True Maryland Native--Informal Poll (Baltimore, Glen Burnie: schools, to move, housing)

[cool rob]

I also was not born here, but so far I am a life long resident, Raised in Oxon Hill, went to Flinstone Elementary, moved to Fort Washington and went to Ft. Washington Forest elementary then Gwynn Park Middle, and back to Oxon Hill High School, went to college in Baltimore, then I moved out on my own to District Heights, then Landover and currently in Upper Marlboro with oldest daughter going to arrowhead elementary. My wife who is from California, hates the cold weather and wants to move south, I will wait until after November 4th to see about that one though!

[Bizkid]

I was born at Malcolm Grow Hospital on Andrews AFB in Camp Springs. I lived in apartments off of Swann Rd. in Suitland until I was about 5, then my parents bought a house in Forestville. I attended 4 different elementary schools (Arrowhead, Kettering, Ritchie, John Bayne) due to bussing desegregation / integration. I went to Spaulding Jr. High (now Forestville Military Academy). I graduated from high school at Crossland.

I can remember watching 4th of July fireworks at the District Heights Municipal Center, going to Hillside Drive-In for about $5 per car, the carnivals every summer at Penn Mar Shopping Center, and being able to walk or ride my bike all over town without worry.

I recently went back (I now live in CA) to bury my father, and was quite disturbed at the urban decay that is readily found in and around Forestville. My fathers' neighborhood has changed to where I wouldn't feel comfortable walking to far from his house. This seems to be the pattern within the Southeastern DC Metro area.

[cool rob]

Originally Posted by Bizkid

I was born at Malcolm Grow Hospital on Andrews AFB in Camp Springs. I lived in apartments off of Swann Rd. in Suitland until I was about 5, then my parents bought a house in Forestville. I attended 4 different elementary schools (Arrowhead, Kettering, Ritchie, John Bayne) due to bussing desegregation / integration. I went to Spaulding Jr. High (now Forestville Military Academy). I graduated from high school at Crossland.

I can remember watching 4th of July fireworks at the District Heights Municipal Center, going to Hillside Drive-In for about $5 per car, the carnivals every summer at Penn Mar Shopping Center, and being able to walk or ride my bike all over town without worry.

I recently went back (I now live in CA) to bury my father, and was quite disturbed at the urban decay that is readily found in and around Forestville. My fathers' neighborhood has changed to where I wouldn't feel comfortable walking to far from his house. This seems to be the pattern within the Southeastern DC Metro area.

I agree, it is very sad to watch these once vibrant areas, overcome with neglect and deterioaration. I rembember when Iverson Mall was the greatest thing on this side of Branch Ave, now it is but a shell of what it was and what it could have been.

[chappy07]

I was born at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace (Harford County but I'm from Cecil County and I was raised in Port Deposit and Perryville. We moved to North East about a year ago. I go to UMCP so this is where I'm at currently. I can't think of living anywhere else besides Maryland (maybe Delaware)... but I know I don't like this part of it. Redskins fans... ughh.

[scottfs]

Born in DC, but of course never lived there. I grew up in Rockville. Lived on the east side near the Aspen Hill area and then later the west side closer to Potomac. I never really liked living in MD at all.

I spent 4 years in Flagstaff, AZ going to college. Fell in love w/ the place. Been back here 2 years and am now living in Howard county and all I wish is that I could move back to AZ. But there are very few jobs there related to my field, and I can't move back out there just yet. But I will some day. Sometimes I tell people I am from Arizona because I really feel more like a native there than I do here.

[coolnana5]

born in baltimore city and loved the city life. That was 60 years ago when the city was just great.. clean marble steps. the parks, clean neighborhoods, local movies and the infamous "little tavern" hamburger shop and the "arundle" local ice cream shop. We all took care of each others properties. When we cleaned and swept off our porches and steps, we'd do the whole block. We liked cleanliness. We all took pride on our little spaces we occupied..Everyone knew everyone and we visited each others homes and we watched each others kids. We were always there when we were needed. If someone died in a family, we all were family at times like this and everyone pitched in to clean their home, do the cooking, we all brough food for company and back then, it wasn't uncommon for the for the deceased was layed out in the living room of their home.. its all changed for the worse, sadly.. People just don't smile and say hello and people are rude..

[KAH1963]

Originally Posted by Bizkid

I was born at Malcolm Grow Hospital on Andrews AFB in Camp Springs. I lived in apartments off of Swann Rd. in Suitland until I was about 5, then my parents bought a house in Forestville. I attended 4 different elementary schools (Arrowhead, Kettering, Ritchie, John Bayne) due to bussing desegregation / integration. I went to Spaulding Jr. High (now Forestville Military Academy). I graduated from high school at Crossland.

I can remember watching 4th of July fireworks at the District Heights Municipal Center, going to Hillside Drive-In for about $5 per car, the carnivals every summer at Penn Mar Shopping Center, and being able to walk or ride my bike all over town without worry.

I recently went back (I now live in CA) to bury my father, and was quite disturbed at the urban decay that is readily found in and around Forestville. My fathers' neighborhood has changed to where I wouldn't feel comfortable walking to far from his house. This seems to be the pattern within the Southeastern DC Metro area.

Gosh I remember all those things...sounds like my old childhood. I grew up in Ritchie Manor...wow you brought back some good memories.

[Crimespotter]

Born in Frostburg, live in Baltimore!

[barbieemarley]

i just moved to las vegas. but when im done with school imcoming back! ive lived in adelphi, seat pleasnt, and fairmont heights.

[jayman1981]

I was born in Ipswich, England in 81 (Yes I'm a brit) came to Andrews Air Force Base, MD in 1982. My mom got out of the military in 89. Stayed in Suitland, MD at Hickory Hills apt on Silver hill road went to Overlook elementry in Hillcrest Heights. Then moved just down the street in 90 to Tooley Street Station apt (right across from the suitland rd metro) Yes the apartment complex with the one sfh in the middle of the hood, I'm mean complex. Went to both William Beanes, Andrew Jackson and Forestsville High School (now Forestville Military Academy. Moved to clinton in 97 and graduated from Surrattsville High in 99. Went into the military got my first assignment at where else Andrews Air Force Base. Spent 2 1/2 years there and got stationed in Dover Air Force Base. A big jump I know. Decided to leave the military came back to the area. Lived on Bolling AFB (due to wife still in the military) for about a year. She got out and we lived in Temple Hills for about a year then moved to Waldorf in Charles County (P.G. County's favorite spot for relocation) been here since. I love Maryland, it will always be apart of my life. However like many others I want to relocate to a safer more kid friendly place, where I don't have to have a long commute and family is the importance. Plus it seems like homes prices have really gotten ridiculous. We get payed a high amount for a reason. Does the pay go far around here. I guess it depends on what bracket your in. For me it' doesn't But I love the everything this area offers. I just want a slower pace lifestyle.