Fort Meade (Clarksville, Columbia: short sale, safe area, schools)

[bargainhigh]

Hello All!
My husband has an unexpected job opportunity to advance in his career working at Fort Meade. We currently live in the Cascades area of Sterling and love it here. We actually have recently put a bid in on a short sale in Countryside, but haven't heard back from the bank yet.

My question is...in the event we do relocate to Maryland, what areas would be most like Loudoun County. We are looking for GREAT schools, a safe area, and a nice, family friendly atmosphere. I really hate the idea of leaving Sterling because we love it here so much, but this opportunity is a good one for my husband. We have a 5 year old and a 3 year old.

I will post this on the Maryland forum as well, but just wanted to post it here as well. I assume Fort Meade is too far of a commute from Sterling?

Thanks very much for your input!

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by bargainhigh

Hello All!
My husband has an unexpected job opportunity to advance in his career working at Fort Meade. We currently live in the Cascades area of Sterling and love it here. We actually have recently put a bid in on a short sale in Countryside, but haven't heard back from the bank yet.

My question is...in the event we do relocate to Maryland, what areas would be most like Loudoun County. We are looking for GREAT schools, a safe area, and a nice, family friendly atmosphere. I really hate the idea of leaving Sterling because we love it here so much, but this opportunity is a good one for my husband. We have a 5 year old and a 3 year old.

I will post this on the Maryland forum as well, but just wanted to post it here as well. I assume Fort Meade is too far of a commute from Sterling?

Thanks very much for your input!

Way too far of a commute from Sterling.

Look in Howard and Anne Arundel Counties.

[bargainhigh]

Thank you! Are there any areas in those 2 counties that have the same feel as Loudoun county? We love the beauty, the vast number of parks, close proximity to shopping, excellent schools...

Thanks very much

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by bargainhigh

Thank you! Are there any areas in those 2 counties that have the same feel as Loudoun county? We love the beauty, the vast number of parks, close proximity to shopping, excellent schools...

Thanks very much

Ellicott City (Howard) Servena Park (Anne Arundel) are what I consider close matches.

[bmwguydc]

In Howard, I would look at Clarksville, Ellicott City, and even parts of Columbia, since some of the Columbia neighborhoods are actually quite nice. All of these will be under 30 minutes to Fort Meade, have great schools, and are nice communities.

In Anne Arundel, you might like Crofton or Crownsville, since they have neighborhoods that are similar. However, if you want an overall county setting that is similar to Loudoun, I would be inclined to look to Howard first.