looking for 'THE' spot: good PreK, bike / hike trails, safe, community (Baltimore: sales, to rent)

[Kathdaniels]

Hello,
I'm sorry, this is another post about moving to the Frederick area. My husband is looking at a wide range sales job that covers Frederick and westminster and some west (I have family in Philadelphia so I don't want to go much more west than Frederick) and I am a nurse, applying all over. We have 2 small children. We plan to rent for a few months (at least) up to a year before buying.

My main priority is a good, safe, fun neighborhood for my kids (close to a park, sidewalk is a bonus) but I also am very anxious to get my son into a good preschool. He went to Montessori last year and we adored it. My younger son is just over a year so we are likely looking at daycare if he's too young (our montessori in NY will take infants on up)

Ideally, we will find a neighborhood that meets the following:
- good school district
- close to parks / bike paths / outdoor activities
- bonus if there is a great gym (pool and good yoga) nearby
- community 'spirit'

We have heard a variety of places to consider, the list is endless and overwhelming. Mt. Airy, Frederick, Ijamsville, Eldersburg, Sykesville, Westminster, Hampstead, and so on and so on. Suggestions on Frederick and immediate areas or any of the towns above? Also, recommendations for health clubs and PreK schools greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading

[westsideboy]

Price range for housing always helps in these discussions. Even in the smallish geographic area you described, the prices can vary considerably.

[Kathdaniels]

Ok, thanks. Since we're looking to rent first, we're hoping to keep it under 1500 a month.

[westsideboy]

I think that budget works pretty well in the places you describe. You are going to find a more suburban atmosphere in places like Sykesville, or the outskirts of Frederick. The historic core of Frederick is a combination of natives and gentrification and is an urban-lite environment. The other places are smallish towns that while having new residents, are probably best defined as being fairly traditional.

My direct experience with these places is fading as time goes on. I lived in Westminster about 14 years ago. Frederick about 8 years ago, and my wife grew up in what her family called "Ijamsville" then, but really is more a part of greater Urbana these days.

[Peachy7]

There are a lot of great areas in Frederick County. If you want more small town feel Middletown and Ijamsville/New Market are very nice towns with great schools. If you want closer to Downtown Frederick and box stores/mall its kind of a neighborhood by neighborhood call. Renting first is a good idea- that way you can get to know the different areas and also find out where you will be working first. If you will be commuting to Baltimore or DC thee will be some areas that will be better as far as commute. Good luck!

[Peachy7]

One more thing-- there are lots of great preschools in Frederick county. There is a wide range of themes, prices, locations. Depending on what you are looking for in a preschool I am sure you will fined one to fit your needs.

[Kathdaniels]

Thanks for the input! We need to rent quickly as my husband starts in two weeks. Getting excited...