finding our "spot" (Baltimore, Ellicott City: crime, houses, neighborhoods)

[LHBR702]

My husband and I want to move out of Southern New Jersey. One reason is the high cost of living, but more than that is the fact that it's not the kind of place we enjoy living in.

Our ideal place is somewhere where there are people walking about, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, places that you could get out and WALK to if you wanted to get a paper, a cup of coffee, ice cream or go to a market, or a movie, or a museum. I know that you can do all of these things in Manhattan, but we're looking to get out of the NY/NJ area a bit and although we'd like a place with a "city" sort of vibe, we're looking for something just a bit more laid back than NYC while still offering all of those options. We aren't opposed to "winter" weather, but prefer a warmer climate or atleast a mild winter since we'd like to be able to spend many months being "out and about"!

Does anyone think Baltimore would be a good fit? If so, what are some nice areas or neighborhoods in Baltimore to check out?

[septo]

I am also looking for a similar kind of area. How is the Ann Arundel County compared to Howard County? -Cost of living wise and quality of neighborhood wise?

[Bill T]

We too are originally from N.J.(Monmouth County). We have heard good things about the Inner Harbor and today I posted a query about the area. Hopefully, some locals will be responsive to our questions. Good Luck.

[sobo16]

I grew up in Anne Arundel County, but have lived in Baltimore city for 10 years. It sounds like you want a traditional neighborhood, and unfortunately, those are few and far between in Maryland. Federal Hill/Locust Point are great waterfront areas that offer dining and other activities all within walking distance. Canton is set up similarly. Many people on these forums say these neighborhoods are overrated, but there are people who wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the area. I've been hearing that reports of crime are up (muggings, theft from cars, etc.), but you can google Baltimore city crime statistics and do searches for reported crimes. These neighborhoods also tend to be on the expensive slide, but with the market slowing down, you can probably get a good deal on a house.

Does anyone know of other traditional neighborhoods/towns in Maryland besides areas of Baltimore, historic Ellicott City, downtown Frederick, and Annapolis? I wish Baltimore was more like San Francisco; neighborhood after neighborhood of great houses, shops, cafes, and excellent public transportation.

[gmc862000]

Originally Posted by LHBR702

My husband and I want to move out of Southern New Jersey. One reason is the high cost of living, but more than that is the fact that it's not the kind of place we enjoy living in.

Our ideal place is somewhere where there are people walking about, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, places that you could get out and WALK to if you wanted to get a paper, a cup of coffee, ice cream or go to a market, or a movie, or a museum. I know that you can do all of these things in Manhattan, but we're looking to get out of the NY/NJ area a bit and although we'd like a place with a "city" sort of vibe, we're looking for something just a bit more laid back than NYC while still offering all of those options.

Might want to look at Annapolis. It's 30 miles from both downtown Baltimore and Washington, DC.

The Annapolis downtown area housing is not cheap but it offers everthing you listed. Further from the downtown area housing costs are more reasonable. There's alot of waterfront property in the area so housing prices vary quite abit. There may be a million dollar waterfront home but across the street a shack worth 300k.

As the realtors say, location, location, location.

Annapolis, Maryland - Annapolis and Anne Arundel County CVB