[utfenix335i]

Hey guys and gals. I'm considering buying a house/condo. What are some decent neighborhoods where I can look?

Major criteria... I need to have at least a 1 car garage.

Thanks in Advance.

[tpipta]

I see you're in MD. You should check out Annapolis. I'm partial being born and raised, but it's a great city to live in.

Cheers,
Tony

[pseto]

what's important regarding where you live, hopefully its just not a garage?

how long of a commute? near metro? walking distance to...? favorite hanging places? MD vs VA vs DC? tax situation?

[utfenix335i]

Well, DC Metro area, MD preferrable. I work in Rockville, MD but most of my friends live in DC (U Street area/Columbia Heights).

My reverse commute currently is 20 minutes. I wouldn't mind extending that but not excessively. Would like to be metro accessible (within a mile).
Although I go into DC a bit, I wouldn't mind getting to know Bethesda or Silver Spring. Every place that I've seen on Craiglist (i know crappy choice) are garageless... so that's why I put that as a criteria.

As for tax, i'm assuming if I kids or anything. I'm single without kids (unless you count my roommate who may or may not be moving to the condo).

2 bed/2 bath preferable.

[335_MI6]

Park Potomac ftw

[cssnms]

"Decent" means different things to different people. e.g. good schools, more/less urban, demographics etc. What's your idea of decent and what's your price point? This info willl help narrow areas down a little.

[utfenix335i]

hah... well, I was trying to do this without mentioning a price. Max price is ~$300k- $330k. Decent means safe neighborhood. Not really looking for schools at the moment but I guess it's a consideration if I'm going to live there for the next 10 years. I like urban but would prefer a young, professional demographic.

I know Rockville and "North Bethesda". I like it because it's quiet. My current place, albeit metro accessible, is a bit too quiet (nothing around me but residential areas).

As for the type of place i'm looking for... I can go old but been remodeling or somewhere what old that won't require too much or remodeling. I travel for work sometimes, so I want to be in a sweet spot to get to the airports.

[cssnms]

In that case Rockville (where I live) you can find townhomes in better neighborhoods in the 3's. Check out the condos in King Farm, they are newer and we're selling at fire sale prices a year or two ago. Olney is great, more family pru oriented though. Stay out of Montgomery Village. Plenty of highrise condo developments to consider along Rockville Pike from Grovsner and up past White Flint. Downtown Silver Spring has really come a long way and pricing is still reasonable, but avoid Wheaton, that submarket isn't quite there yet.

[bimmertt]

Originally Posted by cssnms

In that case Rockville (where I live) you can find townhomes in better neighborhoods in the 3's. Check out the condos in King Farm, they are newer and we're selling at fire sale prices a year or two ago. Olney is great, more family pru oriented though. Stay out of Montgomery Village. Plenty of highrise condo developments to consider along Rockville Pike from Grovsner and up past White Flint. Downtown Silver Spring has really come a long way and pricing is still reasonable, but avoid Wheaton, that submarket isn't quite there yet.

solid advice here if you are looking to stay in MD.

[cssnms]

One last thing... Useful tool. http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...rice-na-375000 enter zip 20853 and expand your search radius from here, sticking to areas north of aspen hill along GA Ave.

[kokopuffs405]

Originally Posted by 335_MI6

Park Potomac ftw

lol , bunch of retiriees , walk to harris teeter though =)

[utfenix335i]

Park Potomac is too expensive. No way I can get a new condo there for my budget.

[Sniz]

you need a realtor i'm assuming. I was in the business for 10 years and still have a lot of good friends that are in it.

I'll shoot you a PM regarding a referral if you need it.

[tmdb335]

I also have a good buddy who is a realtor .

[utfenix335i]

All the help will be appreciated. Thanks for everyone's input.

[skiernan36]

i lived in Silver Spring for a couple years. i wasnt a big fan. the roads were pretty crappy and there's a ton of traffic, especially since it's a big thoroughfare for DC. the downtown is nice, but again, packed.

[aznevoviii]

You should check out maple lawn in Fulton,

[pseto]

Columbia or most parts of Howard County is great; in between both Baltimore and DC and an easy commute to Rockville

[235Dude]

Originally Posted by cssnms

In that case Rockville (where I live) you can find townhomes in better neighborhoods in the 3's. Check out the condos in King Farm, they are newer and we're selling at fire sale prices a year or two ago. Olney is great, more family pru oriented though. Stay out of Montgomery Village. Plenty of highrise condo developments to consider along Rockville Pike from Grovsner and up past White Flint. Downtown Silver Spring has really come a long way and pricing is still reasonable, but avoid Wheaton, that submarket isn't quite there yet.

+10000

[Clem]

Originally Posted by pseto

Columbia or most parts of Howard County is great; in between both Baltimore and DC and an easy commute to Rockville

+1

Some of the best public schools in the country = strong property values forever.

Plus, lot of space out here to build a monster garage.

[Laid Black 335i]

Rockville / Potomac ftw!