The Preserves in Accokeek, MD (Baltimore, Indian Head: sales, car insurance, low crime)

[American Arrogance]

We have finally put a oncontract down on a home in The Preserves. I am so excited as this community mirrors what many communities in Va have (well when it is completed). Now as I have never bought a home in MD, could anyone give me a run down of the differences in taxes and other cost of living in this area (Accokeek) vs Dumfries, Va?

How about the school system? I have 4 children age ranging 19 mos to 11 years. One Special Needs child (learning disabilities and ADHD). How would they fair in PG county schools? Any other information or links you can provide would greatly be appreciated.

[Mom21]

You probably already know the taxes on your soon to be new home. Add to that a PG county tax that is levied at the time you file your income tax. I've been out of PG for 4 years, but I believe it is 60 percent of your Maryland state tax (this was always a bummer to me!). Sales tax is also higher in Maryland, however food from grocery stores is not taxed as it is in Va.

The Preserve seems to be a nice development. I went with a realtor friend of mine to scope out a house for one of her clients. The only thing I didn't like was that there is just a strip of land for backyard, but you must not have a problem with that.

Schools ... hmmmm ... all I can say is good luck with that one. Perhaps you can look into private schools; an excellent one in that area is Grace Brethren Christian School.

[jmking]

Your car insurance will double most likely or increase a third.

[lscalder]

Your car insurance will not double because of the area you will live in.

I live in PG county and for 2 cars my husband and I pay $180.00 a month.

If you live in a mass community their tend to be less land because you are buying the community.
You will have all the family entertainment in your community so their tends to be less land but that is the way it is for all new mass communities in MD.

Schools in your area are good schools. Accokeek is a nice,quiet area I have never heard of any crimes or anything bad about that city. Schools/neighbors/communities are wonderful in that area.

[jmking]

Yes your insurance will increase big time. I grew up in PG, I'm not a kid, I now live in Fairfax, I own 2 expensive cars and I pay much less than you. The op is moving from PW, Virginia to PG. So I should know. Another thing--Maryland ranks very high on auto insurance, last I read they rank 6th out of 50. You are correct that the insurance may be lower because of congested areas, but, PG county has a higher rate period second maybe to Baltimore county. Also if you list that you drive lets say 50 miles a day to DC and back, kiss your money good by.

[lscalder]

I live in PG county. I live in Upper Marlboro MD as a matter of fact I also purchase a Khov home 2yrs ago in Upper Marlboro so I can tell you your insurance will not double because the city you will be living in is a nice family friendly city.

What people tend to do is judge all of PG county as one.
You do not have to worry about crimes/increase in insurance due to your city is very quiet,zero-low crime with good schools.

[fjennell]

call and get a quote...my car insurance doubled moving from VA to MD. MD rates are higher.

[jmking]

Originally Posted by lscalder

I live in PG county. I live in Upper Marlboro MD as a matter of fact I also purchase a Khov home 2yrs ago in Upper Marlboro so I can tell you your insurance will not double because the city you will be living in is a nice family friendly city.

What people tend to do is judge all of PG county as one.
You do not have to worry about crimes/increase in insurance due to your city is very quiet,zero-low crime with good schools.

What part of ----I lived in PG for ever and moved to Virginia and saw my rates drop in half, and others by the way--- that you don't understand? I will say again, PG car insurance rates is one of the highest in the State of Maryland in which Maryland ranks as one of the highest in the nation--- period. It's not my fault, that's that facts.

[lscalder]

It do depend upon the area you live in PG county. The poster is moving to a nice,quiet city in PG county with zero to very low crime.
You will have no problem with your community.

If I had found this site before buying my wonderful home in PG County in a wonderful community some posters on here would scare me half to death. But I am so happy I found my home before finding this forum because I would have missed out on a wonderful community with a great school.

[jmking]

I have plenty of friends and family who live down Indian Head, Whiteplains, LaPlata etc. And there are some very nice homes down that way that I wouldn't mind owning myself. But I lived through the 60s-80s there and I happen to like holding onto my money instead. I'm sure the rates are reduced somewhat down Indian Head but its still in PG and the rates jump because of it. I was hassled and agravated by the rates years back with a absolutly clean record for me and my wife. For you the rates may seem fine but for someone coming out of Virginia they are much steeper.