Moving to md from nova (Baltimore, Ellicott City: for rent, homes, neighborhoods)

[oadun987]

Hi, I recently got a job in Baltimore. I was wondering if anyone could tell me of great neighborhoods within the area. I am looking at Howard or Harford County. I need a place that homes are reasonable, schools are great and with diversity. My son will be going to high school next year and we are moving from an area with a great school system. Please help!

[htownterp]

Ellicott City would be my first look.

[davecj]

The commute would be a lot better from Howard county. Both have excellent schools but Harford will likely be less expensive by a small margin to live at. The commute down 95 is pretty miserable.

[carroll4628]

I don't consider homes in Ellicott City reasonable. I think they're rather expensive compared to the other areas of HoCo (But, coming from NoVa, I'm not sure it'd be much of a difference.) Depending on where in Baltimore you're headed, I would look in the northeast section of HoCo in either Elkridge (Howard HS) if you'd be going into the city on I95 or northern EC (Mt. Hebron) if you'd be coming in on I70. You'll pay a premium to living in the Centennial HS boundary, so unless you need the (arguably) "top" school in the county, I wouldn't look there. Also, I wouldn't go further south/west (i.e., Clarksville/River Hill HS) since it would only add to your commute and the school isn't that much better. Boundaries for the HoCo Schools. Howard County Public School System

[andrew_s]

Howard county public schools are some of if not the best in the country, but there are many other MD county school systems that are VERY close.

[carroll4628]

I forgot to mention, HoCo schools (on the whole) are somewhat diverse:

White 47.4%
Asian 16.7%
Hispanic 8.5%
African American 20.9%

[andrew_s]

Originally Posted by carroll4628

I forgot to mention, HoCo schools (on the whole) are somewhat diverse:

White 47.4%
Asian 16.7%
Hispanic 8.5%
African American 20.9%

Ill tell you from experience if you want diversity dont go west of columbia as its nothing but a bunch of us white folk.

[arletta]

Hi, In the same light, I'II like to know which town in Northern Virginia has cheap rooms for rent, availability of jobs opportunities but most especially public transportation (available even during the weekend) I'm new in the USA, and by the beginning of June, I should rent a room, for the mean time, I'm with some relatives.

[oadun987]

Thanks for all your help. I got a job in the Overlea area of Baltimore. I am favoring Harford County because it is closer to my work than HoCo. Can I get advice on Bel Air, Abingdon, Perry Hall and White Marsh? They are all about a 20-30 min commute to work. How are the schools and the quality of life in general?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by arletta

Hi, In the same light, I'II like to know which town in Northern Virginia has cheap rooms for rent, availability of jobs opportunities but most especially public transportation (available even during the weekend) I'm new in the USA, and by the beginning of June, I should rent a room, for the mean time, I'm with some relatives.

I would try the Falls Church/Arlington corridor along Lee Highway. But please re-post this in the Northern Virginia Forum.