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I'm 29 years old and single, and I've just been offered a job at Fort Meade. The problem is I have no idea where to live. I'm looking for a an area where there are things to do after work and on the weekends. I'm hoping to find an area that has single people. Is DC too far to commute? What about Silver Spring? How is Columbia for young single professionals? Are there any other areas that I should consider? My budget is probably up to $2000. I'm really looking for any advice I can get.
I would say any where within 20 Miles of Ft. Meade will give you a decent commute, so as far north as Towson, south as Upper Marlboro or West as Rockville.
This would also include basically all of DC (and Baltimore), however traffic as a much bigger issue in the City (but from your stand point it would be a reverse commute). So I would still consider DC.
At you're rent rate, for one or two rooms, you would really only be excluding places like Georgetown because of price.
Silver Spring boasts cheaper rent rates than neighboring cities to west but less of the crime found just south and east. Columbia is more expensive, has less high rise apartments, is more family oriented and suburban then Silver Spring.
Silver Spring would probably be good. You'd have a bit of a commute (45 minutes in traffic according to Google Maps) but that's alright compared to some of the commutes people have in the DC area. You'd also have Metro and car access to DC, in addition to some of the great spots in Silver Spring. $2000 should be more than enough for a 1br or studio.
I grew up in that area, Bowie, check into Bowie or Odenton, believe me you don't want to commute on that beltway.........way too stressful.........good luck
Columbia is the only place you should seriously consider..maybe odenton/north laurel..it's a straight shot down rt 32...it will be a painless commute 20-30 mins max...
Columbia is a great city to live and very amenity friendly....shopping, walking, entertainment is all available...however it is a family oriented town...be prepared to see millions of minivans with kids in the back....
To get your single scene on you'll have to travel to dc/bmore which isn't bad but you have to be careful because the police/staties are pretty active trying to nab drunk drivers...columbia does have a scene but I felt like they all knew each other...
I'd look at Annapolis too. I don't know what rents are like down there but it's a really nice town and the commute should be a lot easier than from DC.
Location: (Orginally From Ann Arbor, MI) Now reside in Evans, Georgia
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Good luck in your housing search
I will assume single, No kids and no pets.As they weren't specified.
If you want a close commute to work and convinces to shopping etc.
Odenton, Crofton, Laurel are all close buy and reasonable.
if your seeking under 30 minute drive and more nightlife opportunities..Halethrope, or surrounding Baltimore Suburbs. I don't recommend Landsown or Baltimore heights unless you are use to city living. If you more marina, fishing, beach kinda guy head toward Edgewater and Annapolis.
If you have kids the desire area is Howard County more specifically Columbia, Ellicot City, Elkridge. Housng is a bit more exspensive but the school ratings are greast, crime rates low, and most townhouses for sale or rent are in good conditions.Perhaps you can get a roomie to make it worth your wild.
If crime or school isn't a concern the closer to the base the better , Glen Burnie has cheap rentals and under 20 minute drive to the base.
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Good luck in your housing search
