What do you guys think of Lanham MD? (Baltimore, Bowie: renting, houses)

[Zimar]

We have seen some houses in a particular development (Glenn Estates) that are really nice and the development on the whole seems nice. Lanham also has pretty easy access to rt 50, 495, marc, and metro. Seabrook elementary school also seems to have a pretty decent reputation. Other parts of Lanham that we've looked at give me a weird worn-down feeling, even if the houses are "nice," the people in the neighborhood don't really seem to be keeping them up. What do you guys think of Lanham on the whole? Is it on the upswing or downswing?

[lasershen111]

You are pretty accurate in your findings where there are definitely some run down, and unkept neighborhoods and areas... and a couple diamonds in the rough. Were you able to stop by some local stores and stuff to see the vibe when all mix together?

There really is good and bad in Lanham, it probably depends on where you are coming from and what you are used to whether or not you will enjoy it there.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Zimar

We have seen some houses in a particular development (Glenn Estates) that are really nice and the development on the whole seems nice. Lanham also has pretty easy access to rt 50, 495, marc, and metro. Seabrook elementary school also seems to have a pretty decent reputation. Other parts of Lanham that we've looked at give me a weird worn-down feeling, even if the houses are "nice," the people in the neighborhood don't really seem to be keeping them up. What do you guys think of Lanham on the whole? Is it on the upswing or downswing?

Please describe "worn down." Everyone has their own perception. I mean is the siding peeling of and do the front porches have rotting boards and peeling paint? Do people have furniture in the front yard? Uncut grass? We can bring our own perceptions from where we used to live to other areas. For example, if someone is coming from a fairly new neighborhood with HOAs, then coming to someplace that's 30 years older and no neighborhood regulations, it can look "unkempt" or run down. It all depends on your tolerance level. I know I let my own grass grown a little long sometimes and my front yard can use more color and landscaping. Someone my say my property looks worn down.

[Zimar]

I grew up in West Virginia and I don't have super high standards lol (although, honestly, people in small towns in WV go to far greater lengths to maintain their homes and yards, in general, than suburbanites in the dc area). I mean fairly new developments that have houses with absolutely no landscaping AND long, uncut grass, missing shutters, peeling paint, obvious roof and gutter problems, etc. I would say it concerns me more to see that in a newer development where the houses haven't even aged that much yet than in an older neighborhood where maintaining the house is a big pain. Are the houses built badly? Do the people in the neighborhood just not care? I don't know. To me it's a sign that something, and I don't know what, is wrong. That's my personal definition of run down.

[justtitans]

I've always thought Lanham was a bit overpriced for what it had to offer. In my opinion given the location you would almost be better off buying in Bowie or Greenbelt, but that's just my opinion.

[bowian]

Glenn Estates is nice looking, I haven't heard any complaints. I think a lot of the houses are too close together and the lots are rather small. The rest of Lanham is a mixed bag and doesn't have reputation of areas like Bowie.

[PG4L1FE]

Personally Lanham was a place that i specifically wanted to live after renting in the Largo area for many years. I bought an older home in a neighborhood that runs right up to the inner beltway north of Good Luck Road. Here are a few of my reasons for seeking out Lanham.
1) Peaceful suburban neighborhoods
2) Diverse population
3) Very accessible to all major highways, Baltimore, Rockville, Annapolis, DC, all in reach.
4) Still fairly affordable yet houses seem to keep increasing their value in this area. Probably because of Goddard, UMD, PurpleLn
5) Quality built housing, built in the 1960's most houses in Lanham are rock solid, made to last with real brick, solid hardwoods in most of them.
6) Finally it's an enclave of peace and restfulness tucked into the heart of the restless DC corridor.

[papichulo2]

good for you!

[Turnerbro]

Yeah, I'd go for Bowie.