Help! Stumped on Finding Housing (Baltimore, Columbia: rentals, house, to buy)

[Miss Crabcakes]

Here's the situation. My fiance and I are trying to find a place to live in the next few months since we're getting married this fall. He doesn't like the city at all for raising a family and really wants to live in the burbs, preferably Columbia, Elkridge or other parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore or Howard Counties.

The issue is finding someone that will rent to us with one large dog, a 100 pound German Sheperd/Husky mix and my cats for under $1200 (2 bedroom). It seems that 95% of rentals exclude large dogs and the ones that do prohibit his breed. WE'd consider renting a house too but they usually want hundreds in non-refundable pet deposits and still many pet restrictions.

We'd also love to buy within the next year or so but with a budget of only $180k, again it seems we're stuck with the city and cramped downtown bar district areas.

It seems like the only thing we can afford is in the city, which I'm not against but I've been here 30 years and was looking for something different.

Are we stuck in the city or does anyone else have other suggestions? I should also add that we're hoping to start a family next year which is why we want a very family oriented area where we could have trees and grass and a lawn.

[mrboltonman]

As far as renting I think your best bet is using Craigslist.

I did a quick search in Catonsville and you can find a place for $180k. Prices have dropped a lot lately so if you search around you should be able to get a deal.