need advice for purchasing waterfront home in AA county (Essex: condos, houses)

[Hideeo]

My husband is accepting a job in Linthicum. We are wanting to purchase a waterfront home within a reasonable commute for him. We are empty nesters so schools are not an issue, but will need to resale at some point. Want a safe neighborhood to walk our dogs. We are wanting to spend under 500k. We are handy so needing some work is ok. What are things to look out for? things to consider? Areas to look at, areas to avoid? we are in need of a very knowledgeable realtor on waterfront homes who is willing to educate us as well as sell us a home. Any information or comments would be appreciated.

[sobo16]

Any waterfront home in Anne Arundel County for that price will likely need some work. There are a lot of waterfront homes in Pasadena, and that would be a relatively short commute for your husband. Severna Park is also not too far from Linthicum. I personally like southern Anne Arundel County, towns like Deale and Tracy's Landing. But that would be a further drive. Good luck!

[SedonaShadow]

You are not going to find a waterfront home in that price range unless it's a fire sale. I have a friend in Pasadena that bought a typical 3 bedroom/2 bath bi-level on a tidal pool off the Chesapeake 8 years ago. It is now a $700,000. home! Just as in Hawaii, go across the street and prices drop drastically. Good luck!

[7th Direction]

Here is a typical example of a waterfront property in AA county:
View Property Details- 220 BAR HARBOR RD, PASADENA, MD 21122

Though... I have heard about some houses off of Bodkin Creek selling for as little as $500K... I don't know if they are still on the market though.

[PenguinSix]

A home for that price on the water will basically be a 40 year old bungalow that is a fixer upper at best. In fact, just a lot is usually going for that price.

However, there are a number of condos in North Beach and Chesapeake Beach area that you could get (both are located on the Anne Arundel / Calvert County border).

[Marylandsailor]

Agree on the info on Pasadena. Have you looked into the Middle River and Essex area?
Lots of waterfront homes there too.

Originally Posted by PenguinSix

A home for that price on the water will basically be a 40 year old bungalow that is a fixer upper at best. In fact, just a lot is usually going for that price.

However, there are a number of condos in North Beach and Chesapeake Beach area that you could get (both are located on the Anne Arundel / Calvert County border).

[Hideeo]

What is the commute like to Linthicum from Middle River or Essex?

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by Hideeo

What is the commute like to Linthicum from Middle River or Essex?

Those aren't the best areas to live on the waterfront. Very near industrial areas. Not pretty views.

[sobo16]

Originally Posted by Hideeo

What is the commute like to Linthicum from Middle River or Essex?

It doesn't look *that* bad on the map, maybe 20-30 minutes, but going south on I-95 in the morning (and north in the evening) could easily double commuting times.

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by sobo16

It doesn't look *that* bad on the map, maybe 20-30 minutes, but going south on I-95 in the morning (and north in the evening) could easily double commuting times.

I'd stay on 695W over the Key Bridge and take the B&A Blvd exit or continue to 295 S and and turn onto Nursery Road. It depends on what part of Linthicum.