Commuting from DC/Bethesda to Columbia, MD

[macannie11]

My husband and I are relocating to DC from NYC and are looking to move an urban area where things are walkable and have a city feel. My job will be in Columbia, MD, but we'd ideally like to live closer to DC. If in DC, we are considering Columbia Heights, due to its proximity to route 29. If outside of DC, we are considering Bethesda. I know Silver Spring would also be a great option, commute-wise, but its not our favorite neighborhood.

I'm looking for honest advice on the commute. I really would like to keep my commute to no more than 45 minutes. Is this doable? Also, is there a way to avoid the beltway if commuting from Bethesda?

Thanks for the help!

[Anonymous]

You can't avoid the beltway and the commute depends on what time you're driving. It can be a 30 min drive at best but in traffic over an hour.

[Anonymous]

From Bethesda, you could take route 410 (East-West Highway) to 29 or you could University Blvd to NH Blvd. to be on the beltway for a tiny bit to I95. You wouldn't necessarily saving any time. Your commute will be lighter on the beltway from Bethesda toward 95 to Columbia than traffic going in the opposite way.

You might also want to check out Takoma Park too.

[jsteele]

I live near Columbia Heights and have driven to Columbia in the morning many times. You can probably make it in 45 minutes, but an hour is more realistic. Traffic on 29 is really not that bad and moves pretty fast once you get out of the downtown Silver Spring area. I've also made the Bethesda - Columbia trip in the morning. It's best to take the beltway from Connecticut Ave. to 29. There is a little congestion by the Georgia Ave. on ramp, but otherwise not too bad.

But, all bets are off in bad weather (which, in DC, includes a mild rain) or a wreck.

[Anonymous]

From Bethesda - assuming you are doing a typical M-F kind of job - I would take 270 North to the ICC, then cut across.
I take the ICC from Gaithersburg to 29, then north on 29 to Laurel/Columbia in 30 mins flat. So Bethesda - Gaithersburg would be the only add - depending on where you are in Bethesda, proximity to 270 etc. I think 45 mins-ish is doable. You will be going against rush hour traffic on 270

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From Bethesda, you could take route 410 (East-West Highway) to 29 or you could University Blvd to NH Blvd. to be on the beltway for a tiny bit to I95. You wouldn't necessarily saving any time. Your commute will be lighter on the beltway from Bethesda toward 95 to Columbia than traffic going in the opposite way.

You might also want to check out Takoma Park too.

Takoma Park, MD or Takoma, DC? Are these walkable, urban areas?

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:I live near Columbia Heights and have driven to Columbia in the morning many times. You can probably make it in 45 minutes, but an hour is more realistic. Traffic on 29 is really not that bad and moves pretty fast once you get out of the downtown Silver Spring area. I've also made the Bethesda - Columbia trip in the morning. It's best to take the beltway from Connecticut Ave. to 29. There is a little congestion by the Georgia Ave. on ramp, but otherwise not too bad.

But, all bets are off in bad weather (which, in DC, includes a mild rain) or a wreck.

Based on your experience, do you think Bethesda or Columbia Heights was the easier commute?

[Anonymous]

Columbia Heights is not near Route 29 at all. Takoma Park might be your best bet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Columbia Heights is not near Route 29 at all. Takoma Park might be your best bet.

Georgia Ave = Route 29 in DC...isn't it just a couple of blocks away? Thats what it looks like on a map atleast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Columbia Heights is not near Route 29 at all. Takoma Park might be your best bet.

Georgia Ave = Route 29 in DC...isn't it just a couple of blocks away? Thats what it looks like on a map atleast.

I agree with Jeff that it will take around an hour in the morning. It does clear up once you pass downtown Silver Spring.

I live in Columbia Heights and love it. It's walkable and urban. There are many things within walking distance. Many people have issues with the schools, but you did not ask about that. It's a lot more expensive than it was in 2011 when I moved there, but depending on what you're looking for, it can be great. Either way, I'd recommend you visit and rent before committing to a particular area for the long haul.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Columbia Heights is not near Route 29 at all. Takoma Park might be your best bet.

Georgia Ave = Route 29 in DC...isn't it just a couple of blocks away? Thats what it looks like on a map atleast.

No, not near Columbia Heights. You sound like you need to be closer to the Silver Spring area which is perfectly nice too. Try four corners area.

[Anonymous]

The Brightwood, Petworth or Takoma DC neighborhoods may be better choices than Columbia Heights. These neighborhoods are right off of Ga. ave aka 29.

[Anonymous]

I commute from Rockville to Columbia. It takes me 45 min on average. I usually take the beltway to 29.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Brightwood, Petworth or Takoma DC neighborhoods may be better choices than Columbia Heights. These neighborhoods are right off of Ga. ave aka 29.

Apologies, you wanted a walkable area.....Columbia Heights may be your best bet, but downtown Silver Spring would be sufficient as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Columbia Heights is not near Route 29 at all. Takoma Park might be your best bet.

Georgia Ave = Route 29 in DC...isn't it just a couple of blocks away? Thats what it looks like on a map atleast.

No, not near Columbia Heights. You sound like you need to be closer to the Silver Spring area which is perfectly nice too. Try four corners area.

Just to clarify, the PP is correct that Georgia Ave is Rt. 29 in DC. It is relatively close to Columbia Heights, and if you're driving up, it's a good way to get to Silver Spring/points north.

I think you need to visit, though.