Moving to MD - City or 'Burbs??? (Baltimore, Columbia: real estate market, apartments)

[lostalmost]

My husband has accepted an offer from JHU Applied Physics Lab in Columbia so we will be relocating from New Mexico to MD later this summer. I will _probably_ be working at JH Hospital/Med School (I work in Medical Genetics).

I really hate the suburbs but seeing as how we have an almost 7 yr old son I do have to consider schools. We were thinking of living in a rowhome near Patterson Park but I'm a little worried about the schools. His current school is outstanding and very small (there were only 16 kids in his 1st grade class). Also, he is used to art, PE, Spanish, computers, music, etc. - extras that may not be available in city schools.

Besides detesting the suburbs (and yes, I've been to Columbia on multiple occasions - my in-laws lived there for ages) I really want to be super close to _my_ job so that I can be the parent who is always available and can volunteer in the school, pick up a sick kid in a matter of minutes, etc. I've been commuting 40 miles so my husband has had to be the close-by parent. That will all have to change as he gets settled into his new job. Plus, he thinks he will like commuting. lol

I loved city life in Houston and San Francisco and had hoped to find a neighborhood near JH Med Center where we would feel fairly safe, could ditch the 2nd car, walk to local restaurants, etc.

Am I dreaming? Is there a non-northside neighborhood that offers what we are looking for? Or should I just suck it up and live in Columbia for the schools and be a stay-at-home mom again? Ugh...

And how do I even find out what elementary schools belong to which areas?

Angela

[Njrover0216]

Suburbs, I would never raise MY child in Baltimore

[emsgoof]

There are no areas near JHH that are safe, except the property owned by the hospital itself. Even during the commute you have to wonder about your safety. You can definitely tell when you've gone off JHH property. The schools are atrocious, the crime is terrible in the city, and the traffic (and streets) are intolerable.
Sounds like you have a real problem. Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear.

[tluv00]

Originally Posted by emsgoof

There are no areas near JHH that are safe, except the property owned by the hospital itself. Even during the commute you have to wonder about your safety. You can definitely tell when you've gone off JHH property. The schools are atrocious, the crime is terrible in the city, and the traffic (and streets) are intolerable.
Sounds like you have a real problem. Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear.

They are not talking about the hospital but the Applied Physics Lab off of 29 in Columbia so they do not have a problem at all.

You have options of living in Ellicott City, Columbia or even further south on 29 and still be within a good commute of APL without worrying about crime. Columbia will have higher taxes and costs but with the drought that is their real estate market you will have a better chance getting money knocked off the price. Plus Howard County schools are tops in the state.

[lostalmost]

Originally Posted by tluv00

They are not talking about the hospital but the Applied Physics Lab off of 29 in Columbia so they do not have a problem at all.

Actually, no, I will be working at the Medical Center and DH will be at APL.

I know the area right around the hospital is scary but I was hoping we could live in a neighborhood not too far away so that I could be close to work. I have lived in an urban area before so I know how to be aware and safety conscious.

The idea of living in Columbia makes me sick. Suburban life does not appeal to me in the least. I hate driving everywhere and shopping at chain stores and eating in the same crappy chain restaurants.

We are pretty sure we will live in the city, it's just a matter of finding an elementary school we can live with and a neighborhood that feels safe enough and has a bookstore, coffee shop, etc. that we can walk to. I know that the northern areas are better but I don't want my husband's commute to suck any more than it has to.

I'm still looking for some constructive, practical advice. Anyone have any to offer?

Angela

[Rmx Christina]

I would still recommend Ellicott City...some elementary schools that stick out in my mind are Centennial Lane, St. Johns Lane, there is a new one being built and I think they are opening this fall (??) called Veterans. For shopping and individually owned restaurants, there is Historic Ellicott City close enough where you can enjoy the city like feel. Lots of privately owned restaurants and shopping stores....I hope this helps...

There is Barnes and Nobles off of Rt 103 and Starbucks along Rt. 40.

If the idea of suburbs isn't what you want...you may want to visit the schools individually in the areas you prefer and see where you are comfortable sending your children...

[tluv00]

Originally Posted by lostalmost

Actually, no, I will be working at the Medical Center and DH will be at APL.

I know the area right around the hospital is scary but I was hoping we could live in a neighborhood not too far away so that I could be close to work. I have lived in an urban area before so I know how to be aware and safety conscious.

The idea of living in Columbia makes me sick. Suburban life does not appeal to me in the least. I hate driving everywhere and shopping at chain stores and eating in the same crappy chain restaurants.

We are pretty sure we will live in the city, it's just a matter of finding an elementary school we can live with and a neighborhood that feels safe enough and has a bookstore, coffee shop, etc. that we can walk to. I know that the northern areas are better but I don't want my husband's commute to suck any more than it has to.

I'm still looking for some constructive, practical advice. Anyone have any to offer?

Angela

Well then you are screwed.....(for lack of better words). No where in the city is worth living and the school system is going downhill fast. Unless you live in Baltimore County and don't mind taking back roads (Bel Air Rd) then through the hood it's not going to work. Baltimore is not nicknamed "Slaughtermore" for nothing. One of the highest per capita murder rates in the country, a failing school system and a baseball team (had to throw that in) that stinks will not make Baltimore a place for you to move to. You will have to commute unless you are looking to buy a row house in Fed Hill and fix it up OR fork over a ridiculous amount of cash for a new, and way overpriced, condo or row home in the city then you may as well live next to APL because it's not a good city to live in unless you are younger and like going to the bars.

[tmorrisn]

Wow, people raise children while living in Baltimore all of the time!!
There are many areas to consider but those areas are drastically reduced in you want public school for your child.
If you can afford a private school, there are lots of great areas. I'm not sure how urban of an environment you'd be looking for. Loft style apartments? or just proximity to shops/restaurants. If it's the latter,
I'd first recommend the Roland Park area - the best public elementary school in the city. My second recommendation would be the Wyman Park or Tuscany/Canterbury area. I believe these are both zone for Roland Park, but you're closer to a younger area. If you're up for walking, there's a shuttle stop fairly close by that will take you directly to JHH. Your husband will have to fight 95 traffic - but it might be worth it. There's a farmer's market close by too.
PM me if you want more information.
I grew up in Baltimore City as did many of my friends. We did go to private schools though - as city schools are in general quite poor. Hamilton and Northwood are also nice areas but you won't be within walking distance of as much.

There are actually many other possibilities - but I just don't know what you're looking for.