Safe, decent area between Baltimore and Andrews AFB (Bethesda, Bowie: motel, work)

[cinak]

My family is moving to the Baltimore/DC area very soon. My husband will be working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and we also need reasonable access to Andrews AFB for healthcare. Any suggestions on safe, kid-friendly areas in between Baltimore and Andrews? Schools are not a concern since we homeschool, but easy access to Baltimore public transit would be a definite plus. Thanks!!

[cinak]

Still hoping for some information. We're coming from a very small town in Alaska - so small you can walk from one end to the other in an hour or so. Is there anything remotely similar in that area? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[corgi]

Originally Posted by cinak

My family is moving to the Baltimore/DC area very soon. My husband will be working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and we also need reasonable access to Andrews AFB for healthcare. Any suggestions on safe, kid-friendly areas in between Baltimore and Andrews? Schools are not a concern since we homeschool, but easy access to Baltimore public transit would be a definite plus. Thanks!!

Bowie is supposed to be a good community. I don't think it has public transport, though.

How often will you need to go to Andrews? That is on the other side of Baltimore City.

I'm sorry I can't help more.

Corgi

[emsgoof]

Does it HAVE to be Andrews, or can you use the clinics for your primary care?
If you can, there's a clinic at Ft. Meade (20 min south of Baltimore), another at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (1 hour north of Baltimore), and then Malcom Grow (Andrews) or Bethesda Naval Hospital for emergent care (although with Tricare, you're supposed to be able to go to the local ER and they'll transfer you if needed).
Not really any small towns around here anymore.
If he's working at JHH, he's better off driving in (the transit system in Baltimore is the model of inefficiency. I worked at JHH, and lived 3 miles from a subway stop in the county, but ended up driving because of the horrible system). Parking at the hospital for employees is around $120 / month.
I'd look at Harford County (many commuters to JHH from there), Howard County, or Anne Arundel County.

[corgi]

Dear Cina/ALaska--

You are moving to a major metropolitan area--DC-Baltimore. I have lived here for most of my 50 years and don't know of a small town near Andrews and Hopkins Hospital.

If you want a small town, do not move to this area.

I don't think you can have a small town near those two places.

Plunge in and accept that your small town days ain't going to be in this area.

But this area does have other wonderful things that you won't find in Alaska.

Join the rest of us!