Brits moving to Baltimore, md - please help! (Columbia, White Marsh: real estate, crime)

[mr&mrsshelton]

Due to a new job, we are relocating from Derbyshire in England to the Baltimore area. We have been looking at houses on the internet . We have two High School aged daughters and have been looking in the Howard County area, i.e.
Marriottsville, Columbia and surrounding districts. Also Phoenix in Harford County. Can anybody let us know what the commute to Baltimore is like from these areas and what they are like to live in, i.e. crime and ammenities. we will be visiting Baltimore within the next two weeks to look at these areas, and can you advise us on how long it takes to buy a property in the states
Thanks for your help.

[Marylandkitten]

I would suggest, out of all the places you metioned, to aim for Columbia. you're looking a a half hour comute to Baltimore either way... but at least columbia won't torch your house and key your care while you're not looking...at least, not the nicer parts. My older brother lives in Columbia. They have a Target with a Starbucks inside. If that doesn't say it all !!!!

[mr&mrsshelton]

Thank you Artic Kitten

[TeamBenya]

Providing that funds and/or financing are in place and ready to go, you could close on a property in as little as 2 weeks. Maryland is what is known as a "wet" state in real estate terms meaning that the funds are dispersed at the settlement table and possession occurs immediately rather than being held in escrow. Columbia seems to be a very popular area for my clients that are moving in that have children because of the school districts, and the proximity to Baltimore is not bad either. If you have any other questions or concerns about the area, please don't hesitate to ask!

Jonathan Benya
Team Benya
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St.
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000
301-653-8116

[JaBradshaw]

I recommend Marriottsville, it's a clean suburban area not too far from Baltimore. My brother lives and there and his kids go to the brand new Marriotts Ridge High School, part of Howard County Public Schools, which is a very good school district and a very good county. I believe Howard County is the 3rd wealthiest in the nation. Good luck in your search.

[PenguinSix]

GreatSchools.net is a good site to get specific school information.

USA : British Expat Discussion Forum USA message board for British Expats.

Good luck

[JaBradshaw]

^ If you want good Maryland School information go to 2007 Maryland Report Card

[mendygoodman]

I live in Cecil County right now however I just moved from Harford County last October. The commute for me from Rising Sun in Cecil county past Harford county to Baltimore County each day only takes me about 40 minutes. Traffic is not bad this time of year. Around October schools are in full effect and it gets congested at White Marsh. Where exactly would you be communiting from again? Moderator cut: realtor advertising