Best neighborhoods in Elkridge per school zoning (Baltimore, Columbia: for sale, 2009)

[roalmabi]

Originally Posted by roalmabi

Our family is thinking about relocating to the States, and the area between DC and Baltimore is very attractive to us, weatherwise, centrally located, close to good jobs and culture, and ethnically diverse. Columbia in particular has many pluses for us so far from the info I've gleaned from the Net. But I have several concerns before making our move, and I hope the good folks at the city-data forum can guide me on this. I am also open to consider affordable alternatives in nearby communities.

I would be looking to transfer to another letter carrier job with the USPS in the area for the next 6 to 12 yrs, if bad comes to worse I guess I could transfer back to another federal agency (worked before with DOJ, OPM, IRS). My daughter is starting fifth grade this fall, so I'm looking to move next summer (2009). A good school district is a must and a reason for the move, she is already fairly bilingual, and I'm looking for a neighborhood zoned for good schools. My wife is asking about shopping and dining options (info on Mall at Columbia vs village shopping areas vs options beyond town). We worship at an evangelical church back home, and would like to know if there are any Spanish-language congregations active in the area. Safety is a concern, we currently live in a gated community and I need to know that my girls are SAFE while I am away at work.

House-wise, we are looking for at least a 3/2 property on a quiet street with a modern kitchen and bathrooms, not a fixer-upper (I'm not much of a handyman ), a deck or balcony with a view is a plus. Could we find a nice townhouse or large apartment in the 275-315K range?

Finally, I am looking for something resembling a community, a town feeling. Although we value our privacy, I hate the isolation of commuter communities. We would be leaving behind a lifetime of relatives, friends and a career in Puerto Rico for a shot at a better life for our family, and it can be scary/good, sooo... your friendly input is really appreciated.

Most of the townhomes listed for sale in my price range (265-325K) are in the "southern" part of Elkridge (zoned for Mayfield Woods MS/Long Reach HS), almost none in the "northern" side (zoned for Elkridge Landing MS/Howard HS). The south side is also closer to the Dorsey MARC station (good) and to the US 1 corridor (not so good). We fell in love with a townhome model for a development by Ryan Homes, then I read in the postings that they have a methane gas problem going on--what to do?

Could I have your opinions please, and any leads on good neighborhoods? I could see ourselves living in south Elkridge, but I really wanted my fifth grader to attend eventually a better HS such as Howard. Specific suggestions are nice, so I can googlemap them from home.