Crofton/Odenton or Waldorf? (Baltimore, Annapolis: rental, crime, daycare)

[greene]

We are moving soon, husband will be working at Andrews AFB. We have narrowed down our search for rental townhomes in Crofton or Odenton (Piney Orchard) or Waldorf, 3 br, 2bath for about 1600-1700. We are having a hard time deciding between them. We are looking for a great safe area for young families for walks, libraries, shopping, parks, etc. It seems to me that Crofton area is closer to malls, in between baltimore, annapolis and DC and there is just more to do. It is also closer to public transportation. On the other hand it seems you can get more house for your money in Waldorf, but is there much to do around there? Is it too far to go to annapolis for the day or to any good malls for a quick trip? I am just worried that if we moved to Waldorf we wouldn't bother doing as much around the area because of the distance to the cities. Is this correct, or is it really not that far?

[lscalder]

I know Waldorf is very nice. You donot have to leave waldorf to shop or dine out. Waldorf is very develope. Everything is there. Its a lot of shopping to do in one area in Waldorf. You really donot need to drive from one store to other in waldorf. The thing I like about Waldorf is the Strip Malls. I think Waldorf have the longest strip malls and it also have a lot of shopping center,with all your needs. Majority of restaurants are in Waldorf. Waldorf is about 45 mins away from Annapolis Mall depending on where is Waldorf you live.
The people in Waldorf are so friendly. Its diverse I have never been any where in Maryland and feel so welcome. The people their donot seem judgemental at all. You see all type of color,race,sex all shopping,dining with each other. I love Waldorf and I hope it doesnot change from all the new development

[Njrover0216]

The thing that I do not like about Waldorf is all the lights and traffic on 301. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Annapolis from Waldorf. You can do that in a day. Also North Beach, MD is only about 20-30 minutes from Waldorf, so you can enjoy the day by the beach. It would be a hike to Baltimore, maybe an hour drive that is with traffic. DC is maybe 40-50 minute drive, they have a GREAT zoo that is free to get into. It is the National Zoo in DC. It is nice to go there when it is cooler out, the animals seem to be more active at that time. Do not waste your money on the Baltimore zoo, once I discovered the DC zoo I haven't went back to it!I think you would feel more isolated in the winter, seeming there are lots of things to do in the summer especially on the bay. I live in Severna Park and I love being close to Annapolis Mall and Marley Glen Mall, they both have play areas for children. It gives my son a chance to stretch his legs when the weather is icky outside. Will you be working? If you will be working your kids would be going to daycare i assume so that would give them plenty of socialization. If you are a stay at home mom I am sure they have a moms group there, they seem to be big in MD. I belong to one and they have organized playgroups and individual ones that meet weekly. Good luck!

[westsideboy]

Don't forget about the Baltimore Zoo Its a great place to visit too. It may not be as fancy as the National Zoo, but I always have a good time visiting. If more people visited and donated money it would be even better.

[RoadTripGurl]

I like Crofton, there is a lot of shopping and everything else you say is correct. However, you will have to deal with traffice either way you go (Crofton or Waldorf). That traffic down rte. 5 to AAFB is brutal during rush hour... I would go with Crofton, its' just a tad less crowded than Waldorf.

[greene]

Thank you for all your input. I think I am leaning towards crofton or odenton. Are there any areas or neighborhoods in Crofton to avoid, safetywise and also neighborhoods that are looking run down. It is hard to tell what neighborhoods are nice from a picture of one townhome for rent. We have found listings for sycamore mews, crofton meadows neighborhoods that we liked. Any input?

[Rmx Christina]

In Crofton, anything around the golf course is a nice area. Walden is the name of the community around there.

[RoadTripGurl]

I might be wrong, but as far as quality I can't say anything bad about Crofton. I don;t spend much time in that city of Crofton but when I'm there its' enjoyable.

[bande1102]

I'm in Crofton and have been for the past decade or so. I don't know of any bad areas here. Crime is extremely low here. Quality of life is good. I love the proximity to beach, Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC. I like the schools, too. Re elementary schools, Crofton is getting a new one that is supposed to open fall 2008. From what I hear, it is already at capacity and the doors haven't even opened. The cost of living is high around here, though, and I'm ready for a change so looking at different options. However, if I stay in MD, it will be in Crofton.

[gumby111]

Chiming in a little late, but I too live near Crofton and, given the factors you mentioned, think you would like it here. Young families seem to dominate the area. Quality of life is good and I do not know of any bad areas. It's convenient to so many other places and things to do. I think you'll find housing to be more expensive than Odenton though.

Schools are very good, but Crofton sure could use its own high school--there's been talk of this but no action so far. Maybe someday.