City vs, County (Baltimore, Towson, Perry Hall: insurance, houses, theater)

[koofie]

In my long search for a house (maybe next summer?) I see things I like about both the city and the county. I wanted opinions... especially cost-wise. I heard that the city taxes are really high. Any thoughts? PLEASE DON'T POST ABOUT SAFETY - I GET IT!!!!

Oh, and I am looking for a SFH. I like a big yard and don't want to have shared walls

Thanks!!!

[JaBradshaw]

I'm guessing you mean Baltimore City and Baltimore County?

[emsgoof]

SFH- Not going to find a lot that are affordable in the City. They're all on the north end of Charles St, and they aren't cheap! Maybe a few around Mt. Washington. You'll have much better luck finding one in the county.

[koofie]

Originally Posted by JaBradshaw

I'm guessing you mean Baltimore City and Baltimore County?

Yep, sorry - I thought I posted this in the Baltimore forum. Darn!

Originally Posted by emsgoof

SFH- Not going to find a lot that are affordable in the City. They're all on the north end of Charles St, and they aren't cheap! Maybe a few around Mt. Washington. You'll have much better luck finding one in the county.

I know. Hubby loves the houses in Roland Park (and I guess therefore the ones in Original Northwood too). He is ok with not finding one we can afford there, but we are both pretty specific about what we like- we like older houses with "charm" I guess you could say - large front porches, 2 levels, ect). The houses in the areas we are looking at in the county end up being the same price as city houses - Towson, Kingsville, Perry Hall, all in the north to ease my commute to Middle River. I have looked east, but mostly see small boxes on tiny parcels of land or great houses that are too expensive because they are waterfront.

MODS - if you can move this to the Baltimore forum, please do!

[balto charlie]

Originally Posted by koofie

In my long search for a house (maybe next summer?) I see things I like about both the city and the county. I wanted opinions... especially cost-wise. I heard that the city taxes are really high. Any thoughts? PLEASE DON'T POST ABOUT SAFETY - I GET IT!!!!

Oh, and I am looking for a SFH. I like a big yard and don't want to have shared walls

Thanks!!!

North Balto City: Cedarcroft and Lake-Walker have a lot of SFH. That's where I grew up. The City is putting money into Belvedere square. It's a nice place to hang out, food, bars, outdoor music, Senator theater. Lots of smallish cape cod homes as well as the large 2-3 story homes. Most have decent yards. If you want inner city then you will have less choices. Most are them are row homes. Charlie
PS Auto insurance is also an issue that you have to consider, twice as much in the city. Personally I think this is BS as many(if not most) of the county residents drive into the city everyday and pay less insurance. They are still driving in the city so why such a difference.

[mendygoodman]

I really do not have an opinion about what is better the city or county. It just depends on your preference. [mod]realtor solicitation[/mod)