Relocating to the Baltimore Area with Family

[seanlax]

For that budget, school consideration, and historic feel, Arbutus and Catonsville are really the only places I'd look. So long as you aren't racist you could try the Pikesville area too. Parkville/Carney are good options too, although they are certainly a little more downtrodden than Catonsville and Pikesville.

The public city schools are just so universally bad, which is a really disappointing reality to deal with :/ Speaking from personal experience (I doubt much has changed in 7-8 years)

[diver110]

From every thing I have heard, outside of Mt. Washington, you want to avoid Baltimore City Schools. Probably the best schools in the area are in Howard County, i.e. Columbia. Welcome to suburban sprawl. I think the Catonsville recommendation is a good, though I don't know how good the schools are. I believe parts of Baltimore County have good schools, say in the Lutherville/Timonium area, but a good hike to the city. Unless you want to send your kids to private schools, living in the city is not your best option from their perspective. Some of the city schools are flat out dangerous.

[wiley little913]

i would consider roland park they have the prices that you are looking for

[bottep]

Thank you for all the helpful feedback! Thoughts on Towson?

[Alex1484]

Originally Posted by bottep

Thank you for all the helpful feedback! Thoughts on Towson?

Towson is a reputable area and a fairly busy area with the courthouses in the heart of Towson and the recent development near the mall. It doesn't quite have that historic downtown feel but it has a "downtown". It is also home to Towson University (2nd largest university in MD) so expect lots of college students during the school year.

[seanlax]

Towson will likely be quite expensive for you if you want to avoid the hordes of students. Actually, it's probably one of the most expensive Baltimore suburb to live and shop in.

[cjmeck]

I'll second (or fifth) the suggestions to consider Catonsville. Historic neighborhoods, there are homes (they'll be older and smaller) in your price range, easy commute to the City, close proximity to Patapsco State Park and the schools are for the most part highly rated (confirm with www.greatschools.com). Ellicott City is another good suggestion but pricey; you could get a townhouse for $350k in EC.

[BMoreJuice]

OP does not want to be in the county....


$350,000 will land you in a good neighborhood in the city. I would check out North Baltimore and see what you could come up with. Mount Washington would be ideal or upper park heights.

[Alex1484]

One thing to consider is the property taxes are very high in the city, upwards of almost double what you would pay in the county.