Towson vs. Bowie vs. Waldorf (Baltimore, Cockeysville: transplants, buying a home, transfer to)

[sittilove]

Which would you set up roots in with a family with three small children (one school aged)?

Please be aware that my husband and I have lived in and around Baltimore for the past 15 years, so we are no strangers to the nuances of the Baltimore region, and we've lived near Towson (Loch Raven Village) for the past 3 years.

Please also be aware that we were both born and raised in PG County, so while its been a while, we know a LOT about that region as well, have family there, and have visited there frequently over the years.

Which town would you say is the best good solid place to live and raise a family out of the three?

[james777]

Where is work, or do you have the luxury of working from home?

[sittilove]

Both. Husband's work is currently in Baltimore (where we live), and I can work remotely for the next two years.

However, we are mainly trying to figure out where to target buying a home and raising the kids (for the long haul). My husband has the opportunity next year to either transfer to DC or stay where we are. So as much as we love both metropolitan areas, its hard to choose between them!

Unfortunately, we used to love the cities themselves, but alas, cities are no longer trying to attract/retain families. Especially DC (which is clearly only in the "business" of looking for upper-income single transplants), but also Baltimore's development seems to be focused on college/graduate students--again, upper-income single transplants.

So the 'burbs it is!

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by sittilove

Which would you set up roots in with a family with three small children (one school aged)?

The one with the easiest commute to the best paying job YOU can get..

[james777]

Originally Posted by sittilove

Both. Husband's work is currently in Baltimore (where we live), and I can work remotely for the next two years.

However, we are mainly trying to figure out where to target buying a home and raising the kids (for the long haul). My husband has the opportunity next year to either transfer to DC or stay where we are. So as much as we love both metropolitan areas, its hard to choose between them!

Unfortunately, we used to love the cities themselves, but alas, cities are no longer trying to attract/retain families. Especially DC (which is clearly only in the "business" of looking for upper-income single transplants), but also Baltimore's development seems to be focused on college/graduate students--again, upper-income single transplants.

So the 'burbs it is!

My vote is for Waldorf, although it is possible your husband may have a terrible commute from Waldorf to and from DC every day, depending on where in the DC metro he works, and how he gets there and back. Both Bowie and Towson are not bad alternatives at all. Property is reasonably priced in Bowie, considering it is the DC metro. Any one of the three could work well for you. You might want to post this in the Maryland City-Data forum for more responses.

You are correct in your assessment of Baltimore City; it is a good place to stay away from. They spent a ton of taxpayer dollars trying to attract new residents, but all one has to do is read the news to understand why it is not working.

[RatGirl]

Have you considered Calvert County - specifically, Huntingtown, Dunkirk, etc.? It could work for a DC commute.

[diver110]

Well, Towson would likely have the best schools, which is also why it is the most expensive.

[Digger 68]

West Towson, but it's going to be pricey. Off of Joppa Road heading west. Timonium, and Lutherville, or Cockeysville would be fine as well. Springlake in Cockeysville is nice. Pot Spring Road is also. Anywhere in Dulaney Valley is nice.

Bowie, or Waldorf over Towson?