Where is a good place to live near Baltimore (Ellicott City: relocation, real estate)

[richiehh]

Hello,
I from California and am planning to relocate to the Baltimore area and was wondering where is a good to live around here. I heard that Baltimore is very dangerous to live and was wondering what places to avoid. I have been looking around Towson, Pikesville and Ellicott City and was wondering on how these locations are and if they are safe. Also, how much would you say rent would be in these locations. I pretty much looking for a 1 bedroom and 1 bath apartments. Also, is the area near the airport BWI safe to be if I want to get a hotel to look around or should I get a hotel room somewhere a little farther.

[richiehh]

The reason I come to Baltimore is for job position in that area. One concern that I have is that I drive an 03' Infiniti G35 and not sure if it would get stolen over there? Also, I noticed that some places have a lot of mices. Is that common for this area? Anyways, this relocation thing is new for me and I don't really know the east coast too well. I hear in the news about how Baltimore is like the second most dangerous place to live and I am a little worried about where to live and stuff. Also, for utilities how much is it usually in the winter months? Would Towson be a good location to live, I'm leaning towards that location.

[pkoons]

Regarding your car theft concern, luxury cars are generally stolen LESS often in this area (and most in the country) because they are easier to trace and the cars are often sold for parts - there's less of a black market for a Range Rover engine than a Mustang engine, for example. PG County and Balt. City do have high auto theft rates. Also, because of the considerable wealth in the area, an Infiniti in Towson doesn't even turn heads these days.

You will find that Baltimore is very nice on one block and very rough literally the next street over. Look at Canton or some of the areas by Camden Yards (baseball stadium). The suburbs you named are all very nice. Ellicott City is generally thought of as the nicest b/c of the downtown area and Howard County schools, but all 3 are very safe and have nice restaurants & shopping. Rent for a nice 1BR 1BA will put you at $950 - $1250 in Ellicott City, $800 - $1050 north of Baltimore.

If you don't mind a commute (maybe 45 mins), are single (I am assuming), and enjoy good dining/fun bars/shopping/etc, then I would point you towards Annapolis - probably one of the best places to live anywhere in the world, honestly. It's New England with nicer people - great sailing and cool homes. Towson is solid but you don't have the benefits of the water or any nice places to eat in walking distance.

[CHUTNEY]

Hi Richiehh,

You mentioned that you are from California; where in California? The reason I'm asking is that my husband and I too are from California [Southern] about 30-minutes N. of San Bernardino in Victorville. We have lived here for several years because of our jobs, but we plan to eventually put our house on sale and return home to Maryland where we grew up. We will miss living here, especially in the location we have our home......the homes are great and the town is really nice, safe and it's not as congested here as it is in L.A. I think the main challenge I will have when we relocate back home is braving the snow or at least trying to remember how to drive in it (LOL). The people on this forum are very informative and knowledgeable (i.e., pkoons, mccolm, etc.).

Good luck to you on your move!
Bob & Trish

[md3honey]

I noticed you recommend Annapolis..I'm moving to Annapolis at the end of March and am looking to find an affordable apartment near USNA..any suggestion about that area or nearby?

[trevangh]

You mentioned that Pikesville and Townson are safe places to live. I will be attending Baltimore Hebrew University (close to Pikesville) and I am not familiar with the area (I'm from Utah). Can you tell me more about these areas. Is it perfectly fine for my wife and I (plus two small children)?

[jonjj]

Don't automatically assume that the areas surrounding Baltimore City are safe and the areas within Baltimore City are not safe. There are good and bad in both. It is best to visit and see for yourself before you make a commitment.

[barante]

trevangh -- We live in Cheswolde, which is just north of Mount Washington and soiuth of Pikesville, off Greenspring Avenue. We are close to the Jewish Community Center, Baltimore Hebrew University, thriving synagogues and kosher markets. What more do you want?
If you are renting, there are plenty of well-maintained garden apartment complexes in the area. If you are thinking of buying, google CHAI Baltimore for unbeatable deals. In general, you should contact CHAI for a list of apartments/houses.

[carolott]

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[Scudder]

you're worried about a 5 year old car getting stolen? Shees! Its hardly that bad LOL I live downtown and neighbors have a fair number of nice cars and haven't had a problem. (Smash and grabs are the real problem in the city, when fools leave their laptops and purses in plain view). You'll be just fine in Towson.