What's a great MD coastal community? (Baltimore, Annapolis: to rent, home, to buy)

[classic girl]

Hi, Marylanders. I posted this question as "beach" town which may be off-putting since I really meant a coastal community.

My husband (retired) and I have been trying to research the best options on the western shore for safety, medical care, beauty, access to cultural events, restaurants, etc. So far, it seems Annapolis is the hands down winner but very $$$ for waterview. What do those of you in the area think about Middle River, Crofton, Chesapeake Beach, Solomons island, California, Hollywood, Leonardtown, St Mary's?

What other towns do you suggest we check out to buy a home for year-round living?

I'd like to keep our entertainment commute to under 40 minutes, preferably a lot less, but will not be commuting for work on a daily basis. Don't really require shopping malls but would like organic produce and groceries. In additional to being close (no more than 15 min) from a good hospital, we'd like ready access to a very good library, an international community (at least one welcoming to naturalized citizens, so not a place full of rednecks), and good non-chain restaurants. I know no area will have everything on our wish list, at least one we can afford, but give us the benefit of your insight. Which town(s) comes closest to what we're looking for?

We'll visit next week to scout and must relocate by April 30. Even if we're forced to rent for a while, I really need your help in narrowing down our search. Thanks.

[jessy0780]

Kent Island is just over the bay bridge- it's a great town with some really good restaurants (Holly's, Fisherman's Inn, Kentmorr Inn) and lovely areas by the water.

[meganmc]

Cecil County, MD is right in between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The cities on the water here are North East, Elkton, Charlestown, Port Deposit and Perryville. There is also Havre De Grace in Harford County.

[manofsteel084]

I actually like Huntingtown and the surrounding community. Prices are going up and it would put you really close to the 40 minute entertainemtn commute, but worth a look. It's south of Annapolis by about 45 mintues.

Hollywood and Leonardtown are really far south and may fall more into the "rednecky" community, but you'll find that all over Maryland...

What is your budget?

[E=mc^2]

Need some fact about the high school system. How bad are the drugs? Are there any gangs?

Originally Posted by meganmc

Cecil County, MD is right in between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The cities on the water here are North East, Elkton, Charlestown, Port Deposit and Perryville. There is also Havre De Grace in Harford County.

[firefightermom]

A friend of mine moved to Denton, MD a couple years ago and loves it. I don't know anything about it except that it's near the water and she says it's very family friendly. Hope this helps!

[engine750wife]

Originally Posted by jessy0780

Kent Island is just over the bay bridge- it's a great town with some really good restaurants (Holly's, Fisherman's Inn, Kentmorr Inn) and lovely areas by the water.

If Kent Island/Stevensville wasn't so crazy expensive I would move my entire family there right now and set roots.

[engine750wife]

Originally Posted by E=mc^2

Need some fact about the high school system. How bad are the drugs? Are there any gangs?

Cecil County is very nice and most of it us "upper class". If you're looking for some land, Cecil County is a good choice. You're going to have drugs in any schools these days and most parts of MD are not known for having gangs in the schools.

[E=mc^2]

We,

[E=mc^2]

Was looking in Charlestown, but feeds into Perryville MS&HS, that has the lowest scores in the County. Was looking into Elk Neck, but feeds into North East, that has Lakeside trailer park drugs,
Now, are looking into Rising Sun, but not sure what to make it. Do not want to raise junior Hitlers. Many decision a head.