Need suggestions for relocating to Ft. Meade (Severn, Severna Park: hardwood floors, for sale)

[MGR25]

HI,
We just found out that we will be moving to Ft. Meade, MD in March. We are military but do not want to live on base. We have a son with moderate autism in kindergarten. We also have a 3 year old daughter. Since we may end up retiring in the area, we really want to find the best place for us. Where are the best schools for both reg. and special ed.? We would like a neighborhood that is very low crime, friendly, and in our price range (if that is possible, ha ha...) We would like a single family house in the 300-400,000 range. I know this is very low but we have to be conservative if I have to stop working to take care of my son. Does anyone know anything about before and after care (either through school or daycare centers) for a special needs kid?
My husband is use to a 45 minute commute so that is an option for us, but I would prefer a shorter commute for him. I have read on other posts that Montgomery county has the best schools, but the prices scared me away. any other areas?
Thanks so much,
Michele

[engine750wife]

First of all, welcome to the area! If you want low crime, near Ft. Meade is NOT the area you want to be near. Arnold or Severna Park would fit the bill and Broadneck Elementary has an excellent, award winning, special needs program you may want to check into. My mother works for High Point Elementary in Pasadena and the area isn't too bad and well within your budget....i'll ask her about their special needs programs.

[Local Expert]

I concur with engine 750wife. You can check out the Anne Arundel County Public School website at Anne Arundel County Public Schools. You may also want to consider Howard County as well. Their website is hcpss.org.

[MGR25]

Thanks for the suggestions. AA county schools looked really good compared to where we are coming from (Hawaii). Howard county looked good too but houses seemed more expensive.
How are the jobs in the area. I am a laboratory systems analyst for a hospital and also a Medical Technologist (prior to moving into the IT field). I hope to work but have to find a daycare provider for special needs kids first.
thanks!

[jallison27]

If you like Pasadena, I know of a great home that is going up for sale (not on the market yet) that can be had for a great price (330k). The comparables in the area are over 360k. It is a 4bdr/2bath split foyer that was completely remodeled in 02'. It has the Bodkin & Chesapeake School Districts which are good schools.

[BigDragon]

Did you actually check out the base housing or just write it off because it's "base housing"? A lot of it is fairly new. They have a lot of newer villa-style townhouses on base with single car garages. You really should check those out if you haven't already. I think they're in the process of fixing up the area some more too.

You might want to reconsider that as a temporary rental option. Prices in the areas close to Ft. Meade are currently being sticky and there's a lot of foreclosure ghost inventory. Giving the market some more time to face reality might save you a lot of money. Then again, it might not.

[Pedro2008]

A well kept secret to Ft Meade denizens is an older neighborhood called Maryland City in Laurel 20724

The homes were built in the 60's

All have hardwood floors and usually have huge finished basements

rancher style homes (4 different sizes)

Very tight community (still a lot of original owners)

two elementary schools (both within walking distance - Brock Bridge and Maryland City)

huge fenced in backyards

large volunteer fire department

they just put in a police substation next to the fire department

community swimming pool (membership required to homeowners and renters)

great youth athletic league (football, baseball/softball, swimming, soccer, basketball)

If you start searching online use zip code 20724 - you can find these houses going for upper 200,000 - lower 300,000

And all within a 5 mile drive to the gates of Ft Meade on the Route 198 end

[jonjj]

No offense but Laurel??? Ugh--Sorry, but I think that area is a wasteland.

[lj42660]

I agree with that statement. Throughout the years I have watched Laurel disintegrate rapidly.

[Pedro2008]

Originally Posted by jonjj

No offense but Laurel??? Ugh--Sorry, but I think that area is a wasteland.

Originally Posted by lj42660

I agree with that statement. Throughout the years I have watched Laurel disintegrate rapidly.

Maybe you could back up your statements with some sort of facts...