What can you tell me about Hagerstown? (Frederick, Cumberland: crime, cheap house)

[Rmx Christina]

Any info on Hagerstown appreciated? Likes and dislikes? Thanx

[carebear1970]

Hagerstown used to be very nice. Now that too is overcrowded. What happened was the people that drove the prices up in Frederick found the nich for cheap houses in Hagerstown and moved up there. Now Hagerstown is overpriced. Good luck if you have to come down South Mountain in the morning for your commute.

[westsideboy]

Hagerstown itself has a definite small city feel with its nice areas and its sketchier areas. The shame is that the sketchy areas are the places you see if you just drive through town on the major roads. The area surronding the core city is "pop-up" box 'burgs and farms. I have always prefered either Frederick if you want more culture and convience but still some rural feel, or Cumberland if you want real small town character. Some people find an exceptable compromise between these two extremes in Hagerstown.

[Moth]

There are some really nice old homes there. While pricey, they are a bargain compared to other areas.

[stuff]

I can tell you that I live here, hate it and CANNOT WAIT to get out of Hagerstown and this state. If you can dream it, Md can tax it. The people are rude and it is too congested. HELLO WYOMING!

[NCOriolesfan]

There is a fabulous prison in Hagerstown.

[emsgoof]

Originally Posted by stuff

If you can dream it, Md can tax it.

Sad but true... I love this line.

[JaBradshaw]

Growing up I always viewed it as a redneck town, but I go to the outlets every so often and pass through the town. It's okay, but it's kind of out there. I prefer Frederick over it any day of the week.

[chipmunk226]

Originally Posted by NCOriolesfan

There is a fabulous prison in Hagerstown.

yanno, I lived here in Hagerstown for over 2 years before I knew there was a prison here. And I do get out Its tucked away in a part of town that not many people have to go unless you work there. Since I've lived here I don't remember hearing about any incidents about the inmates. And the WashCo Sherrifs Dept is right next door

I came from Philly so Hagerstown is a paradise compared to it. I like it so far. But it being only the second place I've lived, I wouldn't call myself an expert.

Pros:
*great shopping - every store you can imagine close buy. The outlets here are great.
*close to interstates - Hagerstown is at the junction of 81 and 70
*great city parks - HUGE,green CLEAN parks, great for kids. City Park is gorgeous.
*still can find good housing compared to other counties in MD going east. There are also two big planned neighborhoods, Hager's Crossing and Westfields.
*Less then 90 minutes from DC, B-more or Harrisburg.
*If you don't want to be in Hagerstown, but still close, there are smaller towns such as Boonsboro, Sharpsburg, Smithsburg, Funkstown and Williamsport to name a few.
*Timed lights in downtown - If you do the posted 25 most of the time you can make it from one end of Hagerstown to the other in less then 10 minutes

Cons:
*growing WAY to fast - and it seems that the city / county gov't isn't handling it all to well Our roads, water and septic are becoming compromised.
* I have a son in 3rd grade, and it may just be his school, but there is a vast income difference with the children that go there. This seems to cause friction with both children, parents and teachers. The school consists of the poorest of the poor and the most affluent in the city and everything in between. I am not saying that kids should be segregate by income, just seems like it causes noticeable friction here and the school faculty don't handle it the greatest.

All in all, I think that Hagerstown is a good place to live. Since I've been here, most incidents of crime happen on the main roads [which is basically 40, lol] or in one section of the city. But as with everywhere, there are going to be some bad people.

If you are a commuter though during the typical 9-5 driving towards DC or b-more, it can be rough. Hubby only survived because he worked 630am to 230pm and has a heavy foot He would leave at 5am and be home by 4pm.

@JB - IMO, Hagerstown is nicer then Frederick for what I like Shopping is right off the interstates. I hate shopping in Frederick b/c it feels like you have to go to all over to do so and have to be on local roads. I absolutly HATE 15 and 40 in Frederick, talk about nightmare. Everything here is easy access to 81 or 70 and isn't very spread out. Traffic is better too. My husband was stationed in Ft. Detrick for a time and we couldn't wait to leave

But as far as nightlife and eateries, Frederick would be the spot hands down. But being that I am a stay at home mom with no 'adult' life at the moment, Hagerstown suits me just fine

[chipmunk226]

Originally Posted by JaBradshaw

Growing up I always viewed it as a redneck town, but I go to the outlets every so often and pass through the town. It's okay, but it's kind of out there. I prefer Frederick over it any day of the week.

Unfortunately, it's not very diverse It is 85% white with a dash of black and a little sprinkle, and I mean sprinkle, of everything else. I am multi-racial and my hubby is black and we have yet to experience a incident of prejudice or racism though.