Nice areas commutable to Northrup Grumman in Linthicum (Severn, Elkridge: real estate, house)

[JukieF]

My husband may be getting a job with Northrup Grumman in Linthicum. I've never been to Maryland, so I'm trying to gather some information about suburbs near Linthicum where the homes would be in our price range (up to $400K), that are safe, and that wouldn't be so far that he'd have a horrible commute. I have no idea what the traffic is like around there, but I imagine it's pretty heavy during rush hour.

I've been looking at real estate online in Linthicum Heights itself, as well as Glen Burrie, Hanover, Elkridge, Ferndale, Harmans, and Severn. But the real estate ads don't really tell you anything about these areas.

We will, of course, use a real estate agent to help us find a house if and when we get out there, but I'm trying to do as much research ahead of time as I can. Can anyone offer advice about these areas? Are any of them worse than others when it comes to proximity to the airport and being under flight paths? We're empty nesters, so we don't have to worry about schools except when it comes to resale.

I'm excited about the prospect of living in Maryland. I'm a third-generation Colorado native, and although I've lived in other areas (the Pacific Northwest, NY state), I've never lived in that part of the country.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.