Safe/Family Places to Live in Maryland??? (Columbia, Ellicott City: apartment complexes, Home Depot)

[madesyn]

Hi,

My husband is being relocated to a job in Burtonsville, Maryland from the West Coast so I am looking for advice on places to live. I have one small child so family friendly, safe, and good schools are important factors in choosing a city/community. In addition I would like to find somewhere with a small town atmosphere that is still within 15 minutes drive to a Starbucks and a Target.

Thank you for your help.

[kjg1963]

Burtonsville is not a bad place to live but stay towards Route 198. There are apartment complexes off of Route 29 that don't have an especially good rep. Better yet, come to Laurel, just 5 minutes away. We got a Target and a Starbucks (and a Kohls, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, all the chain restuarants you could want, and an old fashioned Main Street with an Historic District)! You'll be OK anywhere near Burtonsville, and the amenties you want are close by. Good Luck with your move!

[KittiKat]

I agree that the Burtonsville area would be okay. There are also quite a few other areas that you might find interesting as well. I guess the first thing you need to consider is the price range you are looking for because that can make a tremendous difference in where you locate within the metro area. For schools, I would recommend Howard county. The school system is very highly ranked and we have been very pleased. Areas to consider would be Ellicott City, Columbia and the Howard County part of Laurel. We live in the Stone Lake area and find the location perfect. Good luck!