Edgewater/Annapolis do I really want to move there? (Severn: neighborhoods, best schools)

[punkrockgrl]

I need help. I currently live in Alexandria, VA with my 5yr. old and boyfriend. His family lives in Edgewater or in that general area and he is doing his best to convince me that this is the area for us. I'm open to moving to MD but my concerns are: good schools, good neighborhoods, some nightlife, not too far from the city and not around strip mall hell if I can help it. I love the charm and excitement of living in Old Town and so close to DC.

Is there anywhere near Annapolis or other parts of MD that fit any of these criteria? I want to hear from real people, not family members.

Thanks,

[katzenfreund]

Hi there,
we lived in Edgewater for 3 years, left 9 years ago. It depends on exactly where in Edgewater you are thinking of moving.... but when we left there the developments were going up, big box stores were coming and the traffic on 214 was horrific. Also on 2 getting to Annapolis was NO fun. We had to go to Annapolis for restaurants and shopping. Annapolis is a nice town with sweet little shops in the harbor area, but parking there is awful and it is generally crowded, except during the winter months. I don't know about the schools, but generally A.A. County has good schools. There are some nice neighborhoods in Edgewater, try Gingerville, that is closer to Annapolis and you would not have to deal with the traffic on 214. Good luck!!

PS, Gingerville has an Edgewater zip code. Another area you might want to check out is Herald Harbor, about 10 minutes north of Annapolis, less traffic and development, but close to Annapolis. We lived there before Edgewater and I liked it much better.

[Janipoo]

You can also look into Arnold or Severna Park, Arnold isn't too far from Annapolis and Severna Park is about 5 minutes down from there. Both have good school systems.

[Rich F]

Annapolis is sort of like Old Town Alexandria, but with less nerds. The schools in Annapolis are pretty bad, other than the private schools. Severna Park has by far the best schools, but it's expensive. Arnold is a good medium, and if you don't mind a big bridge, Kent Island is fairly reasonable and has good schools.

[NHLizzie]

I was impressed with Kent Island and Church Hill. It would be a longer commute, but it could be worth it for you.