A few questions Re- Bel Air (Baltimore, Aberdeen: real estate, property taxes, house)

[sreshowtime]

Hi, I am interested in Bel Air.There is a prospective job that would be around the White Marsh area, and Bel Air was mentioned as a good place to live. Having lived in Atlanta and Miami, where traffic and crime are the norm, we don't really want to be in the thick of it....in the Midwest currently.

I have done a little reading on here and was curious regarding the police in the Bel Air area. One other thread mentioned the nonchalance and very scary police mannerisms up around the Baltimore area. How are they in Bel Air? Are they helpful and respectful to law abiding citizens? Or am I overreacting to what I read...

Also, what would be comparable areas to Bel Air, as far as commute to the White Marsh area, and quality of living? Frugal that we are, would hope to stay under 200k and live simply.

Thanks for any help!

[sreshowtime]

Anyone out there that can tell me about the Bel Air and surrounding area? And how the police are up in that area?

[pamptrecy]

When I was growing up in Bel Air we used to call them the "town clowns." Back then not much really happened. Bel Air has really exploded in terms of size and population so I'm sure that's changed. I doubt the police are like you hear about in Baltimore. Also, you have to take everything you hear with a grain. People tend to talk more and the press reports more on the negative.

Last time I was in Harford County traffic was horrible. One of the main reasons for moving out of the area. I suggest driving it a few times before you decide. There are also more jobs and people moving into the area so I imagine it will only get worse. You would be going with the traffic.

Not sure about finding a place for $200K. I'm in Baltimore County which is a bit more expensive. Maybe you could find a townhouse? Real estate seems to be holding value in this area. Prices aren't coming down but homes are taking longer to sell from what I can tell.

[vlorak]

i live in bel air and hubby commutes to white marsh. the traffic isn't bad, he gets there in 20 min or less. i personally love bel air. we moved here from FL about a year and a half ago. schools are great. but under 200k. wow. how? i hope you do but i sincerely doubt you can find anything that low.

[Streamer]

We live in Hydes which is just South of Belair. Belair is growing at a much higher rate than the surrounding communities. As for the Police, I'm not sure what your concern is. As long as your not doing anything illegal you wouldn't know they're there. If your looking for a tract home or Mac Mansion, congested business area, unchecked growth this may just be the place for you. They are building (almost finished) a new high school right in the middle of the business, shopping area. The Fallston Highschool on the edge of Belair is known as Heroin High. There are more drugs in these suburban high schools than your likely to find in Baltimore. Our son went to private schools. In roll your kids in these public schools at yours and their own risk.Another thing real estate is high as are property taxes. There's a house less than 1/2mile from us on two acres that sits less than 10 ft back from the road for $400.000.00. The house is considered a tear down. We're on our way out but there are a lot of people moving in to the area,escaping the city.

[Goodbye Bawlmer]

You may be able to find a condo in BelAir for under $200k, but you won't touch a house worth living in for that little. Also look at Abingdon, Churchville, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, they are all nice towns within 30 minutes of Belair where your money may go further.
As far as Belair police....they are very present and respond quickly in Belair, but you'll likely never need to call them around there.

[psychofan]

Fallston, Forest Hill, Jarretsville are nice options as well