Cecil vs Harford (Baltimore, Elkton, Bel Air: renting, crimes, house)

[jdougal]

Looking to buy in Cecil or Harford county and not sure on which to go with. Schools are important as I have a 3 year old. I know schools west of 95 in Harford are known to be really good. I know nothing of Cecil County schools. I'd like to stay somewhat located near 95 as child's mother lives in Baltimore. Thoughts? Suggestions? Things to consider? Basically doing prelim research and looking for input and things to think about.

[jcraig10]

There are 5 public high schools in Cecil - Perryville, Rising Sun, North East, Elkton & Bohemia Manor. In my opinion, I would put Rising Sun High 1st and Elkton last.
From what I have heard, Elk Neck Elementary is best, which then goes to North East Middle & North East High.

All areas would be within close distance to 95 since it runs right through the county, with exits at Elkton, North East, and Perryville.

[precator]

Cecil County is like the sticks. Just my opinion of course

[jdougal]

Originally Posted by precator

Cecil County is like the sticks. Just my opinion of course

Lol it is mostly, but that's sort of what I'm looking for. I've spent my entire life in Maryland from PG County, Howard, and most of it in Baltimore County. Being close to everything is nice, but not worth the traffic and BS anymore IMO.

Originally Posted by jcraig10

There are 5 public high schools in Cecil - Perryville, Rising Sun, North East, Elkton & Bohemia Manor. In my opinion, I would put Rising Sun High 1st and Elkton last.
From what I have heard, Elk Neck Elementary is best, which then goes to North East Middle & North East High.

All areas would be within close distance to 95 since it runs right through the county, with exits at Elkton, North East, and Perryville.

Do you live in Cecil? How would you compare the schools to Harford county? Obviously Harford gets more recognition but are schools decent in Cecil county offering advanced classes etc?

[precator]

I live in Harford County. Schools are different based on the town in Harford County. Bel Air has really good schools.

[jland]

I moved from PG to Cecil in 2006. Schools in Cecil are far far better than PG. Rumor has it that Harford schools (generally) are at least as good if not better than Cecil. But in either case, no comparison to PG.
True, Cecil is a "bit country" (!), but prices on house per sq ft are lower than in Harford (and about 1/2 of PG). One major consideration that hasn't been brought up is the issues with the bridge tolls. They are going to an EZ pass thingy this summer on the Rt 40 bridge (you used to be able to buy a sticker for the year for $10). Depending on where you/your spouse works, and possibly shopping criteria, this may factor into the financial analysis of where it is best to live. On the whole, I really like living in Cecil (Port Deposit/Perryville area), but it is true that you do have to drive a bit in order to buy groceries or anything else.

[jdougal]

Originally Posted by jland

I moved from PG to Cecil in 2006. Schools in Cecil are far far better than PG. Rumor has it that Harford schools (generally) are at least as good if not better than Cecil. But in either case, no comparison to PG.
True, Cecil is a "bit country" (!), but prices on house per sq ft are lower than in Harford (and about 1/2 of PG). One major consideration that hasn't been brought up is the issues with the bridge tolls. They are going to an EZ pass thingy this summer on the Rt 40 bridge (you used to be able to buy a sticker for the year for $10). Depending on where you/your spouse works, and possibly shopping criteria, this may factor into the financial analysis of where it is best to live. On the whole, I really like living in Cecil (Port Deposit/Perryville area), but it is true that you do have to drive a bit in order to buy groceries or anything else.

I spent two years in PG county and was a victim of three crimes, I won't be returning lol. I recently moved (renting) to Perryville so I'm starting to get familiar with the area. The price of homes in Cecil vs Harford is what is making Cecil much more attractive along with the fact its not as congested as say Bel Air. Just a heads up on the Hatem bridge. They are getting rid of the stickers but they've created an EZ Pass just for the Hatem. For $10 (this year) and $20 (next year) you get unlimited trips just like you do with the stickers. If you already have an EZ Pass for other tools you can add the "Hatem Plan" to your account and still get the unlimited trips on the Hatem.