Best Investments on the Eastern Shore? (Salisbury, Laurel: house, employment, neighborhood)

[hapabe]

Hi, all!

I'm a native Marylander currently living in Chicago with an excellent employment opportunity (for my husband) in the Salisbury area. If my husband gets the job, we'd like to buy a home in the next few months, but I don't have a firm grasp of the current housing market on the ES. In fact, given that I'm from Montgomery/PGC, I never really did.

After a bit of research, I've narrowed our options down to the following:

-Salisbury

-Southern DE-- e.g.: Laurel, Selbyville, etc.

-Ocean Pines or Berlin

-Okay, I lied, we're pretty open to other places as well.

We'll miss the big city life and would prefer to live in or near a town center, which makes Salisbury seem more attractive than some of the others. OTOH, while Salisbury would be closer for him, I would like to work in Ocean City-- at least during the summer.

All of these areas seem like good places to buy (and I like the tax situation in Delaware), but some seem to have experienced greater appreciation than others have over the last five years. Almost everyone at the potential future company keeps pushing Ocean Pines because they seem to think it's a better investment than Salisbury, etc. But I'm not completely convinced that the market there hasn't plateau'ed. If there won't be much difference in appreciation, I might be more inclined towards Salisbury or, really, any of the other options, since those homes are significantly less expensive and in more diverse and "homey" communities. IOW-- I'm trying to balance the investment opportunity with my own personal enjoyment of the home/neighborhood.

Anyone have any insights?

[hapabe]

Going in another direction, let me add Princess Anne to that list...

[oncesir]

Certain parts of Salisbury are nice, but having recently moved from STL MO its a bit of an adjustment. I live about 15 mins from Salisbury and the rural life is almost too peaceful. Living in Salisbury may be different but if you are used to having an abundance of activities and a variety of things to do its gonna be a difficult transition. My wife and I are still having our doubts after living here for over a yr. hth

[Shorefinder]

Have you looked at the Easton or Cambridge areas? It may be a little far out for you but there are some great investment opportunities there. From Cambridge you are about 30 minutes from Salisbury and from Easton about 45 minutes. Easton is a great town with a lot going on. It does not have a big city feel but there is always something happening even in the winter months, a bustling small town.

Hope this helps.

[John Ryan]

Maybe you should consider "Captain's Cove", a community of homes in Greenbackville, VA 23356, just across the Maryland border and right on the Chincoteague Bay. Low taxes, good housing prices, great fishing, etc etc.
My house is right on the water about 40 minutes south of Ocen City, MD and Salisbury, MD. Oh...did I mention golf. We got it all!!!

[1973 Forced Busing]

If you look south of the places you and others have mentioned you will see lower prices/better value. Look at the DOM total, (the higher the better) then make a below list price offer. If your not already using it go to: homesdatabase.com This is a very useful site.

[Lower Shore Property]

I think you would be very happy in Salisbury! My husband and I relocated from the DC suburbs and we love it! I am a realtor in the area and would be happy to help you if you are still looking! Email me!