Chestertown area?? (Annapolis, Easton, Rock Hall: crime rate, homes, schools)

[VikingCouple]

Hi we are an American/Norwegian couple with two small kids currently living in Norway. We would like to move back to the states and have set our eyes on MD eastern shore. We are searching for land in a non developed area near or with access to water where we are going to build our dream passive solar home Does anyone know anything about Chestertown area? Schools? Crime? Taxes?

Very informative forum by the way

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by VikingCouple

Hi we are an American/Norwegian couple with two small kids currently living in Norway. We would like to move back to the states and have set our eyes on MD eastern shore. We are searching for land in a non developed area near or with access to water where we are going to build our dream passive solar home Does anyone know anything about Chestertown area? Schools? Crime? Taxes?

Very informative forum by the way

The 2006 report card for Maryland schools came in this month. If you go to this website mdreportcard.org you can search by county. Chestertown is in Kent County. Chestertown spends a lot on their kids, though - $7,453 per student versus the national average of $6,058 and classes average 13.8 kids per teacher.

With #1 being the worst state (NY), Maryland ranks #25 for state and local tax burden.

With the average national US crime score being a 3, Chestertown gets a 6 for violent crime and a 5 for property crime. (A lower number is better).

They're over the US National average for cost of living as it relates to food, housing and utilities.

All of that being said, I have a friend who lives there and she likes it.

[VikingCouple]

Thank you so much for that opdate Laura

[pkoons]

To put LauraC's comments in perspective, the crime rate is probably higher due to the fact that there is a smaller population recorded than the actual number of people in the town. There is a small college there, so since Chestertown is already a small town, that really brings up the total number of people but does not reflect it in the population statistics. Chestertown is very safe and the majority of the violent crime is generally fights between college kids & at bars, or domestic violence. Typical of any small town.

Regarding cost of living, it is more expensive than the average US city but significantly less expensive than the Western Shore/MD mainland, or Talbot County (Easton, St. Michaels). There are homes ranging from $225K to the multimillions based on the location and proximity to water.

Culturally, it's quiet but there are a few good restaurants and some independent stores that sell crafts and antiques, plus your basic fast food and necessities. You can get to Annapolis in 45 minutes or so to shop and dine as well.

Even though there's not a LOT of undeveloped land (as in, you won't find a huge bargain), the last land auction I was notified about showed a fair number of Chestertown properties.

Good luck!!!!

[pearl]

I just left the Eastern Shore of Maryland after living there for ten years. Chestertown is a beautiful area with not much crime. Waterfront is expensive, due to the growth on the Western Shore, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Newark Delaware. Some towns you may want to check out include: Millington, Sassafras, Galena, and Rock Hall, and Crumpton if you want to stay in the upper shore. Otherwise you may want to check in Dorchester County and the lower shore. You may find more affordable waterfront there. Good Luck

[VikingCouple]

Thank you so much for your very informative inputs.We do not want to be to far away from Philly area and family there, so I guess Dorchester County would be a bit to far!? We can not wait to move back to warmer climate. We live on the 71 th latitude now!!! (Norway)

[dawnmich]

how would you compare chestertown and galena?
thanks