Moving to MD (Baltimore, Annapolis, Severn: section 8, apartments, rentals)

[lzb972]

Hello,
I'm moving to MD to begin work at Goddard in Greenbelt. I have been looking for rentals within a reasonable commuting distance, and I think I'm more confused than when I started . I have been looking in AA county mostly, and I've found some places in Annapolis, but I'm not entirely sure about the neighborhoods. For example, one place I found was on Lafayette Ave in Annapolis, another was on West St. and another was on Adams St. I also found a couple of places in Arnold, Odenton, and Severna Park.

I'm a single guy living on my own, so I'm only really concerned with the "shadiness" level of the neighborhoods; good schools and such are not applicable to me. There's only so much I can do over the Internet. I'd appreciate some advice. Thanks.

[Chap]

You cant go wrong with Arnold or Severna Park. Great place to live, close to the bay. Not the cheapest place to live but worth it.

[lzb972]

Thanks for the advice. I would like some more info on those Annapolis areas I mentioned, though. Does anyone know these areas?

[cel14]

I grew up in AA county, specifically in Annapolis and truly loved living here and still do. While Annapolis has been going through a lot of construction for a while now and a huge surge of people moving into the area, some places still hold the old charm and laid back attitude. If you're looking to commute from here, you might want to look into areas close to your job, because traffic can be a killer since we're sandwiched between Baltimore and DC, but I know lots of people who live in Annapolis and commute to work for both. Severna Park and Arnold are also nice.

If you're talking about the Lafayette in Murry Hill the area is really cute and nice, lots of families living there for a long time, but there are some section 8 housing surrounding that area, can be shady but usually keeps to itself. Close to town, which would be nice for a single guy. West street can also be hit or miss. Closer into town is probably nicer and further out toward 97 gets a little more "urban sprawl." If you have any more specifics as to what you're looking at I can try to be more detailed. Hope this helps, good luck!

[DtMcShane]

Young single guy, like night life, try Federal Hill or Canton

[sobo16]

I agree with DtMcShane. The Baltimore Washington Parkway (295) is very accessible from Federal Hill, and Goddard is right off 295. Craigslist would have many listings for houses around there.

[Drew55]

Are you looking for apartments or houses to rent? If you're looking for Apartments try Harbor Gates on Bestgate Rd., zip 21401. I lived there just last year. Otherwise you could try Edgewater for house rentals.

[Marylandkitten]

Stay away from West street!! I work in Annapolis, it's very busy street, very crowded street, and.. hate to say the further down it you go the more the "prettyness" degenerates into "slummyness".

I hate getting lost and turning onto West Street, I know ... I have to turn around sooner rather than later, that McDonalds on the left hand side is your "point of no return.." it's almost impossible to get outta there after that, hah!

[Marylandsailor]

Stay away from any street with a dead President's name in Annapolis. That area near west st is known for muggings, drugs and the occasional murder. The rest of Annapolis is great. If you're going to be working in Greenbelt, try Crofton for a much nicer area with an easy commute.

[lzb972]

Wow, thanks for everyone's help! I really appreciate it.

To cel14, the Lafayette Ave I mentioned is near Church Circle. Is this the same Murray Hill area you mentioned?

To DtMcShane, can you elaborate on the places you mentioned? Canton and Federal Hill seem to be both in Baltimore. Is this correct?

To Drew55, I'm looking to rent for now, but Harbor Gates is a bit pricey for me.

If anyone has any suggestions in other counties, such as Howard or Montgomery, I'd love to hear it.

I've also found a place on Janwall St in Annapolis. Anyone familiar with this area?

Thanks again!