Help! Worried about moving to Salisbury.... (Baltimore, Columbia: appointed, crime, homes)

[catbentley]

My husband has recently been offered a position in Salisbury, and after reading people's opinions of the area, I'm very concerned about relocating there! I visited the area this past week, and was wondering about areas out west (such as SteepleChase, etc). Also wondering about Nutters Crossing. I was a little disappointed - not that I was expecting a booming metropolis, but I thought there would be a little more of a downtown area. We're looking in the 350K range, and want a safe neighborhood for our 5 month old son. Are there any planned communities there (with community pool, tennis, park, etc)? Anyone know anything about the hospital? I work in healthcare, so I'm assuming that would be the only place really available for a job. I appreciate any advice/info, etc.

[emt18]

Both Steeplechase and Nutters Crossing are nice areas to live. I live near Steeplechase and it has really grown over the last few years. Traffic can be a bit of a pain in the mornings when school is in, but I love it out here. Good luck

[oncesir]

Salisbury is ok. Finding a safe neighborhood should be your #1 priority since crime is statistically high here. My wife and I moved from a large midwestern city with lots going on and tons of things to do. Its was a huge adjustment considering the few entertainment options that are available here year round. There is Ocean City which is beautiful but expensive and other than dinner and a movie and a little shopping Salisbury doesnt offer much else.

My suggestion is to revisit Salisbury and poke around at the grocery store, see what traffic is like near your employer at 5pm and if you can talk to others and see what they think. You should do as much of a daily assessment as possible. If my wife and I would have done this I dont think we would have moved here. One other thing, there are a few ppl on this board that will defend this area regardless of the truth. Develop your own opinion but be warned that the shore isnt for everyone. Make sure you search this site as well. Good luck.

[cathymac64]

Originally Posted by catbentley

My husband has recently been offered a position in Salisbury, and after reading people's opinions of the area, I'm very concerned about relocating there! I visited the area this past week, and was wondering about areas out west (such as SteepleChase, etc). Also wondering about Nutters Crossing. I was a little disappointed - not that I was expecting a booming metropolis, but I thought there would be a little more of a downtown area. We're looking in the 350K range, and want a safe neighborhood for our 5 month old son. Are there any planned communities there (with community pool, tennis, park, etc)? Anyone know anything about the hospital? I work in healthcare, so I'm assuming that would be the only place really available for a job. I appreciate any advice/info, etc.

I was born and raised in Salisbury and yes there are ALOT of planned communities. too many if you ask me. the population in this area has exploded in the past couple of years. Prmc (the hospital) is one of the best in the usa. if you want more of a area with people visit north salisbury blvd. so many people that i feel like screaming when i go there. as a matter of fact, my husband and I are looking to relocate out of maryland. between the thousands of rude city people moving here and raising our taxes, we've had it.

[amanda_434]

Originally Posted by emt18

Both Steeplechase and Nutters Crossing are nice areas to live. I live near Steeplechase and it has really grown over the last few years. Traffic can be a bit of a pain in the mornings when school is in, but I love it out here. Good luck

I have co-workers who live in both Steeplechase and Nutters Crossing. Steeplechase has beautiful homes in your price range, as well as a community poll. Heres the downside - If you have to drive to work in the morning, traffic can build up on that side of town thanks to the drawbridge. I pass Nutters Crossing on my way to work at 8am and I've never had a problem with traffic. But honestly, what I am calling traffic nothing compared to Baltimore/DC.

Take a look at Nithsdale. It is near SteepleChase. It has tennis courts, but I'm not sure about a pool.

If you end up finding a neighborhood that doesn't have the community features you are looking for, there are several country clubs in the area that have pools and tennis courts.

Since you are concerned about safety, don't live too close to town. There are plenty of bad areas. I am about 10-15 minutes from town and I am in a safe quiet neighborhood.

[amanda_434]

Originally Posted by catbentley

Anyone know anything about the hospital? I work in healthcare, so I'm assuming that would be the only place really available for a job. I appreciate any advice/info, etc.

There are two hospitals in the area - Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Atlantic General Hospital. PRMC is much better. You have other options too. There are more options other than just hospitals such as surgery centers and specialists.

[WingsOfGold]

Salisbury is so so OK. PRMC is a good hospital except they forgot parking. There are MANY medical specialty buildings being built all over Rt 50. Most of the old line locals still have chicken dust on their brains but are slowly coming around. Tons of good developments but if you're looking for Columbia it doesn't exist. (thats a good thing) For 350K why be in a community when you can buy a couple acres and home in the county?

[Vangail]

I have to ask. Have you looked into the Hebron area? It is quite beautiful and has the kind of refinement you would expect of a well educated area. The local school is Worcester Prep and has a wonderful standard of operation. It is close to OC and Salisbury. It is also quite possible that you would miss all the massive traffic by going in the opposite direction to work in Salisbury. The hospital there is just outside of the college location and is one of the finest on the eastern seaboard. I think you would love the people and place. However, there is difficulty finding entertainment. Most comes in the form of activities for your children. Also, if you like to shop, there are always the outlets in Delaware, not far from Salisbury. I personally do not live there but my brother does. He moved there to attend college and has never left. He and his family love their life in Hebron. He owns a business in town and also is a counselor at the Prep School. His wife is in the medical profession and they have children.
As far as the TV goes...its yucky....you will need satellite TV. They have a civic center, a zoo, and some very nice bike paths in the area.
Good Luck

[oncesir]

Originally Posted by Vangail

[color=purple] However, there is difficulty finding entertainment.
Good Luck

Entertainment here is basically nonexistent. Shopping, movies, the zoo and dinner. During the summer you have the shorebirds and Ocean City. If you are used to having a plethora of entertainment options get ready to be bored.

Also read this thread, pay particular attention to NYMD67's statement. In my experience it is very true but rarely talked about. http://www.city-data.com/forum/maryl...-easton-2.html

[mermaid_golfer]

You may also want to check the nearby areas of Berlin and Snow Hill which are located east of Salisbury in the Worcester County district, just a 10 to 15 min drive from Salisbury. Worcester County has a much lower yearly tax rate. You won't have to deal with beach traffic if you take the back routes to Salisbury and you will find some excellent well established neighborhoods.

Snow Hill has the best ranked school system and classroom size smaller than that of the packed schools in Salisbury. Snow Hill has the high school, middle school and elementry school all within two blocks of each other. There is a small town atmosphere where everyone knows each other.

My children all graduated from Snow Hill schools at the top of their class, with excellent educations and went on to receive full academic scholarships at top Honors colleges. This is an area you may want to check into to a bit more.

A good reality company can help you with learning the area, school stat information and show you neighborhoods you might otherwise never learn about.

Good luck