Anyone in Maryland?

[Scorpio]

So... I'm moving to Maryland for a couple of years, and I figured you all would be as good folks as any to run this by...

I'm heading to good 'ol College Park, the only place in the world I've ever had a gun pointed to my head... or so I'm told... I was about two at the time... but this time I'm answering a higher calling- I'm starting a master's degree at UMD in about a month... aaaaaand I need a place to stay. I don't mean a "hey can I crash on your couch for a while" kind of place to stay, I mean does anyone have or know anyone trustworthy and dependable who has a room/basement/apartment/cardboard box to rent? I'm looking at something hopefully under $700 monthly. Is that reasonable for the area?

Furthermore, I wanted to ask to get the low down on the place from someone who might be familiar with it- Where am I gonna get mugged walking down the street in broad daylight? Where could I leave my door unlocked and hang out in dark corners at 3AM? ... err... not that I would =)

In other words, where should I be looking for a place in the first place? I would expect rent prices to be inversely correlated to distance from school, but I was hoping to find a place that I could walk/bike to if I could.

Comments and insight are much appreciated!!

Oh, right... photography related... ermmm... you know you want another Canon nut in the neighborhood!! =D

[staciecd]

Wow, ummm, you've got a great attitude after all of that! However, we do have plenty of meet ups in the area - check out the Meet Up Thread in Member Activities.

Welcome!

[Scorpio]

Yah, it's probably 'cause I don't really remember it. If someone was to do it again, tho, it might affect my view of the place =D

I'll look into heading out with you folks once I'm in the area, thanks!

[Stefan A]

I am not all that familiar with the area, but when I have been to UMCP, it seems like a seedy area. I am sure there are nicer areas, but if you want to walk/bike, you are limiting yourself. Keep in mind that the metro system down there is pretty good so if you need to live further away, choose a place close to a metro station.

Stefan

[Scorpio]

OKies, thanks for the advice! It seems as though the university runs a pretty extensive shuttle system as well, so that also expands my possibilities.