What is so horrible about PG County? (Baltimore, St. Charles: appointed, crime)

[North Beach Person]

is a Science/Math/Technology magnet school, admission by testing, that cherry picks the best kids in the County. Take out that program and ERHS would be towards the bottom, keeping company with Forestville, Potomac, and Bladensburg.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by tankdude

You're misinformed about Eleanor Roosevelt.

Eleanor Roosevelt has a decent magnet program, but the neighborhood portion is a typical PG school. Mediocre too.

It wasn't ranked by US News as one of the top schools in the Maryland, nevermind the US.

Best High Schools Search - US News and World Report

I've lived in PG, and if you live in a vacuum while in PG, then that's fine. Vacuum meaning you don't mind the high taxes, you don't mind the mediocre schools, you don't mind the lack of services, you don't mind driving to another county to work, you don't mind the lack of retail, you don't mind the high crime, bad hospital system, etc.

PG overall does not seem so bad if you just consider it as itself, but when you compare it to the neighboring counties such as Fairfax, Montgomery, Loudon, and Howard, then that is what makes PG look that much worse.

Latest news has PG the county with the 2nd highest STD rate in Maryland.

Not good.

Prince George's County Residents, Get Tested! | NBC Washington

But I see that my alma mater Baltimore City College was one of the top high schools. Woo-hoo! Um, er, anyway, I believe that PG residents can find alternatives to compensate for what may be lacking in the County. For instance, they may send their kids to private school or place them in one of the specialty (magnet) or TAG schools, or enroll them in one of the higher-test-score schools. They may travel out of the county for retail and medical care ad even dining. They may flock to low-crime residential areas for their homes. And they can manage to have a nice life. But as I said before, my main concern and dilemma is the schools. Some are better than others, and for now, one of my children is in a not-so-great one (although she's doing fine) and the other is in a non-public. As much as I like the county, I do worry -- a lot --about middle school. My kids are young, so I have a couple more years to figure the middle school.

[tankdude]

Originally Posted by bowian

But I see that my alma mater Baltimore City College was one of the top high schools. Woo-hoo! Um, er, anyway, I believe that PG residents can find alternatives to compensate for what may be lacking in the County. For instance, they may send their kids to private school or place them in one of the specialty (magnet) or TAG schools, or enroll them in one of the higher-test-score schools. They may travel out of the county for retail and medical care ad even dining. They may flock to low-crime residential areas for their homes. And they can manage to have a nice life. But as I said before, my main concern and dilemma is the schools. Some are better than others, and for now, one of my children is in a not-so-great one (although she's doing fine) and the other is in a non-public. As much as I like the county, I do worry -- a lot --about middle school. My kids are young, so I have a couple more years to figure the middle school.

That begs the questions. Why live in a county where you have to go elsewhere for jobs, medical care, shopping, etc.?

You can't just move your kid to a "TAG" school. Don't they have to be tested in?

And, why pay such high taxes so that you can have the privilege to put your kid into a private school?

You're paying more to be inconvenienced. Doesn't make sense.

[Jadedea Jade]

well im late to reply but i just wanted to say that i live in hyattsville right by pg plaza mall and i love it here. im on a street where there is a community watch and neighbors are constantly communicating with each other. now granted ive only been here for 3 months but the only thing i have a problem with is the maryland drivers. i dont have any kids so i cant say anything about the kids and im still researching everythin else. but i do like that it takes me 15-45 minutes to get to work and there are so many stores near by.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by tankdude

That begs the questions. Why live in a county where you have to go elsewhere for jobs, medical care, shopping, etc.?

You can't just move your kid to a "TAG" school. Don't they have to be tested in?

And, why pay such high taxes so that you can have the privilege to put your kid into a private school?

You're paying more to be inconvenienced. Doesn't make sense.

Re TAG, yes, they do have to test in. But there is a TAG-along program (space-dependent), where a sibling can attend the comprehensive part of the same school where the TAG child attends.

My oldest child did test in, but he's special needs and in a non-public placement, finishing up third grade. I must say I don't like the attitude of many in the school system here about 2E kids. Hence my growing frustration with the schools. I will have my daughter take the TAG test. If she doesn't get in, I may have to explore private school. She's smart, but I am concerned about the values and behaviors she appears to be picking up from some of the other kids at her school. She's only in K.

I know that some ex-in-laws moved to NoVA and then had to put their kids in private school because they didn't like the way their kids were treated in the Fairfax schools.

[Tom Lennox 70]

I used to think PG County was ghetto when I went to college in College Park, now it is only ghetto-lite since I now live in Baltimore City for grad school, now THIS is the real ghetto.

There are many reasons for PG's reputation. It does have the worst schools in the state after Baltimore City and is also the poorest county in the state since Baltimore City is not technically a county. A lot of PG has gotten downhill since DC is revitalizing and pushing the ghetto outwards. In addition Maryland is a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants with our govenor's policies. Therefore MANY illegals have settled in PG and started gangs and engage in crime. MS 13 , the most violent gang in the nation, has its local headquarters in Langley Park. PG County was a much better place before the illegals and ghetto people moved in from other places. The more rural areas of the county like past Upper Marlboro are nice though, toward Southern Maryland.

[cool rob]

Originally Posted by Tom Lennox 70

There are many reasons for PG's reputation. It does have the worst schools in the state after Baltimore City and is also the poorest county in the state since Baltimore City is not technically a county.

Sorry that goes to Caroline County, they are the poorest in the state, followed by Washington County (based on national/statewide averages)

This is part of the problem, folks who have no real knowledge of the county, making harsh judgements, and either posting what they "heard" from somenone, or just spewing off random facts that sound true.

[parrotheadmomma]

[quote=Tom Lennox 70;8103837]PG County was a much better place before the illegals and ghetto people moved in from other places.quote]

This is exactly right. My husband has lived here since he was a small child and has seen it grow into an area we are ready to get away from. It's really a shame. A safe haven for illegals!!!! Why!!!! I just don't get the Dems, look what they are doing to your county. They're ruining it for everyone. Jack B. Johnson is the most ignorant person ever(have you ever heard him speak, it's hilarious), did you know he took a trip to Africa back in Dec. I believe and it cost us $30,000!!!! Saying it would improve relations between PG County and Africa. Where's the logic!!! Insane.

[cancan]

I grew up in PG near Andrews AFB.

I had to go to private school, because of violence and poor public schools....I was in fights constantly just trying to ride my bike and play at the local park.

PG is a nasty place and its representitives stink to high heaven.

And thats from someone who lived there many many years and then continued to work there long after I moved to another county. PG is the armpit of the DC area.

[tgeneral]

My Personal Opinion:
I too grew up in Prince Georges County and had a great experience. I went to private and public schools and did not live in what is considered a wealthy neighborhood.
Does crime and violence not exist in the counties surrounding Prince Georges County? It appears that many people on this site have suggested to stay away from Prince Georges County, but DC, Montgomery County, and Charles County, etc. does not receive as much criticism....Interesting.

I'm just suggesting that you don't believe everything people say. Some people are simple repeating what the media has told them and skewing statistics. There are many opinions. Look at all sides.

Take care & God Bless!