New Job in Baltimore (Columbia, Towson: apartments, rentals, townhomes)

[HiddenMortimer]

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well.

I just accepted a job in Baltimore so naturally I want to ask and research the best areas to live near Baltimore. We have a 9 year old so we are looking at places with good schools. So far Bel Air and Aberdeen have made the list. How is the commute to Baltimore from these places? My commute now is just over an hour so anything less than that would be a plus.

Lastly, can someone point me towards a rental company that rents houses and townhomes? We also have a small dog so a dog friendly place is a must. Our budget for rent would be $2100

Well that’s it for now. If you think of other places please let me know. Thank you.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by HiddenMortimer

We have a 9 year old so we are looking at places with good schools.
So far Bel Air (pronounced BLAIR) and Aberdeen have made the list.

If that means the job is convenient (enough)... you're done.
google map your specific addresses and see.

can someone point me towards a rental company ...?

None there (or anywhere else I'd ever recommend.
Look for the old school LL's who do it themselves.

[HiddenMortimer]

Thank you for the reply and the map. It gives me a good idea of the commute. I’m sure times will change with traffic but it’s helpful.

What do you by “you’re done”. Is it that I don’t need to look elsewhere or that I’m in deep dookie?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by HiddenMortimer

Is it that I don’t need to look elsewhere ...?

Yes. Find the best fit (rent house) in the population catch radius of the school. LINK

[ion475]

Bel Air area is fine...it's boring suburbia with a "downtown" that's basically a bunch of small law offices.

Aberdeen...depends on which part. Closer you're to APG the worse it is.

For commute - just be aware of the tunnel toll (and occasional traffic) but that's about it. The only road that really gets congested around Baltimore is 695 anyway (basically most of northern and western leg).

[HiddenMortimer]

Thank you for your help. I’m a little more encouraged now. Bel Air and Aberdeen don’t sound too bad. Our move will possibly be this summer. Hopefully the market is not crazier than it is now by then

[kyle19125]

OP, I would recommend looking to the south of Baltimore around Howard County and cities like Laurel (north side) where you have better schools and a commute equal to what you're seeing with Bel Air and Aberdeen, with an overall higher end demographic and as a result better access to everyday services plus better schools. Also don't rule out apartment communities which offer many amenities not found in private rentals like a pool, fitness center and dog park as well as more timely maintenance plus pest control.

https://www.realtor.com/apartments/L...92,12&qdm=true

[ion475]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

OP, I would recommend looking to the south of Baltimore around Howard County and cities like Laurel (north side) where you have better schools and a commute equal to what you're seeing with Bel Air and Aberdeen, with an overall higher end demographic and as a result better access to everyday services plus better schools. Also don't rule out apartment communities which offer many amenities not found in private rentals like a pool, fitness center and dog park as well as more timely maintenance plus pest control.

https://www.realtor.com/apartments/L...92,12&qdm=true

I wouldn't say HoCo schools are THAT much better than schools in Bel Air to pay more. The reason why Harford Co is cheaper is b/c a commute to both Baltimore and DC is possible from Howard Co, not so much from Harford.

[MidValleyDad]

I wouldn't even think about suggesting an area to live in just based on 'accepted a job in Baltimore' It all depends on WHERE in Baltimore it is. At least a Neighborhood would be very helpful. It will make a difference

[ion475]

Originally Posted by MidValleyDad

I wouldn't even think about suggesting an area to live in just based on 'accepted a job in Baltimore' It all depends on WHERE in Baltimore it is. At least a Neighborhood would be very helpful. It will make a difference

I am assuming central part of the city itself (i.e. Downtown or Hopkins). My take is that people not from the area would ask specifically for Towson or BWI or that big cluster of business parks near Elkridge/Hanover/Annapolis Junction.

The only exception I can think of is if somebody is working at SSA...that would make western part of Baltimore metro (Catonsville, Columbia/EC, etc.) a lot more feasible than Bel Air.