Where should we move to in the Baltimore/Annapolis area? (Columbia: best neighborhoods, apartment)

[taber17]

Hello everyone-

My boyfriend and I are moving (with our 2 dogs) to Maryland this July. We currently live in Upstate NY and I'm hoping to get a teaching job.

I will be in the Annapolis/Baltimore area for 5 days for Memorial Day weekend for interviews and apartment searches.

Initially, we were looking into living in Baltimore, but we think we might be happier in a less-busy setting (especially with 2 dogs). Currently, we live in Rochester, which is a perfect size- it's like a "city" with a small town feel.

Any suggestions as to where I should look for housing? I don't think we can really get a place to live until I know where I'm working, but lately we've been looking into Anne Arundel County because it seems closer to water, so hopefully it's a little cooler.

Any suggestions are welcomed!!!

Thanks-
Jen

[North Beach Person]

Where are you planning to work? That will drive your residence. Annapolis can be expensive, you will probably have some price shock.

[taber17]

I have interviews with the Baltimore County & Anne Arundel County school districts, and a few charter schools in Baltimore. I guess we can't figure out where to live until I know where I get a job...

[PenguinSix]

Seriously, check out the prices in the areas you are considering. Sticker shock is going to be pretty severe on some areas of Anne Arundel and Baltimore County. You might want to focus your job searching into areas you can afford and enjoy to avoid an evil monster commute everyday.

[sobo16]

Linthicum in Anne Arundel County might be a good fit. You would be close to southern Baltimore County and the City, as well as everything in northern Anne Arundel County. Also, take a look at Odenton.

I also recommend checking out some city neighborhoods before you rule them out. A lot of people have dogs in the city. In fact, many neighborhood parks become daily gathering places for dog owners to socialize. Locust Point in South Baltimore tends to be quiet, and it is close to a lot of amenities. If you end up teaching north of the city, North Baltimore has many nice neighborhoods that don't feel too busy.

Enjoy your visit and good luck.

[Froggy_Jess]

Please take a look at places in Columbia. I think it is the nicest place in the area, although pricey.

[prayboen]

Get as close to work as possible. Traffic is terrible here. Best neighborhoods are North and West of the city.
Baltimore County has a good school system.



Hello everyone-

My boyfriend and I are moving (with our 2 dogs) to Maryland this July. We currently live in Upstate NY and I'm hoping to get a teaching job.

I will be in the Annapolis/Baltimore area for 5 days for Memorial Day weekend for interviews and apartment searches.

Initially, we were looking into living in Baltimore, but we think we might be happier in a less-busy setting (especially with 2 dogs). Currently, we live in Rochester, which is a perfect size- it's like a "city" with a small town feel.

Any suggestions as to where I should look for housing? I don't think we can really get a place to live until I know where I'm working, but lately we've been looking into Anne Arundel County because it seems closer to water, so hopefully it's a little cooler.

Any suggestions are welcomed!!!

Thanks-
Jen [/quote]

[UAKC23]

I'm originally from Rochester as well! The prices are definetly more expensive overall here, but you'll be happy to see Wegmans around in a few areas ;-)

I think you might really enjoy Annapolis, it's one of my favorite places in the area. I live in Arlington, VA right now, but am considering moving to Annapolis myself. Annapolis can feel like it's own little world, kind of like Rochester.

I think the suggestions from other posters are good too. It's a really big area down here between DC and Baltimore. There are lots of options and lots of neighborhoods, so in the end you really need to know what you want -
Example - located with easy access to DC, or Baltimore, near a metro or commuter train, near one of the major highways, near one of the school districts you want to work in) - those things will really help you narrow the search and figure out which neighborhoods to look at.

Good luck with everything!

[mmb1969]

Well, small world. Currently my husband and I live in Rochester but will be making a move to the Annapolis/Baltimore area in the next 2 years. I have school age children so I am also very interested in the schools. I have looked at the cost of living index and was dismayed at the housing costs. It will be very disheartening to move from a large home to something with much less space and less yard. All of your suggestions have been very helpful though. I hope your move has gone well Jen. Good luck to you!

[LA_86]

I grew up in Annapolis - wonderful place! It can be rather expensive, especially after all of the high-end restaurants/stores that have been built recently; however, some areas are affordable.

Good luck!