Possibly moving to Frederick, MD (Annapolis, Middletown: condos, crime, house)

[Mush202]

Need some advice on Frederick, MD. My wife and I are looking at moving to Frederick but I am hearing some mixed feedback on the area. We are looking for a single family home in the $400K-$500K price range.

Is Frederick safe? Crime?

[Tesaje]

See this thread http://www.city-data.com/forum/maryl...derick-md.html

There are some people saying there is a fair amount of crime. I don't live right in Frederick but it is where I do 99% of my shopping and entertainment. This single woman has never felt unsafe at any hour. I have heard of some crime around the 2 malls - more so at Fredericktown on US40 - but I don't think it is a continuing problem. There have been some accusations that the police are too brutal on occasion but I don't know anything but newspaper reports. My only encounter was one pulling me over to tell me my spare tire was dragging.

You should be able to find a house in that price range and in the many safe areas.

[Debi18]

There's crime in every city. Frederick is a safe place to live and raise kids, you just have to know where the less than desirable neighborhoods are (like any city). You will have no problem finding a single family home in your price range, new or existing home. Good Luck!

[cutgarden]

Plus, there are lots of areas right around Frederick that are great also.

[cosmkdbree]

My ex and I moved up to Frederick after college to raise kids and it is a great area. There's lots to do, parks, hiking, minor league baseball, arts, history, shopping, great dining and nightlife too. I've been here over twenty years now and never had a problem with crime. Now that I'm single I am out and about downtown all the time. It's a really great downtown and reminds me of Annapolis, Fells Point or Old Town Alexandria. Just like those places, you want to be safe and know where not to go, but again, I've never had a problem. The area around Baker Park is especially nice. Carroll Creek is an up and coming area, but with all the condos it's probably more geared for singles. Generally the police are great. I had one incident with a dyke police woman that, well, we had a personality clash. But that is the exception and most of the officers have been friendly, respectful and often you even see the Chief of Police out walking the streets. The town is growing but still has a bit of the Mayberry feel to it. Don't plan to drink and drive though, as police officers are all over the place after midnight on weekends. Steer away from South Street, Hillcrest and Heather Ridge areas, but otherwise you should feel safe where ever you go.

[Merlander]

Originally Posted by Mush202

Need some advice on Frederick, MD. My wife and I are looking at moving to Frederick but I am hearing some mixed feedback on the area. We are looking for a single family home in the $400K-$500K price range.

Is Frederick safe? Crime?

If I could live anywhere in Frederick I think I'd go with some of the great neighborhoods near Baker Pk. I don't think $400-500k will get you in there, though. For that price range, I would go with Wilson Place, between 7th and Rosemont. The street is a tad busier than I would prefer, but there are some beautiful, old homes, with good-sized yards.

Yes, it's safe. Just pick a nice neighborhood and you'll be fine.

[appalachiangirl]

I lived in Frederick Md from1998-2000. I never felt unsafe there. Granted, it was years ago,and the city has grown a lot (lot of building in the suburbs.) It's not real cheap,but MUCH more reasonable than what you will find closer to the DC area.

[MOVING ONE]

If I were moving to Frederick I wouldn't mind living near Baker park. If you want to be out of town a little bit, Middletown is quiet and only about 4 miles from the "Golden Mile" for shopping.

[rnmlong]

We live in Buckingham Hills in Adamstown, MD, which is about 4-5 miles near Frederick. It is a very country-like setting, great schools and nice people. We have never had an issue with crime and feel very safe here. Unfortunately, we have to relocate to TX because of my husband's job & are sad to have to put our house on the market and go. I think it is very reasonable to find a home in your price range in this area right now especially with the market. We listed our home much lower than what we could have 2 years ago, but that's the name of the game I guess. We are very close to old town Frederick, Baker Park, Catoctin Mountains, everything, but still far enough away to feel our kids are safe playing in the neighborhood. Other developments nearby such as Wellington Trace & Green Hill Manor are super large with tons of people and make me feel less comfortable (in case you're looking at those areas.) If you move closer to the city of Frederick homes are more and areas are busier. It depends on what you're looking for. Hope this information helps.

[Moth]

Fredrick is great. Good restaurants and brewpubs, classic architecture, friendly people. Kind of European in a way.

There are some grungy areas in the city, but you will spot them easily. And they are hardly akin to Detroit.

Go for it.