maybe I'm crazy-Towson

[Laredo2007]

Not much to contribute here, but more of a "thanks" and an observation. I'm applying for a job in Towson and checked this site for some insights. You all paint a very nice picture of the place! I checked out some real estate sites, and I would be able to afford a small-ish townhouse/condo that seems to be the famous "rowhouse" style I've read so much about in the urban planning literature. It's pricey, but based on what's said in this site, it would be worth scaling back a bit to be in a decent place to live. Wish me luck with the job application!

[ReefAreCoolToo]

Originally Posted by JessicaGM08

So, I realize that I must "stay away" from Baltimore county... but If I choose not to, I have seen that Towson is a pretty nice place. Again, my fiance and I are teachers- no children, we will be newlyweds when we move next summer. So now my new question is this: Are the surrounding areas of Towson also okay to live in? My question is based on hotpads.com... I see Pikesville, Mays Chapel, Lutherville-Timonium, Cockeysville, Hampton, Carney, and Parkville to name a few... So basically anything near Towson.

I'm asking because I am not sure how the borders work around Baltimore... I have seen on this forum that safety, etc. may vary by city block.

Also-last thing- I am moving from Michigan so I know nothing

Thanks!!!

Who say the Baltimore County is bad..there is part of it yes...depends how you look at it and where ....are you from Detroit or some small town in Michigan? I can tell you that it will be a culture shock if you are moving from a small town into a bigger city. It definately take time to adjust to the new environment.
But one thing i am pretty sick of...like I learned from my own mistake...look at the place before you talking crap about the place ok?
Read stuffs in the internet? ....Do you believed everything you read online? Hope not..but there is part in BC is nice
BC
Catonsville,
Towson
Reisterstown
Dundalk
MIddle River
Essex
Parksville and so forth...
Not all the area is nice but ...most of it ..are...Baltimore County is not Beirut downtown...this is Maryland....

Another thing..if you are looking for those small town feeling like back home in Michigan..sorry to tell you, your teacher salary just cant pull it..like those rich people live in Howard County.. (again not all people in HoCo is rich but a lot LOL)
How much you are looking to pay per month? $1500-$2k?

[carolyn56]

A lot of people who can't afford Towson are looking at Bel Air in Harford County -- about a 30- 40 minute drive to Towson. I went to school in Towson and it's very nice but can be expensive. Bel Air is a short ride away.

[ReefAreCoolToo]

Originally Posted by carolyn56

A lot of people who can't afford Towson are looking at Bel Air in Harford County -- about a 30- 40 minute drive to Towson. I went to school in Towson and it's very nice but can be expensive. Bel Air is a short ride away.

Funny thing is ..Bel Air aint cheap either hah..

[koofie]

I have driven around Towson and it seems nice... We are actually looking to move to Perry Hall just north of White Marsh, in case you want to check that area out

Traffic in the am is bad on the outerloop (direction of 95/ White Marsh around towards Owings Mills) and the opposite in the afternoon (although it can easily back up the other way). You may want to keep that in mind as you look. Also, I would try to find out what school you will work at and then look for a place nearby. The stress of driving in traffic after a long day in your first year(s) sucks, so I would try to live as close as you can!

HTH!

[Orion17]

I work in Towson and went to Towson University.

For someone coming from rural michigan, i would keep this rule of thumb. Do not live inside the beltway. Not that it is bad, but inside the beltway is closer to the city line. Not much open space and many row homes and just general congestion.

Harford County, Carroll County, York County are the rural neighboring counties that might be more suited to your taste. BelAir in Harford is expensive, but that is b/c of the ammenties. There are more rural areas nearer to the county line that are good.

There are a inordinate number of private schools in the city and county. I think they are ranked in the top 25 for the country. Also county schools are good, but the same rule about the beltway applies (I-695).

There are numerous highrises in towson central (notice I dont say city because 4 square blocks of taller buildings is not considered a city). Some specific places to look are around the mall. There is a lot of redevelopment going on there with pricey new condos and apartments. If you are looking to rent, rent.com will list them from towson (zip = 21204).

The owings Mills area and parkville are are the development zones for this smart growth county. Parkville/Nottingham has 3 major routes to move about, 95, 695 and Rte 43. Owings Mills has one- 795.

Hope this helps, if you have any more specific questions send me a direct message.