Laurel neighborhood question (Baltimore, North Laurel: low crime, townhomes, middle schools)

[upward_bound]

I've posted questions on the Baltimore forum re: Laurel but was directed here. Does any one know about the neighborhood surrounding Whiskey Bottom elementary? I have a one year old but we are not concerned about schools as he will go to private schools when the time comes. I'm curious about safety. I checked out the area on google street view and it didn't seem too well kept- shabby yards, visible trash...may be an old photo so I'd like updated advice.
Thanks.

[EducatedBro82]

Whiskey Bottom Road Area is considered North Laurel, which is in Howard County. North Laurel has little to no crime. Laurel in general has a low crime rate. North Laurel has more McMansions and big homes than the other parts of Laurel. Its off 95 so the commute to Baltimore would be easier. Laurel is a clean city, most services are paid by the residents for good trash removal. In AA County, and Howard County it is paid by taxes.

Since that area of Laurel is in Howard County, it would be zones to HC Public Schools. Schools in HC are ranked number #1 in the state, so you could send your child to provate school, but they would have a good education in Public School. Laurel Area schools are very good as well as they dont have the "riff-raff". Forest Ridge, Gorman Crossing, Hammond, Laurel Woods, are all good schools. Even Murray Hill and Hammond are good Middle Schools while Hammond and Reservoir are good HS.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by upward_bound

I checked out the area on google street view and it didn't seem too well kept- shabby yards, visible trash...may be an old photo so I'd like updated advice.

The area around Park Avenue and Washington Avenue looks messy. The older parts of Laurel are just working-class and sort of trashy. Checking Spot-crime shows a couple of thefts and burglaries.

However, the areas north of the school look very nice. Just pick the right house, and you would be fine.

[scrapper105]

And on this one, I agree with Golden Age.

I think there are just a couple small areas of Laurel that are sketchy - the rest are just honest, hard-working working class that evidently don't keep up their yards nicely.

[lanoneus]

I was actually just there the other day. The townhomes right around the school looked very working class but nice. I would be comfortable living there. It seemed like a front porch, know your neighbors kind of area.