Bad Areas in Westminster, MD? (Eldersburg, Hampstead: housing, crime, colleges)

[TheRuckus]

I heard there were a few bad areas in Westminster, specifically Pennsylvania Ave. and parts of East Green St. Anyone know any other areas to avoid? Also, can anyone tell me what they think of the old (circa 1900) houses in Westminster?

Last question, if you were looking for a house that will most likely go up in value faster, would you be looking at in Sykesville, Eldersburg, or Westminster?

Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

[cutgarden]

First part of your question: yeah, those areas wouldn't be my first choice to live if I was a townie, but I wouldn't fear for my life or anything either. Old houses to me, are old houses. I ain't into antique'ing ... lol ... and besides, I live in an old farmhouse. I do think the older houses in town would be solidly built, but I'd spring for an independent inspector if it was me.

2nd part: I don't know. I think they are already all overvalued in all three areas.

[Rmx Christina]

I think Eldersburg had a huge increase in housing sales price....but Westminster built a new high school, has more shopping and dining options built.

I used to live in Westminster and I think it's a great area. I think it has more of a sense of community. Most of Eldersburg, and Sykesville are people who want to be close to Howard county, but couldn't afford Howard county housing. Westminster seems to have people living there for a while, but housing is more affordable than the other two areas. At least, that is my take on the area.

[westsideboy]

The "bad" parts of Westminster are not that bad. I lived on PA avenue and had friends on Green St. while I was in college and my friends and I went around the neighborhoods at all hours with no problems. Thinking back on it, maybe bunchs of loud obnoxious colleges students is what gives the place a bad rep.... There was unsolved murder at a pizza shop on PA ave, but that was probably almost 10 years ago now.

[md to nc]

I can tell you compared to 20 years ago, PA avenue/Green Street/anywhere around the college area is bad but Westminster City has increased patrolling within the past 5-8 years because of the string of crime that was going on. Value increases seem to be of the past in Carroll County period. DH and I looked at a few houses in Hampstead before deciding to move out of the area altogether. Those houses are now back on the market for at least 50k less. We would have been buried.

[brighteyes73]

Hi do you know anything about wade street?
thanks

[cutgarden]

Wade? In what town?

[brighteyes73]

Hi sorry i posted the wrong name of the street. It's Ward off of Pennsylvania My Husband went to see a house there. Of Course the Landlord said it was a good area and that it was near the new highschool. But what can you all tell me about it?

[cutgarden]

The new high school is Winter's Mill, which is not really next door to Ward Ave. I think that area is pretty nice, but if I remember tomorrow, I'll do a drive by (pun intended lol) and see what the housing looks like. It's right across from McDaniel college and the golf course, so I would think it's pretty decent.

Like I said before though, even what's considered "bad areas" really aren't that bad. Westminster by and large is a pretty nice town.

[cutgarden]

Brighteyes, went by the house yesterday. All the other houses and yards look well kept up, which is usually a good sign. Hope that helps!