Carroll County vs Howard County - Real Estate question (to buy, school district)

[imacindia]

While I pursue to buy a home, I came across an interesting scenario and wanted to share it with the group to get your valuable inputs/thoughts.
1] We looked at a model in Howard County by a builder the base price of which is $840000 and the same model by the same builder in Carroll County is $640000.

2] We researched on the school and the assigned school ratings at both the places is same for Elementary, Middle and High. I understand Howard county as a school district is much better than Carroll County but then even in there, you need to look at the places where the ratings of the assigned schools are high.

3] There is quite a bit of difference in the lot size as well. Even thought Carroll is $200000 less in cost, the lot size is around 1 acre and a little more, whereas for Howard it is around 0.2 acres.

4] The other factor is we would be able to negotiate quite a bit with the builders for the Carroll County whereas they don't even want to start negotiating for the Howard county one. So, clearly the one at Carroll

Given this, it does appear Carroll county could be a winner from the cost standpoint. But I'm not sure if I'm making the right decision. Any thoughts?

[Calvert Hall '62]

It might be smarter to ask your questions in the Maryland forum.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by imacindia

Given this, it does appear Carroll county could be a winner from the cost standpoint. But I'm not sure if I'm making the right decision. Any thoughts?

The key question is the commute for a wage-earner. Carroll County is very far out, and a long commute gets old fast. The other issue is maintenance: do you want to spend weekend mowing a huge lawn?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

It might be smarter to ask your questions in the Maryland forum.

Even smarter to combine the two threads.

[imacindia]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

The key question is the commute for a wage-earner. Carroll County is very far out, and a long commute gets old fast. The other issue is maintenance: do you want to spend weekend mowing a huge lawn?

Good point. As far as commute goes, it is actually going to be the same distance for now as it takes about the same time to get to work whether it is Howard or Carroll. Probably a better travel experience if it is Carroll because there's no highway drive. Maintenance is a very valid point to think about. Thanks

[imacindia]

Originally Posted by MrRational

Even smarter to combine the two threads.

And how do I do that ?