Moving to Baltimore Area for job in Windsor Mill. Where to live? (Columbia: apartment)

[clawlan]

Hi all. I may be relocating for a job in Windsor Mill area (see attached map). I am looking to first rent and apartment and then eventually purchase a home. I would like to know which suburb areas I should be looking at which have low crime, nice neighbors/communities, good schools, etc. I have read that Ellicott City is nice but perhaps a tad expensive. What other areas are recommended?

[SmokeyLisa]

The good thing about Hoco is that there is a lot of different types of housing, if you want to live in EC you can try a townhouse and look near Centennial school districts - you can find some slightly less expensive homes than other parts of EC. You should also look in Columbia or Elkridge in Hoco, Clarksville is typically more expensive than EC. Outside of Hoco, you might want to look at Catonsville, or Pikesville as well.

[clawlan]

Originally Posted by SmokeyLisa

The good thing about Hoco is that there is a lot of different types of housing, if you want to live in EC you can try a townhouse and look near Centennial school districts - you can find some slightly less expensive homes than other parts of EC. You should also look in Columbia or Elkridge in Hoco, Clarksville is typically more expensive than EC. Outside of Hoco, you might want to look at Catonsville, or Pikesville as well.

Forgive me, what is Hoco? Thanks for the suggestions!

[jland]

Hoco=Howard County.
You could also look out along Route 70 to the west of the beltway. I've heard good things about Sykesville, but no first-hand knowledge.