moving to dundalk/essex/middle river? (Baltimore: for sale, rent, condo)

[ghouls_a_gogo]

Hello All! I was wondering if anyone could give me some input. I am interested in buying a home for hopefully under 175,000 dollars somewhere in Baltimore County. I am 24 years old and am "just starting out." It looks like the only places I could afford within this range would be Dundalk/Middle River/Essex, or thereabout. Does anyone know the name of specific subdivisions/communities that are SAFE? Like most people, safety is of utmost importance to me. I know some sections of these communities aren't exactly the greatest in the world, so I was hoping maybe some residents could help me out here? I'm not too familiar with the area, so before I plan to go look at houses I would like to have an idea of what neighborhoods or subdivisions are the best. Also, if there are other any areas that are somewhat close to Baltimore, and not super expensive, I would love to know about those too! (how about anne arundel? anywhere safe and inexpensive around there?)

Thank you all so much!

[jhrrussell2]

Housing is very costly in all of the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area, but you may be able to find a nice townhome or condoin Essex/Dundalk/Middle River for around $200K. The area has a fairly low crime rate compared to other areas of Baltimore County. I would check out Northern Anne Arundel too, but home prices will probably be similar.

[toadmama]

Northern AA County is out of your range if you are in search of a single-family home, unless you want to live in the "hood." Dundalk, Essex, and Middle River all sort of blend together. There aren't a lot of subdivisions because it is an old, well-established suburb. Because it is a water-front area, there's a WIDE range of homes from trailers and former seasonal shore-shacks to million-dollar waterfront abodes. There's a new subdivision going up in Middle River that I don't know the name of. If you look at a map, it is off of Eastern Avenue between 702 and Martin Boulevard. You could probably find some cute fixer-uppers in older Dundalk and Essex, too. All three areas are pretty safe, but they do tend a bit toward redneck, too.

What besides safety do you want?

Toadmama

[tat1122]

I have a townhouse in Essex that can rent with an Option to buy or for sale for $185,000 Its In a water oriented neighborhood bordered by Marinas and Coxs State Park. I lived there for 5 years before I got married this past February. It is very quiet on a dead end street facing the river

[bakyet]

I am fairly sure by now you have sold or rented your townhouse...however, if not, could you send me more info. We are looking to move to that area..