Owings Mills, Randallstown, Windsor Mill (Baltimore, Columbia: homes, neighborhoods, to buy)

[girlnextdoor24]

Hi there,

My husband and I are looking to buy a home near Baltimore. My husband works downtown and I work in Columbia. We have a 1 year old son and are looking for a large, newer home. We have found several that we are interested in in Owings Mills, Randallstown and Windsor Mill. Would those of you who know the areas please provide me with feedback regarding the people, the crime, schools, etc?

Many thanks!

[bus man]

All three of these areas are predominantly African-American.

I used to live in Pikesville, which is to the northeast of Randallstown and the southeast of Owings Mills. At the time I was there (going back 15 years now), Owings Mills was a boomtown of sorts, with lots of new construction. Randallstown and Windsor Mill were both older, more established communities.

At the time I lived in Pikesville, Owings Mills was a pretty nice place; Randallstown wasn't too bad but was starting to fray around the edges; and Windsor Mill wasn't too bad but wasn't too good either.

I will have to leave it to others with more recent experiences to tell you what these communities are like nowadays.

If you want to live in a more diverse and higher income suburban community, I would recommend moving to Columbia. The commute from there into downtown Baltimore is hardly longer than it is from the places you named, and your own commute would be much shorter.

[girlnextdoor24]

Thanks so much Bus Man. I wrote a response last night and I'm not sure why it didn't post. My husband and I both grew up and have lived the majority of our lives in PG county so the demographics are just fine with us. I just want to be moving into a neighborhood with good people and even better if there are some kids around. We ended up driving out and looking at the neighborhoods last night. I liked Owings Mills much more than I expected and was thoroughly underwhelmed with where we looked in Randallstown and Windsor Mill.

Thanks again for the input and it any one else has thoughts on the areas, especially Owings Mills, I'd love to hear what you have to say :-)

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by girlnextdoor24

I liked Owings Mills much more than I expected and was thoroughly underwhelmed with where we looked in Randallstown and Windsor Mill.

Thanks again for the input and it any one else has thoughts on the areas, especially Owings Mills, I'd love to hear what you have to say :-)

I think you should also consider Catonsville (21228). There are some charming older homes, and pockets of newer homes. The Catonsville High School is one of the best rated in Baltimore County.

BTW, I used to work and live in Windsor Mill, and I would not want to send my kids to the Woodlawn High School, or the Randallstown schools.

[Tinawina]

I think if you are from PG County Owings Mills is going to feel the most familiar. It's got some nice homes and most of it is pretty quiet and stable. The commute to Columbia may be a bit much however. I wouldn't wish that rush hour 695/70 traffic on anyone LOL. There may be some back road ways to cut that down however.

I agree Catonsville or Ellicott City may make a lot more sense given where you'll both be working. I'd look into that.

[girlnextdoor24]

Thanks!

[ToneGrail]

If you choose Owings Mills, stay east of 795. Sketch factor increases as you travel west past it.

[casualsurfer]

I've been living in Pikesville and have really enjoyed the location (Garrison, near Reisterstown Road and very close to 695). Commute to downtown can be a pain though.

[bus man]

Originally Posted by casualsurfer

I've been living in Pikesville and have really enjoyed the location (Garrison, near Reisterstown Road and very close to 695). Commute to downtown can be a pain though.

Casualsurfer, are you aware that your location shows as Indianapolis? Did you just recently move to Pikesville?

[casualsurfer]

Originally Posted by bus man

Casualsurfer, are you aware that your location shows as Indianapolis? Did you just recently move to Pikesville?

Yes, haven't changed it yet. Took a while for me to change from SoCal to Indy, it'll be a while before I change it to Baltimore...