Ideal Single Locations in the Meade Area?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

Can someone explain the train system a little more.

There are bits and pieces but there is no overall "system"...

Cutting to the chase... you'll need and want to have a car.

When you get to the specific location level:
https://www.walkscore.com/

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

Thank you for the input. Can someone explain the train system a little more. I tried finding the grid/map of where all the stops are. Is there a train system that goes through Columbia, connecting Baltimore and D.C.? Any connections going through Crofton, Bowie, Odenton, or Hanover? So from your post above ^, this train does go through Laurel? Thanks!

This is the resource for trains. No, there is no train thru Columbia, but there are rush hour buses from Columbia to DC and Baltimore. https://mta.maryland.gov/content/transit-information

Yes it goes throu Laurel.

I'd suggest living near Ft. Meade and use a car, maybe Hanover or Odenton.

[WhoDatInMD]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

Thank you for the input. Can someone explain the train system a little more. I tried finding the grid/map of where all the stops are. Is there a train system that goes through Columbia, connecting Baltimore and D.C.? Any connections going through Crofton, Bowie, Odenton, or Hanover? So from your post above ^, this train does go through Laurel? Thanks!

I would also recommend Laurel, near the . MARC has a station in Laurel that can take you to DC and Baltimore and Laurel really is centrally located between DC, Annapolis, and Baltimore. North Bowie is also, but it is mostly residential and if there were adequate rental options, I would've recommended that area also. I live in north Bowie, work in Annapolis Junction which is on the other side of 295 from Ft Meade, and most mornings it takes me a roughly 22 min drive to get to work if I leave by 7:00. Coming home takes longer, about 30 mins. Odenton is also a good option and has a MARC station but Odenton is a very quiet suburb with not a lot to do. Crofton is close by though.

[morningstar01]

Thanks for the input. I would of course drive for work. Regarding the train, I just had thoughts that if I was to commute on the weekends to D.C. and Baltimore, the train would be a good option if any such networks existed.


As far as single professionals in my age group, where would they all tend to be? My guess is Baltimore, D.C., and Annapolis? As far as suburbs go, where else may they choose to live? I reckon not all of them can afford the prices of the good parts of the city. Would they tend to go to places like Columbia? Hanover? Odenton? Crofton? Or are these almost all family residential areas?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

My guess is Baltimore, D.C., and Annapolis?

For those willing to endure an aggravating commute twice daily.
And of course those who can afford the rent in the "cool" parts of those towns.

As far as suburbs go, where else may they choose to live?
Would they tend to go to places like Columbia? Hanover? Odenton? Crofton?

Singles and suburbs are rarely in the same sentence.
---

Once more with the "Dutch Uncle" advice:
For the first year or so... stick close to the new job; eg Laurel.
And that should probably be in a share situation as well.

Use that time to make some friends and to learn your way around...
around the job, around the area and around the 20something social life.

THEN decide which other location has enough appeal to YOU...
to make the it's version of an aggravating commute worthwhile to YOU.

[MDaaCo]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

Thanks for the input. I would of course drive for work. Regarding the train, I just had thoughts that if I was to commute on the weekends to D.C. and Baltimore, the train would be a good option if any such networks existed.


As far as single professionals in my age group, where would they all tend to be? My guess is Baltimore, D.C., and Annapolis? As far as suburbs go, where else may they choose to live? I reckon not all of them can afford the prices of the good parts of the city. Would they tend to go to places like Columbia? Hanover? Odenton? Crofton? Or are these almost all family residential areas?

First, welcome to Central Maryland. There are many scenes for single professionals, and I'm several years removed from 'that life,' but spend some time in the following neighborhoods to find where you may enjoy nightlife/weekends:

-Fox's Den/Dry 85/other bars on Main St. in Annapolis (21401 zip?)
-Georgia Ave/Wayne Ave in Silver Spring
-Cross St. in South Baltimore
-Thames St. in Fells Point (personal favorite)
-any brewery/"tap house" in Columbia (these will be more strip malls, spread out, but still some options)
-so many options in DC; others can probably help out better depending on your preference, but I always enjoyed the U Street/14th Street area

As far as where they are living in suburban areas, I see quite a few in Crofton (which has a decent active population you'll see exercising outside when it gets a little nicer out) and Odenton (Piney Orchard area is nice, but I wasn't a fan of the numerous, high HOA fees and such). Hanover isn't my cup of tea with the busy-ness/traffic, casino, etc., but you may find it to your liking. Being from Severna Park/Pasadena area, many of my childhood friends who remain in the area live in Arnold, Edgewater, Pasadena, Glen Burnie, and Bowie, but you'll find a heavy family presence in these areas. When I was in Annapolis I knew a ton of single professionals in the apartments by Housley Road (Stone Point and Regatta Bay apts).

[WhoDatInMD]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

Thanks for the input. I would of course drive for work. Regarding the train, I just had thoughts that if I was to commute on the weekends to D.C. and Baltimore, the train would be a good option if any such networks existed.


As far as single professionals in my age group, where would they all tend to be? My guess is Baltimore, D.C., and Annapolis? As far as suburbs go, where else may they choose to live? I reckon not all of them can afford the prices of the good parts of the city. Would they tend to go to places like Columbia? Hanover? Odenton? Crofton? Or are these almost all family residential areas?

Pretty much every suburb around Ft Meade is almost all a family residential area. As for where would you find the greatest concentration of single professionals residing? I would say Silver Spring, College Park, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Laurel, and Columbia. I can't speak on the single professionals scene in Anne Arundel county.

[morningstar01]

Okay great. I'm looking in those areas right now online.


One last question, I still have not removed Baltimore as an option off the table. I want to put Federal Hill and Fells Point as an option to look at. Anyone live at these places before? I heard that the commute from there to Meade is only around 25 minutes. Having seen the craziness of protests in Baltimore over the past 2 years, I am wondering if these nice areas: Federal Hill and Fells Point are even safe at all. I know they are obviously safer than the west and north side. Anyone have any input about the safety of these areas?

[papichulo2]

Originally Posted by morningstar01

Okay great. I'm looking in those areas right now online.


One last question, I still have not removed Baltimore as an option off the table. I want to put Federal Hill and Fells Point as an option to look at. Anyone live at these places before? I heard that the commute from there to Meade is only around 25 minutes. Having seen the craziness of protests in Baltimore over the past 2 years, I am wondering if these nice areas: Federal Hill and Fells Point are even safe at all. I know they are obviously safer than the west and north side. Anyone have any input about the safety of these areas?

OK I think you should stay near your job. U originally made it clear u don’t like long commutes. Bmore is a longg commute. The protests from the media isn’t everyday in the city and doesn’t represent baltimore.

In the end its your choice but i still recommend you try and stay close to work and get adjusted to the area. good luck