Help! Where should we relocate to ????

[chipmunk226]

i'm curious to why no one mentions Washington County at all here? i've only been here for a few years, but so far, it seems like a good place to raise a family, and if I had a choice between eastern and western MD, i would have to choose western.

@ Bagira - i could be wrong, but I don't think the OP was looking for a hopping night life I am a mom to 3 young kids and i currently live in Hagerstown, and they have the greatest city park I have ever seen. [but I am from Philly, so any park that isn't riddled with drugs is great! ]

Some of the Hagerstown city schools need some help, but from what I've heard they are a lot better then what they were and are improving. People seem to brag about the Smithsburg SD alot.

There are plenty of places to shop, and with the increasing development, we have almost every store you can think of here or on its way, and the Prime Outlets are fantastic. DC or B-more is at most 90 minutes away on a weekend, still with in reach of a day trip

I think I am going to need to make a spin off thread....

[emsgoof]

Washington County is the forgotten county in MD...

[chipmunk226]

@emsgoof - well then lets keeps it in the forefront

[JaBradshaw]

The problem is there aren't many jobs up in Washington County, compared to D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, Ft. Meade, APG, and all the other job hubs in Maryland.

[Bagira]

@chip
there isn't one of those here in rockville either moving from Minneapolis to here. If one works @DC area Frederick is too Far!!! Unless you LOVE traffic!

[chipmunk226]

@JB - true, not much employment opportunities here, but if hubby has a job offer in Frederick then I would say Hagerstown or even Middletown / Myersville in Frederick County is a good option. All the other locales are way too expensive and congested.

[purple1]

Brookville is a really pretty area that is not too far from Rockville. I used to pass through there a lot and it appears to be more of a rural setting but still close to major conveniences.

Good luck.

[Rob M]

I'll add my advice re all of the areas except for Lutherville, which I don't know well.

Towson is generally considered one of the more appealing areas around Baltimore and housing prices will be less expensive there than in the DC suburbs (Silver Spring and Rockville). My sense is that Towson would likely have the best schools in a medium-quality school system (Baltimore County).
One issue is that Towson is largely built up, and so may not have many options for new or fairly new houses.

Frederick is seen as a long-distance commuting option accessible to both Baltimore and DC, and would certainly have the most affordable housing on the list, including lots of new housing developments. I don't know much about the schools, but I imagine they're fine.

Rockville has plenty of new housing developments, but is the priciest of the places on your list. In fact, I think that price range would probably put you in a townhouse rather than a single family home. As other posters have mentioned, the Montgomery County school system is considered one of the nation's best.

Silver Spring, also in Montgomery County, is a slightly less expensive option. Just as the Towson schools are probably the best in a medium district, the Silver Spring schools are generally considered the worst in an otherwise great district. I'd say those would be the weakest schools on your list.

Hope this is helpful, and I wish you good luck.
Towson
Silver Spr

[Merlander]

I think the original post stated that your husband could have a choice of which city to work in (?) - so the decision comes down to what kind of community you would like to live in. I would say Rockville or Frederick would be good choices. Rockville has become more or less an extension of the DC metro area (more $$$ and traffic than Frederick) but closer to the city and you'd have a metro stop nearby. Frederick, although it's growing by leaps and bounds, still has a small town feel and the main street is quite nice. I believe Frederick gives you a choice of which elementary your child will attend which could be a plus.

If I read the original post wrong and your husband has to commute downtown, Frederick would be a pain.

[JimInMaryland]

Originally Posted by Bagira

Rockville....lived here since Feb. renting now, plan on buying 09. but I would rent for 3 months (our apts do this and have talked with folks who have stayed here while looking) like another poster said it is sorta patchy.

Frederick is too far and you'd be not likeing your drive to do anything.

Do Not know about other towns well enough.

The OP said they had the option to WORK in the cities listed, so Frederick is not too far. I guess different strokes for different folks, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to live in or near DC - ie Rockville. Just way too crowded. I work in Baltimore but live out in the country in Harford County - the 40 minute commute is well worth the time.