PLEASE Help Miramar Landing,CARROLLWOOD MANOR, Middle River (Baltimore, Elkridge: section 8, for sale)

[canterm]

My fiance and I were looking at purchasing a town home in either Miramar Landing or Carrollwood Manor in Middle River, MD. Does anyone know how the area is or have any first hand expereince with either of the developments. It looks like a nice area. We dont have any children the schools are not a huge concern, but safety is as sometimes she comes home in the middle of the night.

She is a nurse downtown and I go to lawschool in the city, so this area appealed to us because of the commute and the fact we could by a newer townhouse for around $200,000.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciative, as it seems realtors really dont like to comment about how an area is (which I can understand why) so I am turning to the community to help us here.

Thanks

[BigDragon]

I know what townhouses you're looking at and I also thought of buying one. I eventually decided against it because of the commute to work (I work near Elkridge so daily tolls would be required) and because of all the Section 8 housing in the area. I lived right down the street from Miramar Landing in 1986 to 1990. I'm not sure if they're still there, but I recall there being problems with gangs in the area. Back then there were lots of teenagers with nothing to do but throw rocks at peoples' pets. This may have changed today, but the Section 8 housing and toll/commute issues remain for me.

It seems like the area has improved in certain locations, but the only way you'll know for sure is to visit at various times of the day, particularly on a Friday evening after the sun goes down. There's probably a reason why things are so affordable.

[ghart]

I live in the area where Carrollwood Manor is located and familiar with the Marimar Landing area. All the section 8 housing you are concerned about has been torn down and new housing replaced it. Section 8 housing is not and was not in the Bowleys Quarters area, the location of Carrollwood Manor. Section 8 was in the area of Marimar. There has been a renaissance of the area starting 8 or 9 years ago. There were problems prior to 2000 but both areas are very safe now.

Both locations will be an easy commute into Baltimore by way of Rt-43 to I-95, less than an hour drive time.

Carrollwood Manor is more rural than Miramar Landing. If I were considering either place, I would lean toward Carrollwood Manor, only because I live in that area and enjoy the lifestyle of the waterfront community.

[janetvj]

I live in Goldenbrook, which is right next door to Miramar Landing. I've been here for over 15 years, and have never personally experienced any crime, but I'm not going to deny that it sometimes happens. This area is a little less rural than Carrollwood as others have already stated, but overall it's a very affordable, pleasant place to live. I like the fact that I am very close to shopping and recreation areas. Most of the homes are owner-occupied. There are 3 townhouses right on my street that are for sale and range from one that is about to go into foreclosure and listed at $159,000, to one a couple doors down listed for $197,000.

[pampangakid]

Hi! Did you ever buy a house in Middle River? Please update us. I am planning of buying one in Miramar landing. I am not sure if Ryland Homes w/c managed the Miramar Landing is a good subdivision and if it is safe. I saw the place and I was amazed of the new houses they built, it's very affordable. Thanks.

Thanks[/quote]

[quote=canterm;7797249]My fiance and I were looking at purchasing a town home in either Miramar Landing or Carrollwood Manor in Middle River, MD. Does anyone know how the area is or have any first hand expereince with either of the developments. It looks like a nice area. We dont have any children the schools are not a huge concern, but safety is as sometimes she comes home in the middle of the night.

She is a nurse downtown and I go to lawschool in the city, so this area appealed to us because of the commute and the fact we could by a newer townhouse for around $200,000.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciative, as it seems realtors really dont like to comment about how an area is (which I can understand why) so I am turning to the community to help us here.