advice for moving to Annapolis? (Severn, Severna Park: apartment, to rent, house)

[Matthaeus]

Greetings everyone, I am going to be moving to Annapolis from the Deep South by the end of Summer (to attend St. John's) and I was wondering if any of you could offer any tips, advice, or inside information concerning things I can/should expect (or be wary of) in moving here.

I am married with 3 young children and will be looking to Rent. Nothing fancy or anything, but I would like for my kids to be able to play outside. What sort of price range would I be looking at for a 2 or 3 bedroom house? Apartment?

By trade I am a teacher, how's the local educational scene as far as job prospects go?


Admittedly, I've already done a lot of research on my own using local classified listings and such - but there's only so much that it can do, and I'd really like to hear some candid opinions from some real residents.


Thanks!

[kevin21403]

Hillsmere Shores is a nice neighborhood next to 300 acre Quiet Waters Park. You can rent a 3 bedroom house for about $1700 per month and it is about 3.5 miles from St. Johns. Annapolis is a really expensive town to live in. If you don't mind driving about 10 miles look at Edgewater, MD. aacps.com is the county schools website. My roommate is from Rhode Island and a high school teacher in
Anne Arundel. According to him, Maryland is a really good state to be a teacher.

[Matthaeus]

Hey, thanks Kevin, that's really helpful. Also thanks for the website; I was able to apply for some positions online - really convenient. I do not mind the cost of living so much, as the wages in Annapolis seem to be quite accommodating.

Also, my 7 year old is really excited about moving close to a beach (as we live landlocked in the South) but I have heard some bad things about swimming in the Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis beaches in general. Is this completely unfounded?

[kevin21403]

I see kids swimming at the beach on the South River all the time. My neighborhood puts up a net to keep the jellyfish out. They hurt when they sting! Just tell your kids not to swallow the water and they will be fine. I swim occasionally in the bay but am more into kayaking now. And, the Atlantic Ocean is about 100 miles away for a nice weekend trip.

[Matthaeus]

Thanks again, Kevin, I appreciate it...

[Njrover0216]

There are several of towns outside of Annapolis that are worth looking into as well. Arnold and Severna Park have excellent schools and are very kid friendly. Annapolis has some rough areas and its rough areas seem to be growing. Be very careful where you choose.

[Matthaeus]

Thanks for the tip, Njrover - what are some of the "rough areas" I should look out for?

[Njrover0216]

It is hard to describe them because they are off of main roads. For examples PARTS of FOrest Dr are rough, and some aren't. Put it this way if they house price is to good to be true, you know why

[Matthaeus]

Thanks, NJRover, I understand - it's like that where I'm from also.

[Matthaeus]

What's shopping like in Annapolis? ...specifically, grocery shopping? How is the local Seafood price/quality? Have all-night WalMarts driven all the Mom&Pops into extinction? Is there a Whole Foods nearby?


Any insight will be greatly appreciated...