Buying a Home in Catonsville (Baltimore, Ellicott City: rent, work, schools)

[moving_to_md]

Hello,
My wife and I are considering purchasing a home in Catonsville. We currently live in Ellicott City (apartment) but cannot afford to stay in the area (our price range is 275K to 325K). Our primary concerns are crime and the quality of the schools (as we hope to have children in the future).

What neighborhoods of Catonsville are good?

The area around Old Fredrick road,as you depart from Ellicott City, seems nice.

How is the area of Catonsville inside of the beltway (Tanglewood)?

How much can one expect to negotiate off the price of a home these days?

How is the BRAC expected to affect Catonsville (many of the neighborhoods seem older and don't have much room to grow)?

Thanks!

[jonjj]

I work with a good friend who has lived in Catonsville off of Frederick Road for quite a while. She is concerned because of all the "gangstas" (as she refers to them) moving into the neighborhood. She mentions that she does not liking hearing the profanity and loud music and also she has a teenage son who is easily influenced. They originally lived in the city near the ballparks but moved because of lack of space. Not sure what her plans are or if it is a problem throughout the area.

[newhart]

I would stick to the Frederick and Rolling Rd areas and stay from anything near Rt. 40 or Security, or near the Baltimore city line. I have a friend who lives near the library on Frederick and he has been happy with the schools. I think the elementary school is Hillcrest.

[captiva91]

I am considering buying a single family home in Tanglewood. I am a single professional woman and I was wondering how safe the neighbhorhood is. Is there anyone who could tell me or direct me to a website or phone number so that I could get the information. Or if any of you have lived there and have good experiences..I would love it if you could give me your opinions!

Thank You,
Pam