What's the Scoop on Elkridge? (Baltimore, Columbia: rental, townhouse, new construction)

[clumsygirl]

We've spent four days in the area, driving everywhere from Sykesville to Columbia to Ellicott City to Olney. Think the best rental of the bunch with the best schools is probably a home in Elkridge. What is the story with Elkridge? I can't seem to find much information about the area - home is slated for Rockburn elementary, Elkridge Landing middle and Howard high. Can anyone comment on these schools? They seem OK on paper, but I don't hear people on City Data or elsewhere talking about how great they are, so I wonder.... We are so anxious to get in a rental, could hold out hope that we get something in Ellicott in the next few weeks but I am nervous to secure a place before school starts. Anyone who lives in Elkridge or would give me a frank opinion on Elkridge would be much appreciated. We didn't really see much of it, just drove to the house and liked it, and went into the grocery store around the corner with a strip mall and bagel shop, etc. We have three young children and want to make sure we are making the right choice in terms of schools, access to sports and activities for kids, and close proximity to hubby's job in Columbia. Have looked everywhere it seems that will take three children and two cats - rental house in Northfield Elementary is just plain too small, St Johns' floorplan will not work, Clarksville would mean a tiny townhouse with no yard and home in Highland is too far in the country for our taste. Thanks in advance!

[SmokeyLisa]

I like Elrikdge and think that it is a good bargain. All Howard County teach from the same materials so you should get the same education everywhere some schools are more competitive, or have a tighter SES band then others which is one reason that there scores are higher.

Unfortunately Howard County is full of Social Economic Snobs. Elkridge has trailer parks, Columbia & Laurel have govt subsidized housing which by Howard County standards mean that no self respecting parent with any means would seen their kids to these schools. At least this is my interpretation of board comments.

As I have said, I like Elkridge and think the Rockburn area is really nice please be aware that in general Elkridge schools are overcrowded and redistricting will occur in this area as they build a new school. Make sure you are okay with the surrounding areas schools because you may be rezoned. Renting allows you to move if rezoning occurs.

[Kristin730]

You could try asking at BaltimoreMommies.com, they have quite a few members in Elkridge.

[newhart]

If you're talking about the part of Elkridge that borders Ellicott City near Rockburn or Marshalee Drive, I think that's a great area. Very convenient to the major highways and shopping in Columbia. There's been a lot of new construction in that area the past 20 years, and it's still growing fast. As you get closer to Rt 1, the housing is less expensive and the feeling is that it's more of a low-rent district. A lot of people still do think of biker bars when they hear Elkridge, so just be forewarned. It's just an address anyway. That part of Elkridge and EC are one big suburban area. I wouldn't worry about activities. You would be close enough to most anything. There's an Elkridge sports league, and it's not that far to the Howard County youth (HCYP) leagues based in Ellicott City. Dance, gymnastics, karate, etc, would only be about 10 minutes away in Columbia. That area is probably closer to activities in Columbia than parts of Ellicott City or Clarksville, and easier to get to.

I have no personal experience with the schools, but I've heard nothing negative about them. The middle and high schools will be pulling from more diverse areas, so those test scores won't be as high as those for the elementary school. If you want to know more about the redistricting possibilities, there are notes on the HCPSS website that talk about the projections if you can wade through them. Or you can call HCPSS and you might get someone who can tell you what you need to know about possible boundary line changes.

[tgs_bg]

I went to school at Rockburn Elementary and also Howard High. I turned out just fine

In all seriousness, I didn't have any issues in school with bad professors or a negative learning environment. I would recommend the area.

[SmokeyLisa]

Diversity isn't the issue, SES tends to be the issue. If not, Elkridge schools would be some of the highest performing ones in the county but they are not. Why? The area has poorer white people in it than other parts of Howard County. If you look at the schools in the county with the lowest MSAs for white students they would be in Elkridge, at least they were when I was comparing schools to see if there was a difference in schools performance by race or SES.

People really like the schools in Elkridge but hate the overcrowding. Good Luck, also the school size can vary greatly at the elementary school level. So make sure you are okay with the school size.

[Mike from back east]

I grew up in the Arbutus / Halethorpe area just over the county line from "old" Elkridge (i.e., the old old old US Rte 1 corridor).

I'd avoid the US-1 corridor in favor of places closer to Columbia or Ellicott City.

If you want, take a look around Relay, MD, it has a lot of old charming houses in a place that time forgot. I lived there for a year, still recall warmly the 4-room school house that we went to.

[clumsygirl]

Thanks for all the input on Elkridge. We are going to go for it. We spent the day driving around over there - the house is about 2 blocks from Rockburn Elementary and houses seem really nice over there, park looks fantastic, there's a great swim club around the corner, and once we turned right on 103 and realized we were less than 5 min to Ilchester area, Target, Long Gate area, etc we were sold. Everything is so close - and DH's commute will only be about 15-20 min. I appreciate the input on the redistricting bc there are definitely some schools that are physically close that do not have great numbers. I guess that's the great thing about renting - it's easy enough to move if we have a school problem.

A BIG thank you to everyone here at City Data. Anyone who has relocated and used this board knows how incredibly valuable it is. It is comforting to know that strangers will help give you advice on such a big family decision. THANK YOU!!!!!

[newhart]

It must feel good to have that decision made. I think you'll like it there. Good luck with your move!

[Gabrielle]

Good luck!