Frederick MD, buying in dowtown?

[Sara N.]

Hi MD RE experts! If you know about Frederick MD, maybe you can share some wisdom.  We are helping my husband's aging uncle relocate from NC to be closer to family (us). Since the cost of living in DC proper is so expensive we are looking at alternative locations in the area that is more affordable, safe and an area where he can walk/bike to restaurants, grocery stores, the library, etc. He cannot drive so ideally somewhere he can mostly walk or bike; and when needed he take a bus/short taxi ride/Uber.  Thoughts on buying a place in downtown Frederick?  He doesn't need a lot of space though we are open to getting a bigger place so family can visit/stay with him as needed. Ideally want to buy a place between $150K-250K, possibly more $$ if you can convince us as why he should buy a more expensive place. How is the RE trend there & specifically for downtown area? Will it continue up? What specific area in downtown is ideal? Is it easy to rent out( if he becomes to ill and doesn't need the house anymore)? Is there an area in downtown that not so expensive but up and coming but safe and yet central to get around to the grocery stores, etc. We're willing to put some work into the place if needed. Ideally a place with little or no yard.   We are thinking of downtown Frederick as it looks charming, friendly and so we can get there easily to check up on him/or he can even take the Marc train to visit us. We've only been there once in passing so don't really know about it at all. If not Frederick, where else should we consider? We've looked at Silver Spring by a metro and again, the RE is just way too expensive. Maybe college park, but it seems too college-y. Any insights, thoughts, tips would be greatly appreciated. : )