Diverse suburbs north of Baltimore for family (Owings Mills, Bel Air: mover, new house)

[mainlinemover]

My family is considering a move to the area and we're trying to get a sense for what communities might be a fit for us. We'd be looking for a 4 to 5 BR house, with a budget of $800k-$1.2m, though obviously staying under a million would be preferred. We'd love to do new construction if possible.

In terms of location, we have family in the Philadelphia area, so we'd like to be no more than 90 minutes away (less if possible!). Both my husband and I work from home, so commute isn't a factor for us. We're looking for a suburb with great schools and some diversity - we're African-American, and while we don't necessarily need a majority-Black suburb, we don't want our kids to be the only ones at school either. Proximity to restaurants and shopping, along with green space (places to hike, etc.) would be really welcome as well. We'd also like to avoid overly conservative areas if we can, and if possible settle in a more progressive community.

A couple of places we've initially looked at are Bel Air, Baldwin, and Timonium, just because I happened to see some new houses going up in our price-range around there, but without being from the area I can't get much of a read on what these towns (or any others) are actually like. Any guidance on places to consider would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Woodlands]

Originally Posted by mainlinemover

My family is considering a move to the area and we're trying to get a sense for what communities might be a fit for us. We'd be looking for a 4 to 5 BR house, with a budget of $800k-$1.2m, though obviously staying under a million would be preferred. We'd love to do new construction if possible.

In terms of location, we have family in the Philadelphia area, so we'd like to be no more than 90 minutes away (less if possible!). Both my husband and I work from home, so commute isn't a factor for us. We're looking for a suburb with great schools and some diversity - we're African-American, and while we don't necessarily need a majority-Black suburb, we don't want our kids to be the only ones at school either. Proximity to restaurants and shopping, along with green space (places to hike, etc.) would be really welcome as well. We'd also like to avoid overly conservative areas if we can, and if possible settle in a more progressive community.

A couple of places we've initially looked at are Bel Air, Baldwin, and Timonium, just because I happened to see some new houses going up in our price-range around there, but without being from the area I can't get much of a read on what these towns (or any others) are actually like. Any guidance on places to consider would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I cant speak totally for schools but from a location standpoint.. Maybe consider the I-83 Corridor as it allows you to take 695 to 95 to go back to Philly or you can take the more adventurous route up 83 to York PA and then head east through Lancaster to the western Philly suburbs. A few thoughts.. west of 83 up the Falls Rd Corridor (Lutherville, Brooklandville). Other places could be Mt. Washington(city) or just in the 21209 in the County. Mt. Washington has Mt. Washington Village which is a nice neighborhood oriented commercial area. You can go east or west on the beltway for more conventional shopping in Owings Mills or Timonium. You are also a straight shot to the City down 83 if that peaks your interest as well.

[GunsMass]

Harford County is too conservative. York Rd corridor in Baltimore County might be seen as Little New Jersey. Owings Mills is the only place in the Baltimore area with an affluent black concentration. It's maybe fifteen minutes farther from Philly than Timonium. Good luck!