Need Help - Questions about New Castle County (Newark, Bear: 2009, townhomes)

[kjbond]

Hi All-
My DH's job is being relocated in 2009 from Ft Monmouth NJ to APG in MD. We are considering moving to Cecil County MD or New Castle County DE.
The thing is, we know nothing about either state and are pretty overwhelmed trying to make this decision.
We have a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old - so schools, safety, parks, and libraries are our biggest concerns.
I stay home with the kids and need things to do during the day 8)
DH doesn't want to commute more than 45 minutes and hates sitting in traffic.
We have searched homes on the internet in Newark and Bear b/c they seem close enough to APG to commute.
Can anyone tell me more about these areas? What is up with schools - I have heard not so great things? What is this "choice" thing I've heard about?
Our price range is about $185,000 to $225,000. We need 3+ bedrooms and would like at least 1.5 baths. Type of house is not a concern - just a safe, family friendly neighborhood with decent schools. I'm realistic and am not looking for perfection -
Any help, suggestions, advice you could give would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
Janet
PS- We'll be visiting on January 10-11 (we are staying in Elkton, MD) and would love to explore neighborhoods, etc.

[doctorjef]

Sorry, but what/where is APG???

[kjbond]

Sorry - APG is Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.

[SXMGirl]

Is there a reason why you are not interested in living in the Aberdeen area?

[kjbond]

I haven't heard great things about Aberdeen

[jskirwin]

DH?
There are designated hitters in Aberdeen?

[kjbond]

DH means Dear Husband -
DS, DD - Dear Son, Dear Daughter, etc....

[armx]

kjbond:

To fit your criteria (price as well as BR, BA) there are a few homes on the western boundary of New Castle Co. - Glasgow and west (closest to Md and APG) Some are newer i.e. less than 15 yrs old - but they are, by and large, townhomes. Single family homes are older in general. Depending on your preference (TH or SF) there is a wide choice meeting your criteria. School district could be Christina or Appoquinimink. Safety is a subjective matter but DE state police baracks are located on Route 40 in the area. So informationn RE: safety can be obtained from them to feret out undesirable neighborhoods from desirable ones.

When is your intended move ... right now you can come across some good opportunities for acquisition.

[SXMGirl]

Go to Realtor.com and type in Zip Code 19702. This is Bear, DE, but in the Appoquinimink School District, where you really want to be. This area has aGlasgow Park on Route 40, which will be nice for the family. There is also a new YMCA across from the park. Additionally, Peoples Plaza is right there and has Safeway grocery, Rite-Aid, a hairdresser, dry cleaner, movie theatre, and Home Depot, plus other shopping. You are close to doctors, dentists, restaurants, Kohls, and Walmart. Route 40 is a major road and your husband might take that APG.

[armx]

kj:

For information on choice program go to the site DEDOE DE School Choice Program [Delaware Department of Education] Don't quote me but in short it goes something like - if you are prepared to drive your children to the school (w/o depending on the bus transportation) you may able to enrol your children in a desirable school provided you have obtained the admission to it. So you may pay taxes to the school in your neighborhood but your children may be able to attend the school you desire.