Neighborhoods in Catonsville (Ellicott City, Frederick, Elkridge: cul-de-sac, budget, condo)

[shannobanano]

I was wondering if there are any neighborhoods in Catonsville to avoid? I am possibly looking to move there with my husband to start a family. (He will be working in Elkridge). Are there any neighborhoods which are less safe/tranquill/pleasant/whatever? Thanks!

[myselfdotcom]

Originally Posted by shannobanano

I was wondering if there are any neighborhoods in Catonsville to avoid? I am possibly looking to move there with my husband to start a family. (He will be working in Elkridge). Are there any neighborhoods which are less safe/tranquill/pleasant/whatever? Thanks!

hah..really you can take a weekend and drive up and here look.
Along Rolling Rocks, near UMBC/CCBC is good area....

[shannobanano]

I don't have a car right now so I can't make it up there. We have to sell our condo in DC before we can move but I'm just so ready to get out of here I can't stop researching neighborhoods and wasting time on realtor.com! Does anybody know if Catonsville Heights is a nice area? The cutest homes within my budget seem to be in that area.

[barante]

You really need a car to make any of this meaningful. We can discuss Catonsville ad nauseum but you have to be able to see the various areas. Also, if you live in Catonsville you will need a car.

[shannobanano]

I know, I plan on getting a car but I have to wait till I get out of the city. There is nowhere to park here. Believe me, I'm not moving to the burbs without one! I'm just trying to get an idea for now as to what type of property/neighborhood I might be able to afford. I know I should just forget about all of this until I'm ready to really start looking but, humor me if you will. I just want to know if Catonsville Heights is a nice area. If I can't continue to obsess over this, I might have to actually get some work done. Ughh. Cheers!

[jonjj]

I have a coworker who moved to Catonsville about 10 years ago and really loved it. Now however, she is not so happy and concerned about some of the "thugs" moving into her neighborhood. She is right off of Frederick Avenue on a little cul-de-sac near the city line. I am sure Catonsville has nice areas but I just wanted to pass this on. She is actually considering a move back to the city because her son is no longer school age.

[myselfdotcom]

in that case and you can afford a $400k house..why not rent the car for the weekend and drive around and look. It's a expensive decision without looking hah...really

[shannobanano]

What I really need to do is stop procrastinating and do my homework! (lazy grad student) Some day I'll make it up there. Thanks.

[Lumerian Feast]

Stay south of Route 40 and outside the beltway. (Jonjj's correct about his friend: by his decription, she lives inside the beltway, and the headaches rapidly increase.) Pleasant areas include the old neighborhoods around Frederick Road near and west of the library, the western areas getting close to old Ellicott City, and the areas near UMBC, which would be a convenient commute to Elkridge. For that reason, you might also want to consider some areas of Arbutus (some nice places clustered on the southside of UMBC) as well as Halethorpe and Relay, all of which can be nice and also very convenient to Elkridge. Arbutus and Halethorpe would also probably be a little cheaper than Catonsville.

Avoid Winters Lane, the areas north of Rte. 40, and inside the beltway.

[CarrieR]

Catonsville is a lovely area. Gorgeous old homes in very nice well kept neighborhoods. We have 2 historic districts in the town. The road someone referred you to earlier is Rolling Road, not Rolling Rocks. Both sides of S Rolling have great neighborhoods, Summit Park, Oak Forest, Catonsville Park....if you love big old homes (no cookie cutters) with large lots and huge mature trees...you found the spot. Additonally Patapsco State Park is a bike ride away and there is a fantastic horse boarding facility (where I keep my own horse) within the boundaries of Catonsville. We really have everything and are just 10 to 15 minutes to the Inner Harbor. Lots of things to do...great community. If you are concerned about crime I would instruct you to call the local police department.