Please advise

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by jamC

Hey Guys! , I live in Baltimore (around White Marsh) and I have to commute to NIH Rockville campus everyday for work, I was wondering if someone could tell me what time should I leave for work and if I leave early around 6 from my house , should I take 495 or should i just take the Burtonsville exit and go from there and how long is it going to take if I leave around 6 or 6:30 am...and what time should I go back home. Please advise

Where is NIH located? (Major cross streets?) The answer would affect the advice. Generally, you're better off on 495.

[Tuneful]

I am not able to help you specifically with a route but I do know NIH (Bethesda) well--the few folks I've known from the Baltimore area that commute get there, and return, as early as they can. The earliest regular shift (but it depends on your supervisor) could be 7:00 to 3:30. The key word is EARLY. If it is Fri. afternoon, or the weather is at all bad, or there is an accident, it will take even longer. If you can keep that commute up regularly, my hat is off to you. You might also want to look into carpooling or vanpooling. Good luck!