Moving to MD from CA - Help! (Columbia, Annapolis: apartment complexes, safest area)

[mrydave]

Hi,

I'm brand new to this whole thread/blogging thing...

I've read plenty of posts re: where to move, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to - in order of preference - Piney Orchard/Odenton, Millersville, Crofton, then on the other side of Meade, Columbia. I'm single, professional, want something safe (after 10 yrs. in Salinas, CA!) and quiet, but close enough to DC to visit friends, etc. via public transport.

Does anyone have an idea as to what apartments are the best-managed, in safest areas, most desirable in these areas? I have a list for all of these areas (only from the Internet, ie, The Groves in Piney Orchard - I'm coming out 19 June), but it's surprisingly small - yet, I've heard that there is a lot of building going on in all of these areas.

I would very, very much appreciate any help with names of apartment complexes that are well-thought of in these areas. Coming from around 3k miles away, one needs all the help they can get.

I see that Toadmama and Irishmom have had a lot of very helpful, useful info, and they come recommended as resources.

Thanks much!

[ehennessy7]

Where will you be working? I live in Crofton in the Keswick Park apts and I really like it. It is close to Annapolis (where I used to live). Columbia has more restaurants, movies, events, major highways etc. in the vicinty than the places in AA county that you are looking at has, but it is always PACKED (roads, restaurants, movies, etc), which is why I like AA. Columbia also is a little more expensive. If you look in Columbia, there are a couple new complexs by the mall that are more expensive than the rest of the area. My personal favorites in Columbia were the two communities off Rt. 108.

[SCOTTISH-DIVA]

I have lived in Columbia and the rents are high and the people snobs
Odenten is cheaper but not a great area.
I work with a few professional people who live in Millersville and Crofton.
Good luck moving to this place period............I cant wait to leave

Originally Posted by mrydave

Hi,

I'm brand new to this whole thread/blogging thing...

I've read plenty of posts re: where to move, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to - in order of preference - Piney Orchard/Odenton, Millersville, Crofton, then on the other side of Meade, Columbia. I'm single, professional, want something safe (after 10 yrs. in Salinas, CA!) and quiet, but close enough to DC to visit friends, etc. via public transport.

Does anyone have an idea as to what apartments are the best-managed, in safest areas, most desirable in these areas? I have a list for all of these areas (only from the Internet, ie, The Groves in Piney Orchard - I'm coming out 19 June), but it's surprisingly small - yet, I've heard that there is a lot of building going on in all of these areas.

I would very, very much appreciate any help with names of apartment complexes that are well-thought of in these areas. Coming from around 3k miles away, one needs all the help they can get.

I see that Toadmama and Irishmom have had a lot of very helpful, useful info, and they come recommended as resources.

Thanks much!

[smash731]

mrdave--I love both Columbia and northern AA county, but they have a very different feel. You will see what I mean when you visit! If I had to make a choice right now, it would be Millersville...I went to HS in columbia and miss it, but everytime I go back it seems like traffic has gotten exponentially worse.