Good place in Maryland (Columbia, Silver Spring: crime, homes, to buy)

[VASpaceMan]

Hi guys. Just accepted a job in College Park. I'm a techie (career), but also a musician and artist. I've lived all over the country and like places that are balanced. I guess I'm more of a west coast techie type. Originally from the south. More jeans than suit & tie. Don't need to try to impress people with a better model BMW than the neighbors or a bigger McMansion. My wife and I are extremely down to earth. Looking for a place that's nice, safe, fun, friendly, not-snobby. We've been in Alexandria for several years and it appears to be hard to find this balance in the DC area. We have a toddler and new born. I've been poking around Columbia and Crofton. Is Annapolis worth a look.. or anywhere else?

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by VASpaceMan

Hi guys. Just accepted a job in College Park. I'm a techie (career), but also a musician and artist. I've lived all over the country and like places that are balanced. I guess I'm more of a west coast techie type. Originally from the south. More jeans than suit & tie. Don't need to try to impress people with a better model BMW than the neighbors or a bigger McMansion. My wife and I are extremely down to earth. Looking for a place that's nice, safe, fun, friendly, not-snobby. We've been in Alexandria for several years and it appears to be hard to find this balance in the DC area. We have a toddler and new born. I've been poking around Columbia and Crofton. Is Annapolis worth a look.. or anywhere else?

I think you're looking unnecessarily far away and would regret the commutes. I'd recommend checking out Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Four Corners, Hyattsville, University Park.

[cjmeck]

I think Columbia may be your speed, and likely the Silver Springs area as well. Annapolis is great, but it definitely has more of a boating culture vibe; and the drive to College Park from there could be rough. Ellicott City would possibly push your commute but not that much; the downtown area has a very cool, artsy feeling.

[Mos82]

Originally Posted by VASpaceMan

Hi guys. Just accepted a job in College Park. I'm a techie (career), but also a musician and artist. I've lived all over the country and like places that are balanced. I guess I'm more of a west coast techie type. Originally from the south. More jeans than suit & tie. Don't need to try to impress people with a better model BMW than the neighbors or a bigger McMansion. My wife and I are extremely down to earth. Looking for a place that's nice, safe, fun, friendly, not-snobby. We've been in Alexandria for several years and it appears to be hard to find this balance in the DC area. We have a toddler and new born. I've been poking around Columbia and Crofton. Is Annapolis worth a look.. or anywhere else?

Hyattsville, MD area has a new development area for artist called the arts district. Check it out

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...88198703,d.eXY


https://youtu.be/aEGyRPflU4M

[Artnature82]

It really al depends on budget? Are you looking to buy or rent.

Columbia MD is really well planned and offers a lot for families. The schools are excellent and there are tons of recreational activities available. What i like most about Columbia are the homes. There is an eclectic mix of 70s contemporary and midcentury modern homes available. You get to avoid the played out cookie cutter colonial McMansions people in this rejoin clamor over. Negatives- You sound like a young couple so you won't find much nightlife in Columbia. Columbia is also along the 95, so traffic will be pretty awful. Annapolis maybe too far. Check out Silver Spring, Beltsville and parts of Bowie.

[dcsubarbsadvice]

I think Olney, Maryland is very nice, safe, friendily, and not too exensive. The commute to College Park is easy all you have to do is take the ICC or Maryland 200. That is a new and not too much traffic. You also might like Aspen Hill or Silver Spring except there is some crime in that area you just need to be street smart.