Relocation help.. open minded area?? (Frederick, Potomac: townhouse, buy, private schools)

[organick]

We are looking to move to be closer to family and have some things we are really interested in having. if anyone can suggest an area we would appreciate it. I am assuming western md may fit more but not limited.
We would like the following but understand we may have to compromise on some issues.

Affordable hosing with land (5 plus acres)
Access to organic foods, a good store not a section at the store.
Prefer access to alternative schools, waldorf, goddards type.
Open minded, more liberal or at least very accepting.
Access to outdoor activities.
Perhaps an artsy town feel?

This should give you an idea, we currently live asheville nc and love the feel. we know this doesnt exist in md. but just a reference, Thanks in advance

[westsideboy]

Western Maryland fits on the affordable housing and access to outdoor activities. There is also a growing arts community in Cumberland and Frostburg is a college town which attracts a certain kind of scene. The only organic food store is a section at Martins in Cumberland although there is a farmers market in season.

Western Maryland is a overall a pretty conservative area populated by natives and long time residents. New people can be accepted into the community but I would not necessarily consider the region to be open-minded or liberal. The only alternative to standard public schools would be one Catholic and one Fundamentalist schools.

The big question is what do you define as "affordable." If you can afford more you can buy in Frederick or Carroll County and be closer to the alternative scene.

[organick]

westside boy, we are probably looking to stay around 225,000 if possible. Could you share more info on frederick??

[tercel95]

225,000 will not get you very much anywhere in MD... Southern MD, again meets some of your requirements. It is cheaper than most other places in MD, there is access to outdoor activities (mostly pertaining to the bay). I don't know too much about alternative schools but the Calverton school is one of the best (and most expensive) private schools in the state... Although I don't know why you would want to shelter your children from real world experiences...

My honest opinion is that you don't belong in MD. All of the outdoorsy areas are more rural and conservative. The only place that you would find other like minded individuals are in much more urban/rich areas. Perhaps Potomac? MD is a liberal state, but liberal in a sense of urban/poor looking to make it...

[North Beach Person]

Even in SoMD 225K will not get you much, especially if 5 acres is involved.

[organick]

"Although I don't know why you would want to shelter your children from real world experiences"


Just because I dont like public school systems doesnt mean I am sheltering my child. I dont believe public schools are developmentally appropriate. But thats another story.

Thanks for the info, I was a bit worried about the price range and the old school mentality. It is still somewhat amazing at the cost of land in such a rural area, cross the border to wv and 225 buys you 18 acres. oh well, thanks for the help everyone.

[westsideboy]

Organick, 225k would be pushing it for a townhouse in Frederick, let alone any land. That price range does work for Cumberland/Allegany County. You could get 5+ acres and a dwelling for that price pretty easily. You would have to compromise on a few of your criteria, but Allegany County is about as cheap as it gets in Maryland.

[Marilyn Emery]

I did some looking. I wasn't able to find much in Frederick county under 225 unless it needs a lot of work. Can you spend more or live with a little less land if you are close to some good open space?

[jmking]

Originally Posted by tercel95

225,000 will not get you very much anywhere in MD... Southern MD, again meets some of your requirements. It is cheaper than most other places in MD, there is access to outdoor activities (mostly pertaining to the bay). I don't know too much about alternative schools but the Calverton school is one of the best (and most expensive) private schools in the state... Although I don't know why you would want to shelter your children from real world experiences...

My honest opinion is that you don't belong in MD. All of the outdoorsy areas are more rural and conservative. The only place that you would find other like minded individuals are in much more urban/rich areas. Perhaps Potomac? MD is a liberal state, but liberal in a sense of urban/poor looking to make it...

Land is cheaper in western (mountain region) MD than southern MD. The more you travel south in southern MD the closer you are to the Chesapeake Bay not to mention the Potomac driving those prices up on (close to the water) flat land.

[Swndngrl]

Originally Posted by organick

We are looking to move to be closer to family and have some things we are really interested in having. if anyone can suggest an area we would appreciate it. I am assuming western md may fit more but not limited.
We would like the following but understand we may have to compromise on some issues.

Affordable hosing with land (5 plus acres)
Access to organic foods, a good store not a section at the store.
Prefer access to alternative schools, waldorf, goddards type.
Open minded, more liberal or at least very accepting.
Access to outdoor activities.
Perhaps an artsy town feel?

This should give you an idea, we currently live asheville nc and love the feel. we know this doesnt exist in md. but just a reference, Thanks in advance

You should try looking in St. Mary's county or Charles County near the St. Mary's border. Calvert County is also very nice. Charlotte Hall area is surrounded by Amish farms and you can get lots of produce sold at the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Good luck house hunting!