Andrews, help! (Bowie, Annapolis, Odenton: apartment, high crime, schools)

[greene]

I know, another post on Andrews, but my husband and I and our 1-year-old daughter are relocating to the andrews area. We are lost as to where to live as there are so many options. We have been thinking about Bowie, Odenton (Piney orchard), Laurel (Russett), or towards Annapolis. What do you think of these areas. We want safe, newer place to live (apartment or towhhome), close shopping, good libraries, schools,parks, etc. and an overall good family area. Also, my husband would prefer a 30-45 minute commute, if that even exists. Please feel free to give other areas that we should check out too. Thanks in advance.

[jhrrussell2]

I would check out Calvert County, MD to the Southeast of Andrews AFB. It has a great school system, reasonable housing, and is only 30 minutes from Andrews AFB (Especially the Dunkirk and North Beach Areas). The only drawback to Calvert County is that there it is pretty rural and does not have alot of commercial development (The nearest mall is 30 minutes away in Anne Arundel!). I would also check into Anne Arundel County, which will also put you about 30 minutes away and offers more commercial and recreation. Annapolis is a wonderful choice, as is Crofton and other areas south. I would stay out of Prince George's County, as they are known for having an awful school system and a high crime rate. Howard and Montgomery counties are also nice in MD, but it would be at least a 50 minute commute. Good luck!