real estate
where to live WHETHER YOU’RE AN URBANITE seeking a condo within walking distance of downtown or you’re a lawn lover craving a slice of suburban heaven, Montgomery County’s housing stock is full of options. And newcomers will be thrilled to learn that the Greater Washington, D.C., housing market has remained relatively stable through the spikes and downturns seen in other parts of the country. But before you start your housing hunt, check out these options.
URBAN LIVING
All the regular rules apply when it comes to renting vs. buying in Montgomery County. Buying can provide a sense of control and ownership, while renting can give uncertain newcomers a little time to learn about the area before jumping into the real estate market. Those who decide to rent have a plethora of options, from high-rise apartments near Metro stations to rent-to-own houses in suburban neighborhoods. Either way, new residents may want to contact a real estate agent to guide their search. Many agents in the area are happy to take renters as clients, knowing that they may one day turn into homebuyers.
Area real estate agents say walkability is a major factor for many buyers. There are plenty of neighborhoods in downtown Bethesda, Rockville and Silver Spring where residents can travel by foot to shops, restaurants and public transportation. Living near a Metro station can cut down on transportation costs and frustrations, as the region’s notoriously bad traffic can be a stumbling block for commuters.
LUXURY CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES Young professionals and empty nesters seeking housing with less yard work and maintenance may want to check
out the variety of services offered at many luxury condo and apartment communities in the Bethesda area.
HISTORIC CHARM Many communities in Montgomery County were built in the 1800s as weekend escapes from the District. Thanks to efforts by history-minded homeowners, many of the area’s original houses have been well preserved. As a result, historic homes abound in the Bethesda area. Gingerbread Victorians and cute bungalows line the streets of the tiny town of Garrett Park and of historic districts such as the West End in Rockville, among other communities.
PHOTOS BY SKIP BROWN
RENTING VS. BUYING
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