Best location between Chestertown and DC? (Annapolis, Centreville: house, good schools, place to live)

[jmanfred]

Greetings,

I work in downtown DC, and my wife just got a job in Chestertown. We're looking for a place to live that's convenient to both workplaces and provides a decent value for a small family--a couple with at least one child and a dog. I see that there are DC commuter bus stops at the Navy-Marine stadium and on Kent Island, and there's a Trader Joe's grocery and other shopping just west of the stadium. We also seek good schools of course.

Since I can take a commuter bus but my wife has to drive, I'm inclined to live very near the Bay Bridge and try to shorten her commute, but I'm undecided on which side. Looks like the mainland is the safer bet, but the housing dollar goes a little further on the Eastern Shore. Any ideas on the best balance of commuting, schools, groceries, and house values?

Thanks!

[KatOne]

Wow. That's a tough situation.

I'd say try to stay on the mainland, I guess. I grew up on the Shore (Centreville) and both of my parents are from Chestertown. 10 years ago I would have said to live on Kent Island and get more house for your money, but now the summer beach traffic can be brutal on the bridge.

The really bad bridge traffic is Friday afternoon heading east - you really don't want to have to fight that to get home. The new outlets that have opened in Queenstown seem to be adding to the bridge traffic as well... I really noticed it over Christmas - lots of people traveling to the Shore from the mainland for deals.

IF you have a flexible schedule where you can telecommute on Fridays or work a shortened day on Fridays, I say try Kent Island, but otherwise you probably want to stay in the Annapolis area.