moving to Central Maryland - recommendations? (Baltimore, Columbia: townhouse, neighborhood, luxury)

[Gzagenius]

I'm moving a family of 4 to Central Maryland from Northern Virginia. We are looking for a SFH or townhouse under 600, within 30 min to Ft. Meade but also not insanely far from DC in case I have to go down there for meetings or conferences. Good public schools and safety are essential (have 2 toddlers). Areas we've looked at are Crofton, Odenton, and Millersville. We weren't that impressed. I suppose we were expecting it to be less rural and blue-collar, but it seems that Maryland is just more rural than NoVA. I grew up in the suburbs of California so we lean towards that type of neighborhood vs areas with older homes and huge plots of land. Nothing wrong with lots of land, but we don't like older homes that look like they'd be on the set of Walking Dead. We may now explore Ellicott City, parts of Columbia, Maple Lawn in Fulton, Severna Park... Thoughts?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Gzagenius

but we don't like older homes that look like they'd be on the set of Walking Dead. We may now explore Ellicott City, parts of Columbia, Maple Lawn in Fulton, Severna Park... Thoughts?

Those are reasonable choices, but don't expect anything to look like California. In my opinion, Maple Lawn is hugely over-priced and synthetic, but you may like it. Parts of Columbia look old and dated now, but you may be OK in the $600K price range. New communities in Ellicott City may be OK too, and I would add Clarksville and Marriotsville to your list. Most of Severna Park is older, but many people like it.

[mls012]

We may now explore Ellicott City, parts of Columbia, Maple Lawn in Fulton, Severna Park... Thoughts?-

EXACTLY! These would have been my first recommendations.

[Gzagenius]

Yea I know we can't expect anything to look like California. I've been in the DMV long enough to accept that. My reluctance with some areas like Severna Park is that it appears that the major roads for commuting aren't very major, resulting in some crazy commutes if there's even a minor accident. I still can't get used to these 2-lane highways as the only option to get from Point A to Point B.

[cjmeck]

You're on the right track with the areas you'd like to explore next. We chose Ellicott City for our family when we pcs'd here a few years ago. I have a feeling Columbia may be your speed. I'd also recommend you put Elkridge and Arnold on your list.

[Gzagenius]

Thanks for the feedback. We will be open to the areas you all mentioned.

[CBMD]

Had this in my inbox today. Note, availability in MoCo = good schools. It's just south of 198 and west of 95 on Old Gunpowder Rd.

[CENTER]Only FIVE Homesites Remain at Bentley Park in Prince George's County! Offering the most affordable single family homes in Maryland's premiere location, from the $490s. [/CENTER]
This is your final opportunity to own a single-family home from the area's #1 builder on the Prince George's side of Bentley Park. Montgomery County homesites are also available.

• Bentley Park offers picturesque pond views, a sparkling swimming pool, impressive clubhouse and scenic parks
• Easy access to I-95, the ICC and only a mile away from the upcoming Konterra Town Center
• Located mid-way between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, just 20 minutes from BWI Airport
• Homes feature a brick front and stoop, with carriage-style garage door
• Luxury choices included in each home
• Save up to 30% on your energy costs each month with our BuiltSmart program and enjoy a 10-year structural warranty*