Good towns near Havre de Grace? (Edgewood, Aberdeen: crime, houses, schools)

[Roby]

My husband might be taking a job in Havre de Grace soon. We have 2 small children and are looking for a good family atmosphere and good elem. schools. I saw the previous post about Havre de Grace being a good area - that makes me feel better. Are there places nearby to NOT look into? I've heard Edgewood is rough, but the homes there are affordable... What about the towns further south like Aberdeen and Joppa?
Thanks for your time.

[rubytue]

When people talk about schools in Harford County, they always talk about Bel Air schools. Most people with kids migrate to Bel Air schools if they can afford it. Abingdon (21009) is generally a bit more affordable than Bel Air, and some of the northern parts 9(i.e. Boxhill North, Broadview) are in the Bel Air school systems. We have been looking in Abingdon a lot, but not for the school, b/c its cheaper than Bel Air and closer to the water. We also have looked at the Havre de Grace zip code a lot, but focusing on the county portions (mostly Level).

I read the police reports in the paper for a couple weeks, and ruled out Aberdeen and Edgewood. We also looked at Joppa/Joppatown. Everyone I have talked to who lived in Joppatown loves it, and says the schools are pretty good. There is someone on this board (relotomd) who says crime is very high in Joppatown. I don't know what her basis is, but the folks I talk to who lived there do no agree.

We have been house shopping in Harford County for 3 months now, and have seen probably 30+ houses in the $250k-$400k range. Feel free to PM me for more info