Crownsville or Cape St Claire (Annapolis, Arnold: for sale, new house, neighborhood)

[Mikewicz]

We are relocating from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, about to make our second tour of the Balto-Wash area. Last time, we lived in Northern Virginia, but we are settled on moving to Maryland this time around to be closer to work and family. We are leaning strongly toward Anne Arundel county.

I just viewed a new house the other day in Crownsville and loved it (builder's not even done yet, but soon). But I know nothing of the town. Are the schools any good? Crime? Commerce? Who lives there? It's hard to find much info about the town on the web.

Until my find in Crownsville, we thought we'd want to live in Cape St Claire, due to the good rep of the schools...the small-town feel...the proximity to Annapolis...the water...etc. But we have been having a hard time finding quality houses for sale there.

Should we hold out for Cape St Claire? Should we opt for the brand-new house in Crownsville? Cape StC means an older and likely smaller house, but a great community. Crownsville would mean a beautiful new place, but a neighborhood that is a question mark to us.

Is there some other town where we should be looking for a home?

Thanks,
Mike

[localgal777]

Cape St Claire has a great waterfront beach and wonderful schools. Yes, older homes, but your own little shopping center and ballfield. I would pick Cape St Claire over Crownsville.
Also look in Arnold............. I have lived in this area for 30 years..................

[kathleen1271]

We went through the same thing two years agao when we moved fromS outhern California to Maryland. We chose Cape St. Claire and we are so glad we did!

[legaleagle7000]

Each has their own preference, but I'd pick Crownsville over Cape St. Claire. Cape St. Claire has plenty of rec leagues for children's sports, etc., but so does Crownsville. Both have water access. The Cape does have grocery stores (Crownsville has a few convenience stores, but most grocery shopping is in adjacent Millersville, Gambrills or Annapolis - I actually like that Crownsville is almost exclusively residential, but others may not). However, Cape St. Claire has very hilly roads and many difficult to access driveways (try backing in many spots with almost zero visibility).

Hope you enjoy whichever you select!