Starting out in the Baltimore suburbs (California: renting, low crime, townhouse)

[jenca]

My husband, newborn daughter, and I currently live in California, where we've been renting for over 6 years. We're looking to come back east and finally settle down. We're thinking about the Baltimore area, but I'm a bit overwhelmed. I could use some help finding some starting points.

My husband is an ER nurse and wants to work in a busy emergency room, so John's Hopkins Hospital is our first choice. However, as a new family, I'd like to live in an area with good schools, low crime, and houses with yards -- basically, the 'burbs (although I'd prefer a small town). And as first-time home buyers, we're only looking to spend about $250k.

Lots of limitations, I know. Any suggestions on where to start?

Thanks!
- jen

[emsgoof]

DON'T come to JHH to be an RN. You work for the name there, not the money (I have experience with this). If you're set on coming to Maryland, and your husband wants a busy ER, look to the University of MD R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (aka: Shock Trauma). It's the only trauma specialty center in the state (there are other trauma centers, but all of the major EMS trauma calls get sent to Univ of MD), and gets referrals from the entire state via ambulance and helicopter. Shock Trauma is also an easier commute from the suburbs. $250 isn't going to get you a whole lot, but you might find a townhouse for it.
I have an RN friend that just moved from MD up to York, PA. Worth looking in to at least.