Tomorrow I am touring Annapolis, Ellicott City, Laurel, Columbia or other?

[Kensington]

I think Annapolis is the only one on your list that sounds remotely like what you describe. I would consider downtown Baltimore as well.

[ttdog]

I am biased because I live in Annapolis, but I think it's the best place to live in Maryland. Not that there aren't other great options - Maryland's a beautiful state - but Annapolis fits your criteria to a tee.

You should look at Park Place Annapolis:
Park Place Annapolis - Annapolis Condominiums

...and at houses in Eastport...
Eastport Civic Association - About Eastport

Both offer easy (walking) access to downtown amenities.

[mariecug]

Yep, those are some of the best places to live (Annapolis, Ellicott City, Columbia, Towson). I live in Columbia, MD now and love it. If you want upscale, also check out Northern Virginia and Bethesda, Maryland. Maryland has lots to offer.

But...where exactly are you guys going to work? Your husband is going to commute to Herndon occasionally? I would check out google maps to look at travel times (for example, Annapolis -> Herndon during rush hour will take him 2 hrs one way; Columbia 1.5 hours one way).

[DC resident]

I am in my 30s and until a few weeks had no kids. In the metro region you are considering (MD/DC/VA) there is only one option and thats DC. I mean if you are moving to the east coast and you’re not moving to NY or Boston the next best big city is DC. Most of these other areas u r considering are considered the suburbs. Annapolis does have a downtown, but about 90% of the store fronts are tourist traps and I am not aware of much in the area of performing arts. Annapolis on the weekends is dominated by those attending the Navy Academy and weekend boaters. Nice if that what your after. B'more has been suffering from a declining population for last up'teens years and there are various why but you should stay clear until it makes a comeback. DC on the other hand has been going through a revitalization and increase in population. And its the nation capital. Not much culture in Annapolis. If you come to DC stick with the NW quadrant.