Silver,

I moved from NYC to the Virginia suburbs and hated how much my life changed behaviorally. I couldn't stand that my life had turned from a "walkaround and take the subway" life to a "plan everything because you're about to spend some major time in the car" commuter life. So I moved to Dupont Circle and became at peace again

That's what I think you have to consider: car life or city life -- and how it impacts everything from the schedule you want to keep (or not keep) to how you get your groceries. Two completely different lifestyles whether you're considering Fell's Point, Gaithersburg, Dupont or Arlington...

Thanks Kit,

You make a great point.
After living in NYC and now hanging out in the burbs of Philadelphia for a few months, I have to rely on my car and hate it.
I actually enjoying driving for pleasure but not because I have to.
Thats why if I live anywhere outside DC proper it'll be in Bethesda near the Metro.

Take a look at 2700 Q st. NW in Georgetown. You should be able to find a 1-2 bedroom in that building for your budget. It is a great older building built as a quadrangle around a private courtyard in an upscale neighborhood (Ted Kennedy used to live around the corner)that is an easy walk to both Dupont Circle and the Wisconsin Ave. scene. I lived there at one time and really liked it - as an older building, the walls between apartments were nice and thick. There is a bus stop on the corner.

if that's what you think, should be okay, but it doesn't really make any sense to say that because of the urban/suburb thing, you will only live in Bethesda if you don't live in DC proper. There's nothing that magical about Bethesda in comparison to any other close-in suburb right on a metro line. Clarendon/Ballston would be just as good, or Old Town Alexandria or some other places. Silver Spring would also, if that's the main criteria. Bethesda has more restaurants, though. I think Wisconsin ave in Bethesda is pretty ugly, also, as far as that goes. There's no setback, no greenery, I just don't like it at all. Also, parking is horrendous around there, even more than some other areas. Bethesda isn't really like a regular city, if that's what you are thinking, at least not right around the metro and on Wisconsin Ave.

I was born and raised in Baltimore and will always have a special place in my heart for it but I live in DC. The problem is that I lived in NYC and I prefer a metropolitan life. I know people believe that areas of Baltimore can satisfy this but I have yet to be convinced. DC is better for my career and for my social life. In DC I lived in Kalorama which is directly above Dupont and below Woodley Park. I could walk (safely) to work, get to all the running trails, hit the nightclubs of Adams Morgan, get to the restaurants in Dupont and Georgetown and be surrounded by beautiful architecture. From what you have said Silver Spring is not for you and Bethesda is for when you are ready to have kids. Clarendon is definitely filled with single people and has easy access to all areas of the city. Clarendon has plenty of restaurants, hardly any crime and the metro.

I could be the OP but I'm not. I'm in the same boat. Live in suburban MD now and looking for new digs. Trying to decide b/n cities.

Update here....I have explored DC a lot and can't decide whether it is right for me or if Baltimore would make more sense.

There is a great building at 2700 Q Street NW. That is a primo location in Georgetown easily walkable to both Dupont Circle and Wisconsin Ave. When they have apartments available, the prices tend to be quite good. Parking is also usually ok nearby.

I love baltimore but think about arlington or DC proper for sure.

Have you thought about any of the Virginia suburbs (besides Arlington)? I live in Reston Town Center and love it. On weekends, it's a quick 25 minute drive into the heart of DC for bars/restaurants. But during the week I have loads of shopping and restaurants within walking distance.

Given your monthly payment capability, consider this property:

www.metreston.com

Added bonus for Reston Town Center...there's a Whole Food within a 15 minute walk, 5 minute bike ride, or 5 minute car ride. (Just saw your other post)

I also like Reston because everyone here is so friendly...people actually speak to each other. I live in a very dog friendly building with my 65lb pooch, and the dog is prime conversation-starter (and hopefully date-getter...I'm in your same single boat). Reston itself has a great farmer's market, tons of yoga classes and other activities, good shopping, close to DC, and decent dining. Check it out!

I've lived in DC proper (Glover Park area was my favorite) and in suburban VA. I lived for years in Ashburn (in Loudoun Co) and just moved to Reston and love it. Aside from Glover Park, it's my favorite place I've lived (and I've tried Ashburn, Glover Park, Cleveland Park, Pentagon City, and Alexandria).

Thanks Bean, I think Reston would be good if I were married.

To Basingstoke
Kew Gardens looks really perfect. But looks like they don't accept doggies. Boo.
But thanks...

I'm 33, single, female, and love Reston - specifically the Town Center area. You might want to pay it a visit before crossing it off your list.

;-)

Six months later, and you still haven't made a decision? Maybe you aren't ready to move.

Move to Dupont. It's the only place that's remotely like NYC, though that's changing with all the development going on east of there, such as near the 1010 Mass condos. They are putting in some great new restaurants in that area as well (www.beckdc.com, for example)

We've lived in Dupont / Adams Morgan, and my husband lived in NYC for a while. Trust me, do not move to Silver Spring. We're there now for tuition reasons, but we are dying to get out. While it has improved greatly, it is not a walkable area, other than the three blocks downtown. While convenient, it's not at all organic and feels fake to me, after living in Dupont and Cambridge, MA. And my god, don't move to Reston.

Dupont, Logan Circle, Penn Quarter, or Capitol Hill are your best bets. Good luck.

This post has just so strongly put me in mind of the old lit anthology special by Edwin Markham:

"Gone is the city, gone the day,
Yet still the story and the meaning stay:
Once where a prophet in the palm shade basked
A traveler chanced at noon to rest his mules.
'What sort of people may they be,' he asked,
'In this proud city on the the plains o'er spread?'
'Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?'
'What sort?' the packman scowled; 'why knaves and fools.'
'You'll find the people here the same,' the wise man said.
Another stranger in the dusk drew near,
And pausing, cried, 'What sort of people here
In your bright city where yon towers arise?'
'Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?'
'What sort?' the pilgrim smiled and lifted head;
'Good, true, and wise.'
'You'll find the people here the same,'
The wise man said."

Ah Amy that is fantastic and terribly apropos. ::Claps::

I think one poster had the right idea. Take a one-week trip to DC. Visit the areas that look promising, including Reston Center and Arlington. Then do the same for Baltimore.

It should make your decision easier.
If you can, take a good friend with you. An "outside" viewpoint might be valuable. (Parent/Sibling probably know you well and can assist in making "logical" choice.)

A good place to start might be to take a legal pad and list your "must haves" and your "extras" (i.e. dog-friendly, shopping, restaurants, theater, easy access to freeway/public transit, etc). Then, two columns next to that, one for Baltimore and one for DC. As you visit each area, check off what each has met on your list. Or assign points from 1-5 as to how that area meets your needs. Total points and decision is made.

Good luck!