Get me out of CA!!! (Baltimore, Annapolis: house, rent, travel)

[vetterleins]

I am going NUTS trying to find a place to move to from Redondo Beach, CA...Originally from Jersey, I've been here for 14 years. My husband and I don't own a house...the least expensive place we can find is about $850,000- that's for a 4 bedrm townhome!!!NO LAND!
We have 3 kids, 3, 5, 7 and my husband is an avid cyclist- looking for hills. Obviously, we'd miss the beach, so it would be nice to be driving distance...
I'm thinking that Cary, NC, Charlottesville, Va may be nice, or someplace near Annapolis, MD.
We don't have the time or money to travel to all of these places...some advice would be great. Oh yeah..my husband does custom aquariums for a living...maybe you think he'd make NO money in some of these places..any suggestions?

[pkoons]

Hi, I know quite a bit about the Annapolis area but not much about the other two... I have heard really good things about Cary NC and have driven through Charlottesville - both less crowded and expensive than Annapolis but not as much to see and do (and farther from the water!)

As far as finding work in the field of custom aquariums, a home-based business would probably pull a fair amount of customers in the Annapolis area. You may even have luck setting up a little storefront somewhere on the MD Eastern Shore where commercial rent is very inexpensive - maybe try to tie in with a custom landscaper who does pools? Not really my field of expertise but I would believe there is a market for it as long as your husband markets AGGRESSIVELY!

As for areas to live around Annapolis, see my posts on Pasadena, Crownsville, and Severna Park for info on some nearby suburban areas that are all very different. See below for a list of a few cities/neighborhoods to check out in 3 different price ranges. Let me know what you're looking for and I am happy to help!!!

Under $500K - Riviera Beach, Green Haven (Pasadena); Herald Harbor, Sunrise Beach (Crownsville); Oyster Harbor (Annapolis); Cape St. Claire (Annapolis)

$500K - $900K - Gambrills, Crofton, Severna Park, Crownsville, Riva, Sherwood Forest (Annapolis)

$1M+ - The Downs, Wardour, Eastport (Annapolis); Harlequin, Round Bay, Linstead (Severna Park); South River (Edgewater); Davidsonville, Long Point; Severnside Farm (Crownsville)

[Annapolis Steve]

I selfishly, but honestly say, try Annapolis! See our link- http://matrix.mris.com:80/Matrix/Pub...ID=21948718293. DC (most powerful city on planet) & Baltimore (one of most interesting, fun, regional cities) are 30 minutes away. The Ocean is and hour and a half, the Chesapeake Bay only minutes. We don't have Mountains this side of the Mississippi BUT we have big foothills and hiking, camping, lakes, parks, you name it... Active lifestyle-ers live in the Annapolis area for these reasons and the beauty, history and power. We know Raleigh NC and Charloote couples that have recently left as that area grew too fast and is losing its allure...If you like shopping, the Annapolis Mall renovation, now nearly complete makes it the LARGEST Mall on the East Coast too! If you like restaurants...no other city in the world has what is near by .... GOOD luck!

[relotomd]

I say try Ocean Pines or Ocean City, or a quaint town on Eastern Shore like Pittsville. All are within 15 minutes of Ocean City MD, so you wouldnt have to miss the beach at all!!!
Plus, there are many communities to live in that are pricey and presigious all the way to homes that have land and ag zoning! There is truly something here for everyone. Email me anytime for info on the area. lotsofheart74782@aol.com is my email. i can even send you a chamber of commerce packet on Ocean Pines.
colleen