New to Baltimore, where to live? (Towson, Essex: real estate, condo, townhouse)

[fti100]

We recently moved to the Baltimore area, and my wife and I are both working at Hopkins Bayview. We're looking to buy a house in/around Baltimore county, but are unsure of some neighborhoods. We live in Carney right now, which is very convenient. Some of the other neighborhoods that we were considering were Perry Hall, Nottingham, Essex-Middle River. We were hoping to spend less than $250 K, likely for a townhouse (seems to be imposible to find a single family for this price). Our concerns are: crime/safety, schools (we're expecting our first child this coming summer), and overall setting/community of the neighborhood. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Songbird111]

I grew up in Carney..all my life. I am now married, with two beautiful children. I wouldn't move back to the east coast if you paid me a million dollars. We have llived in TX now for 14 years....it is THE best place to raise children. Very family friendly, good schools (private), excellent climate, excellent business, economy, housing, etc. My husband used to move wherever the work was....but now we realize that quality of life is really what it's all about. You can buy a BEAUTIFUL 3500 sq. ft. home for around $180-200K in a GOOD brand new subdivision...with community clubhouse, pool, playground, exercise room, jogging trails, tennis courts....it's like your own country club. MOST new home communities have all of these amenities here in TX. I LOVED growing up in Carney.....and go back to visit family and friends but it's changed....and also, I just don't like to expense and dirtiness of east coast cities anymore. I like to visit the east coast...lots of culture, etc. But as a place to be planted with family...you can't beat it here. You mention Bayview as work situation. There are a LOT of very good medical facilities in TX. My advice is to get jobs elsewhere. Hope this helps.

[koofie]

If you want to stay in MD (like us) I would suggest Towson, Perry Hall, White Marsh, Nottingham - most of what you have named. Hubby and I both think Essex will get more popular in the next decade, but we are buying a SFH soon and were looking for something nice, safe now for our 2 kids. We have found what we like in Perry Hall, and are fixing up our condo to sell. If you look hard and are willing to take something in need of minor repairs I thin you should be able to get a SFH at around $250k, maybe not less though. I'm seeing a few in Parkville/Carney under $300k. If you wait a few months, prices may drop further!

[carolott]

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