Maryland--UGH. Can I get a small town, please?

[james777]

Originally Posted by eav1221

My husband and I are considering a move from Annapolis to somewhere closer to Baltimore to be closer to his work and mine (he works in Fells Pt. and I work in Columbia). Either way, we're screwed because of the horrible traffic, everywhere, every hour, every day. I want a small town like those I grew up with in PA--Sharpsville, Greenville, New Wilmington, Greensburg, Latrobe, etc. These are all small-ish towns in PA that are close to larger metropolitan areas and traffic isn't bad to the point of wanting to drive your car off the Bay bridge because that's a better option than sitting in daily gridlock. I guess I have to move to PA but have a good job here and so does he. Is there ANYWHERE in Maryland that we could look that could be a hop, skip, and a jump to both of our jobs and give each of us 30 min or less of commuting? If not, we're considering leaving the state for greener pastures. Someday.

The only towns that I can think of that will keep you within a 30 minute commute of both jobs are Catonsville, Linthicum, and Elkridge. Catonsville is a great town that offers a lot; I don't know how anyone could not like it. Locating in the Linthicum or Elkridge areas would allow your husband to take the light rail or MARC into downtown Baltimore.

Sharpsville, Greenville, and New Wilmington, PA are close to larger metro areas? You must be kidding!! That whole area has been dead for at least three decades; I have relatives in the area.

[james777]

Originally Posted by eav1221

Trying to plan for kids. City schools aren't an option unfortunately. I do like Roland Park though but it's still city schools from my understanding? I have no problem with a 30 min. commute but just long for that small town, non-cookie cutter- strip-mall-infested- feel that many small towns in PA have. But our jobs are here and we're here and such is life. Ellicott City, unfortunately, does not have homes that a public educator, such as myself, can afford. I just hate traffic around here. There are so many entitled and enraged drivers that I see on a daily basis that it disgusts me...not to mention the daily gridlock on just about every major route I have to drive on: 100, 10, Rt. 2, etc. Hubs is the same: 695. Living out in Howard would be the same: rt 70 gridlock. Can't escape it. Rat race.

Search continues.

Yes, Roland Park and Mt Washington are both Baltimore City, therefore city schools. However, if you like the atmosphere of the area look slightly north of those communities, just across the county line and you should find something you like with county schools and less than a 30 minute commute. Don't look too far north of the city line or the prices will shock you.

[GoPhils]

As was mentioned, there are some smaller towns but they are further than 30 minutes. And judging by the amount of complaining about traffic I'd guess keeping the commute reasonable sounds like a top priority.

That said...can't it take an hour sometimes just to get from Columbia to Baltimore? Which means to get a 30 minute commute to both you're pretty much forced to look near the midpoint, which of course is near I-95. You're not finding towns like the ones mentioned near I-95 between Baltimore and DC.

Maybe you'd find some areas that aren't as crazy as others, but that's about it. Catonsville is probably a good suggestion.

[Sicilee]

Originally Posted by eav1221

My husband and I are considering a move from Annapolis to somewhere closer to Baltimore to be closer to his work and mine (he works in Fells Pt. and I work in Columbia). Either way, we're screwed because of the horrible traffic, everywhere, every hour, every day. I want a small town like those I grew up with in PA--Sharpsville, Greenville, New Wilmington, Greensburg, Latrobe, etc. These are all small-ish towns in PA that are close to larger metropolitan areas and traffic isn't bad to the point of wanting to drive your car off the Bay bridge because that's a better option than sitting in daily gridlock. I guess I have to move to PA but have a good job here and so does he. Is there ANYWHERE in Maryland that we could look that could be a hop, skip, and a jump to both of our jobs and give each of us 30 min or less of commuting? If not, we're considering leaving the state for greener pastures. Someday.

Having lived in PA (eastern, western, central, and northeast) and MD (Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County) and worked in and around the Baltimore /DC metro area, I would say no, unfortunately. We certainly didn't find it, and are very happily back in PA.

[eric_mclellan]

I saw an earlier point that mentioned Ellicott City. They offer a Marc Stop in town as well. Which should help with the commute a bit.

[jchughes05]

Originally Posted by seanlax

It's all the way in EASTERN Harco. ^^^

True true, I usually say northeastern.

[bus man]

Originally Posted by eric_mclellan

I saw an earlier point that mentioned Ellicott City. They offer a Marc Stop in town as well. Which should help with the commute a bit.

There is no MARC station in Ellicott City. The closest ones are Halethorpe, St. Denis (if you can find it), and Dorsey. There is an express bus (Route 150) from Ellicott City into Baltimore, and also a commuter bus (Route 310) from nearby Columbia into Baltimore.

There IS a train station in Ellicott City, but no passenger trains stop there; it's a museum.