Severn, MD (Baltimore, Columbia, Annapolis: renting, condo, crime)

[Needs To Move. But where?]

I am a MD native looking to purchase my first new home (townhome, single family, no condo). Renting in an area is easy, one year...then you are free to go elsewhere. Owning a home...a little more tricky. I have heard that Severn MD is not a good place to live. When I've been told that, I'm assuming crime and ammentities. ??? Are there good and bad areas? Severn has very affordable homes to purchase and other than what I've seen travelling towards the airport, I assume are some there are nice areas. I don't know much about the area. Can someone enlighten me?

[pkoons]

Severn can be rough - by AA County standards it is probably the worst. Pioneer City is located in Severn, which is probably the highest crime neighborhood in the county. But, if you do find a Severn neighborhood you like, you can't beat the location (10 mins to Ft. Meade, BWI, UMBC, 20 mins to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Columbia, 30 minutes to DC). Try neighboring Millersville or Odenton, which are similarly priced. Millersville may be my new #1 recommendation for starter homes (in this area, meaning $400K and under)If you have a little more to spend, check Gambrills/Crofton or Severna Park. I'm happy to recommend good neighborhoods in any/all of these locations.
Good luck!

[mgallerizzo]

I think Severn is getting a bad rap. I have lived in Severn for 5 years. I live in a brand new and beautiful development. We have had very little crime and our neighborhood is very well kept. Our neighbors are friendly and we feel completely safe to take evening walks and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Most important, we feel safe here with our children. Severn is a great place to live in regards to commuting to Balt, Annapolis and DC. Very accessible to BWI and the MARC rail system. Of course there are a few undesirable areas (which are easy enough to just avoid), but believe me, I've lived in AA Co. long enough to also know that Severn is NOT the worst in the county!!

[rpric7990]

There's nice areas but be sure and duck if you hear gunfire ( in the old pioneer city that has surely been renamed twice by now :-)...I miss hanging around there and taking my little Katie to the playgrounds..nice people there for the most part.

[Local Expert]

Ok, this is pretty simple. The first thing you need to do is to drive around and make certain that the look and feel of Severn appeals to you. Only you can answer that. You can then go on line and look for crime stats in the area. No matter where you live there will always be crime. Next, you understand to understand how much home you can afford. Talk to a lender that you trust. Really, what you can afford will drive where you can live.

[Rmx Christina]

I lived in Severn for 9 years. I also have family living there. maybe some areas aren't as nice as others, but that is for you to decide.