Columbia vs Towson (Annapolis: to rent, schools, pros and cons)

[abagsic]

I have a summer internship within the inner harbor so I'm looking for a temporary place to rent. However, I'd like to rent in an area that I could see myself potentially living there on a longer term basis if the company decides to extend their offer for full time employment. My wife and I have narrowed it down to either Columbia or Towson. We have a 9 year old so the school system is very important to us. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of each?

[carroll4628]

I am completely biased and just love Howard County (lived there for 3 yrs) - schools, state/local parks, library, farmer's markets in the summer, all the crazy kid-centric activities. AND you're 30min or less to BWI and 45 minutes to the Mall in DC, just a skip to Annapolis (and the bridge to the eastern shore) - good central Maryland location - very diverse as more than 50% of the students in the county are minorities. The only con would be that it is rather expensive (housing that is).

[ksmoe]

If your wife will be planning to find jobs in near future and her career may have better choices in DC suburb, choosing Columbia area may be better choice. Most of Towson area schools are great ones.
Not all Columbia area schools are excellent. Avoid Harper Choice area if you can.