Annapolis Towne Center area ok?

[selhars]

^^ Given that you first wanted (or were asking about) Annapolis and the Annapolis area, and now you've mentioned MontCo or Howard Co, perhaps it would help if you could provide some general info on why you are now considering other areas.

MontCo and Howard aren't "near" Annapolis.

I know you've said what you were looking for, but given that you've now switched entire counties, can you add to provide more about what you're looking for? Do you care about the socio-economics of the area and other residents? (Do you prefer to be amongst people who make a certain amount of money?) And how near -- or far --you're willing to be from certain amenities -- great dining choices? good shopping? Excellent health care options? Major airport? Good day trip or weekend travel options? cultural amenities? (museums, universities, local parks, state parks, outdoor activities, etc). Do you want things things at your door...or within an hour?

That might help you get some better suggestions.
Rural? Safe urban? SUBurban? EXurban? They usually provide difference offerings.

[North Beach Person]

As far as "safety" goes it isn't really an issue at Annapolis Towne Center. Like much of the Annapolis area it's "safe", although there are places in the area one avoids if they value their safety, wallet and vehicle unless they're looking for the various street level products available.

The knock I would have for ATC, if I was inclined to live in that type of place, is that it's not really convenient. The area as a whole isn't "walkable", it basically is a large development bordered by two or three very busy roads (MD RTE 2, Riva Road and Forest Drive), close by other busy roads (RTE 50, Jennifer Road and West Street) and centered on concrete parking lots.

[Seaponies]

I have lived within 0.25 mile of the Annapolis Towne Centre for almost 10 years. It was a great place to live. Whole Foods, Target, Giant, Chick Fil A, Bed Bath Beyond, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Five Below, Michaels. Panera Bread, Petco, TJ Maxx, restaurants, and more are all easy walking distance, especially between the Towne Centre stores and the Festival of Riva stores. Annapolis Mall, AA Medical Center and Trader Joes are within walking distance of 15-20 minutes. The Towne Centre itself is very safe as there is security that drives 24x7. There are some grassy areas for dogs but not a large park. I found it a very clean and safe place to be. But walk a few blocks to West St and it starts to get more uncertain. Just be careful there. I walked the Towne Centre area every day and found many places to walk and never got bored and never had a security issue. The Towne Centre is about 5 minutes drive to hospital, doctor offices and the mall.

[macalan]

Originally Posted by selhars

^^ Given that you first wanted (or were asking about) Annapolis and the Annapolis area, and now you've mentioned MontCo or Howard Co, perhaps it would help if you could provide some general info on why you are now considering other areas.

MontCo and Howard aren't "near" Annapolis.

I know you've said what you were looking for, but given that you've now switched entire counties, can you add to provide more about what you're looking for? Do you care about the socio-economics of the area and other residents? (Do you prefer to be amongst people who make a certain amount of money?) And how near -- or far --you're willing to be from certain amenities -- great dining choices? good shopping? Excellent health care options? Major airport? Good day trip or weekend travel options? cultural amenities? (museums, universities, local parks, state parks, outdoor activities, etc). Do you want things things at your door...or within an hour?

That might help you get some better suggestions.
Rural? Safe urban? SUBurban? EXurban? They usually provide difference offerings.

We are looking for a "smallish" town/city (under 50K) with a downtown core where one can park, get out and walk to various shops are restaurants.

Whole Foods, Lowes/Home Depot, Costco within 30 min drive.

Aesthetically appealing.

NOT rural or urban. I don't know what exurban is. I would describe what we like as "Densely Suburban". Think Newport, RI. We'd like a town that has some sense of community.

Things going on, safe, a place a woman would feel comfortable at all hours walking a dog alone. Trees and greenspace.

Within 30 min of a good hospital, within 1 hr of a nationally ranked hospital (in this case Johns Hopkins).

Variety of home options - newer apartment complexes with amenities, condos, single-family homes. Not a depressed area. Public transit is a plus.

Within an hour from a major international airport, central location for day trips and weekend trips to other interesting places. Solid upper middle class town (since you asked). The usual services in town - fire, police, doctors, dentists, vets, hair salons, post office, library. Within 30 min of a 24hr vet.

Top priorities are medical care (good hospital and access to specialists) and safety.

I don't want to see just one place when we come visit, so figured we'd hit a few towns so we can make an informed choice.

[skeddy]

go to Frederick. 400K won't buy much if that's your budget.