need info about homes (Baltimore, Columbia: new home, construction, top schools)

[Equal-Opp.]

I'm interested in moving from Long Island because of high taxes and crappy school system. I would like to start looking into Maryland, but not too far South or West because my family still lives in New York and I would like to still be as close as possible to them. My budget for a home would be $600,000 and a house no older than 5-10 years old. REquirements are: diversity and good school district, kid friendly.

[SmokeyLisa]

Economic diversity, racial diversity, diversity in mindset. IMO it is hard in MD to find a safe city, with a great schools, that is really diverse - depending on your definition of diversity.

Howard County - schools are by county not towns
-Ellicott City - More Asian diversity than other races and some economic diversity. If 600 is your max then you might not find too many new homes here, you will find a few in this price range but it will probably be further out and 2500 SQFT or less, just in case size matters to you. Some exceptional schools are some average ones by Hoco standards but good by MD standards.
-Clarksville - Asian diversity not too many of other races and not that much economic diversity. You will find homes built in the 1990's for the most part. Top schools, all are exceptional.
Columbia - Economic and cultural diversity, decent population of all races but you could have more of a particular race one side of town than others but overall it is a very integrated town. Some really good schools even by Hoco standards and some not so good schools by Hoco standards, however I believe all are above average by MD standards. You can definitely find housing in that price range, however most of the stock is ~40 years old vs. 5-10, however there are some newer developments with housing stock from 1990's.
Elkridge-less diverse but you do have some new construction taking place in this area that is in your price range. Schools above MD standards and average to Hoco.

I will let others speak about their counties. I drive back to NJ and the drive is not that bad but you might want to be North of Baltimore so that you are even closer to your family.

[AlicynD]

There are actually quite a few homes on the market in Howard County for $600K and less that are no more than 10 years old.

In Howard County you would be about 4 hours or so from New York...if not a little more, depending on traffic. There is close proximity to 95, but you are smack in the middle of the state. To get closer to NY you would want to move further North up the 95 corridor. I am not sure when your family will be moving down here or if you have intentions for that, but you may want to think about the long term as well. If they will be moving down here, perhaps you focus where you want to and don't worry about the commute to NY as much.

[lscalder]

If you want to be close to your family maybe Outside of Baltimore.