Carroll county questions?? (Baltimore, Eldersburg, Westminster: Home Depot, cinema, schools)

[familymom]

What is it llike in Westminster, Carroll County. Is it very rural outside the city limits. Are there big Box stores. Any one relocate recently and find it what you thought it would be. And where did you relocate from.

[emsgoof]

Westminster is very rural outside of the city limits. There's still a decent amount of farm land up there. The "big stores" are all at the mall in Westminster. Outside of that, there are a few WalMarts spread around the county, but that's about it.

[Stripes17]

We lived in Taneytown for a couple of years around 2002-2004. EMS is right about Westminster, as all the local box stores are there. There is also a growing area on Liberty Road in Eldersburg.

Living in Taneytown, we usually drove to Westminster or north to Hanover, PA to do our shopping (aside from groceries).

We'd be very happy if we found ourselves back in Carroll County. It is an absolutely gorgeous area with a mix of new and old, commercial and rural, etc.

[cutgarden]

Familymom, Carroll County has changed, and is changing pretty quickly. Westminster has the ubiquitous Walmart *gag* but also a very nice Target, Kohl's, Bed Bath n Beyond, Lowe's, Home Depot, Staples, 2 party stores - Party City and Factory Card Outlet, and too many restaurants to list, both chain and independent. The mall has the cinema, plus a Steve n Barry's, Boscov's, Sears, Belk for the anchor stores, and a sports bar. Main Street is pretty cool if you can find parking. It's usually easier to park in the lot and walk. Lots of little grocerias, cafes, etc. The outlying areas are not as rural as they were just 5 years ago. Lots of McMansions being built and sold. The schools are pretty decent from what I hear. I have quite a few customers who teach, and they all seem like extremely good folks. For the most part, the businesses around Westminster are run honestly, as it's still a "small town" - around 17,000 population I think, so word gets around pretty fast if you're crooked. I moved down from Pa. in '85, and immediately felt more at home than I did where I grew up. Everyone snickers about Carroll County being redneck, but that's no longer true. Or at least, as true as it was. I love it, myself.

[familymom]

Thanks for all the great imput. It sounds really nice, can't wait to take a road trip to see it myself. Any towns to consider besides Westminster for a transplant to feel comfortable in. I definately like a newness feel to an area, while I still enjoy the older downtown to enjoy. I definately like to be able to find a variety of shopping. And since I have 4 children I would love a town that offers a variety sport program thru the town or schools and Cub Scouts.

[cutgarden]

Be sure to drive around the countryside near Finksburg, New Windsor, and Taneytown. There are housing developments springing up all over.

[Gabrielle]

We love living in Eldersburg, so if you're in the area check out that town, too!! I agree with the above posters...Carroll County is WONDERFUL!!!

[ejl0503]

FamilyMom,
I'm relocating to the area as well from out of state. We've been looking in Carroll County as well. I've looked all over the metro Baltimore/DC area and I keep finding myself coming back to Carroll County. If you like Westminster, you'd be sure to like Hampstead and Manchester.

EJL

[familymom]

Are there any communities with ammenities, such as pools, community centers, walking trails or ponds?

[Gabrielle]

Here in Eldersburg we have Piney Run Park with the lake (boating and fishing) and lots of walking trails. Also Liberty Reservoir.