Thinking of moving to Columbia..heard mixed messages about it. (Upper Marlboro: apartment complexes, houses)

[jellynap]

I realize that Columbia is an extremely safe place, yet I've heard that certain apartment complexes aren't too safe. Not to say they are dangerous, just that some are safer than others.

We've checked out an apartment building a bit from the Columbia mall. Now, it's not right next to it, rather I believe it's called "Symphony Woods"? It's a walking distance from the Columbia mall and although I know there have been some fires in that area, is it a reasonably safe place compared to the rest of the neighborhood?

Also, I noticed that there are some much larger houses close by. The apartment we're looking at has three bedrooms and there are six of us. Would there be any problems from stuck up neighbors? We're reasonably quiet neighbors.

My children would be attending Bryant Woods Elementary, Wilde Lake Middle and Atholton, I've been told. Are these schools all right?

Thank you for any responses, sorry this has been a bit long.

[lscalder]

No where in the DMV is 100% safe although I feel safe in my community in Upper Marlboro. I have never been to Columbia mall but my sister said it is a nice mall. If that is all you can afford then who cares what your neighbors say. I think 6 people in a 3bedroom apt is ok as long as 4 of them are children. 2 kids per room then you and your husband in the third room. If its 6 adults you might have a problem.

[oneofthethree]

Columbia is not an extremly safe place as a whole, Columbia has some dangerous apartment complexes but I don't think symphony woods is one of them, I haven't heard anything bad about that complex. You should be go to apartmentratings.com though, you'll see reviews and know what's up. All the schools you mentioned are good as are most schools in the county. I did just read some reviews about the complex, they did not look to good spoke of many break-ins, vandalism, crime, and one review said shootings....but I don't know if there's ever been a murder there some other complexes are worse in Coumbia but I guess it depends on your comfort level.

[kinkytoes]

Columbia MD is a very safe place.