Westminster/ Carroll County? (living, moving, best)

[cutgarden]

Tom Lennox, I wouldn't worry about fitting in. The only time the native locals aren't "tolerant" is when people move in from other areas, and then go on and on about how much nicer it is where they came from. Yet, they just won't move back. I'm in Westminster, and while it is mainly white, there are also plenty of minorities too, and mixed race couples, and everyone gets along just fine.

NJ2, I remember the dry spell! We basically had no rain for 2 years, including the winters.... it just wouldn't rain or snow. After it started raining, the wells came back. Of course, by that time home owners had already spent thousands drilling dry holes. And now the Almanac is calling for a cooling period over the next 50 years.

[Tom Lennox 70]

Originally Posted by cutgarden

Tom Lennox, I wouldn't worry about fitting in. The only time the native locals aren't "tolerant" is when people move in from other areas, and then go on and on about how much nicer it is where they came from. Yet, they just won't move back. I'm in Westminster, and while it is mainly white, there are also plenty of minorities too, and mixed race couples, and everyone gets along just fine.

NJ2, I remember the dry spell! We basically had no rain for 2 years, including the winters.... it just wouldn't rain or snow. After it started raining, the wells came back. Of course, by that time home owners had already spent thousands drilling dry holes. And now the Almanac is calling for a cooling period over the next 50 years.

cutgarden, that's good to know. I have that mentality too, I hate it when people move here and brag about how things were. I'm a student living in Baltimore City now....there are people from other places, even from Minnesota, who are always complaining about how everything is run so well where they come from and how Maryland is a mess (just because they've seen a small fragment of Baltimore City).

[Stripes17]

Like MDtoNC, we moved from Carroll County to the Charlotte, NC area. I had no choice as my company was acquired in a merger and I was one of the lucky ones that was offered a job in the new company (although it required relocation).

While it is very nice down here in the Charlotte area, I do yearn to move back to northern Carroll County, MD. We truly miss the scenery, the history, the things to do in every direction, and that it's located about halfway between Charlotte and the area where we grew up (and our dear friends are).

If we could afford it, I'd move back to Carroll County or even the northern parts of Frederick or Washington counties in a heartbeat!!!

[prcg123]

How does crime compare between Hampstead and Manchester? Thanks.

[prcg123]

What sort of school taxes do you pay in this county. We will be relocating to this county. Thank you.

[cutgarden]

Prcg: basically, I don't think there's much beyond petty crime in either Hampstead or Manchester. They're only a few miles apart, and maybe 10/12 miles from Westminster. Your school taxes are part of your property tax, there's not a separate bill. I believe 56% of your property tax goes to the education system.

Maryland gets a bad rap for high taxes, and I know some counties are worse than others, but IMO every state takes it's pound of flesh; they just do it in different ways. I hope you like it here!

[md to nc]

Originally Posted by cutgarden

Prcg: basically, I don't think there's much beyond petty crime in either Hampstead or Manchester. They're only a few miles apart, and maybe 10/12 miles from Westminster. Your school taxes are part of your property tax, there's not a separate bill. I believe 56% of your property tax goes to the education system.

Maryland gets a bad rap for high taxes, and I know some counties are worse than others, but IMO every state takes it's pound of flesh; they just do it in different ways. I hope you like it here!

Honestly, I am paying the same amount of tax here in NC as I did in MD and my house here is valued $100K less. I live on the line between Manchester/Westminster. As far as crime, I was out in the country so I really had nothing to worry about. I use to leave my car unlocked and my purse on the floor. Here I would not dare do that in my neighborhood. I would feel very comfy in Manchester/Hampstead just not in town limits.

[NYMD67]

Originally Posted by md to nc

I would not look into this post too much. It is like this is ALLL small towns. I would say Sykesville/Eldersburg area you definately would not have this problem as this is the largest area people move to/from so everybody does not know everybody anyway. As far as Northern Carroll County, well that is where most from Eldersburg are moving to as well as B-more and DC. So again most of the "locals" as was mentioned is this post have moved on outta here and most of those still here are relos/transplants who don't know everyone anyhow. Yes you still have the older locals who are too set in their ways and won't move on as well but that is a small few and they keep to themselves anyway. So, if you like the area I would not hold this post even remotely in the back of your mind as I feel it just is not the case.

Actually, the post that you are referring to is a common opinion about Carroll County, especially Northern Carroll County. It. Is. Intolerant.
Yes, there are many small towns all over this country, we have lived in many,many of them. Northern Carroll County is by far, one of the most intolerant places there is.
Of course there are many kind ,wonderful people too, but honestly, if you are not white and are not from the area, it is not a place to raise a family.
Especially a diverse one.

[cutgarden]

How long has it been since you lived here?

[Stripes17]

Originally Posted by NYMD67

Actually, the post that you are referring to is a common opinion about Carroll County, especially Northern Carroll County. It. Is. Intolerant.
Yes, there are many small towns all over this country, we have lived in many,many of them. Northern Carroll County is by far, one of the most intolerant places there is.
Of course there are many kind ,wonderful people too, but honestly, if you are not white and are not from the area, it is not a place to raise a family.
Especially a diverse one.

With all due respect, I vehemently disagree with your insinuation that Carroll County is intolerant.

We lived there in perfect harmony with the natives and other transients. Keeping privacy in mind i will not divulge why it's easy for us to be considered "outsiders". But, my family was welcomed in our neighborhood, the church, in our business accounts, sports and rec teams, and anywhere we made an effort to belong.

The folks there looked at us as everyday people and how committed we were to the neighborhood, church, retail, customer, team, etc. If we put out the effort to show that we wanted to be part of a group, we were readily accepted.

In fact, it's no secret that I am more than hoping to be able to move back to that area. It is beautiful and welcoming.