Moving to MD from Dallas TX. Need recommendations. (Baltimore, Columbia: rental, house)

[nitynity]

Ok, so we are a family of 3 with a middle schooler. Planning to move to Laurel, MD or nearby neighborhood from Dallas, TX. Our median family income is around 250k. (Health care and IT). Currently based on our research we are impressed by Ellicot City and Columbia. How about Mt Airy? School district is the highest priority, and a decent suburban house with a backyard (fenced) if possible (have a 5 year old labrador)

In addition, we are kinda spoiled by our spacious little home in TX, with a .4 acre backyard with matured trees and a privacy fence. I know its hard to find something similar in the east coast under a million dollar, but just to give an idea where we coming from. Not looking for new constructions, anything 90+ will be OK.

We are not into urban life, but not too remote either, somewhere in the middle, thats why we like Ellicot based on google info.
Currently I work from home( IT), but that could change in the future, so easy access to highways is preferred.

Any tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by nitynity

.....We are not into urban life, but not too remote either, somewhere in the middle, thats why we like Ellicot based on google info.
Currently I work from home( IT), but that could change in the future, so easy access to highways is preferred.......

There are parts of Howard County where large lots were required. You can find them west of Ellicott City, eg Clarksville, Glenwood, Marriotsville. (Some are around $800-850K.) They are convenient to I-70, and Route 29. Mount Airy is pretty good, but it could be a long commute to anywhere for the health care worker.

Regarding Laurel addresses, they could be in three different counties. The Howard County part of Laurel has the best schools, and you should check whether the Anne Arundel County or Prince Georges County schools would meet your needs.

[james777]

You work from home, but where does the better half work? That will probably determine where you locate as you will not want a long commute in this Baltimore/Washington metro mess. When you finally locate a suitable home, you should make a few trial commutes to work from that area before you make a commitment so that you don't get stuck with what becomes a nightmare commute.

[ion475]

Which exact part of Laurel address? 20723?

Look into Clarksville (21029) or Fulton (20759) if you are in that area also. Ellicott City overall is of course nice, but of course pricey.

Columbia, well, depends on which part. The area is very convenient as it has everything, but part of Columbia can be somewhat old.

If you want large tract you can also look around Route 32 west of Columbia (basically pass the Route 108 exit), if you can afford it...

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by nitynity

Our median family income is around 250k. (Health care and IT). ...
Any tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

You earn enough to choose which school district (Howard County) you want to be in.
Now you have to find a specific property in the right high school zone (Centennial).
TRY to thread those needles.

[nitynity]

Thank you so much for all the response guys. Really appreciate it. We just used laurel as a reference point just in case we end up working in Baltimore that’s all. We are pretty much open to find anywhere on a 20 mile radius around that area with a good school district.

[nitynity]

Originally Posted by james777

You work from home, but where does the better half work? That will probably determine where you locate as you will not want a long commute in this Baltimore/Washington metro mess. When you finally locate a suitable home, you should make a few trial commutes to work from that area before you make a commitment so that you don't get stuck with what becomes a nightmare commute.

For the wifey, still looking at all the options, currently she does a lot of commute, 50-60 miles daily as a consultant in Dallas. But an employee position at any hospital is also being considered If traffic is gona be hectic after moving.
Another plan is to get a rental for 6 months or so to get a better feel of the area before purchasing the home.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by nitynity

We just used laurel as a reference point just in case we end up working in Baltimore...

Just so you know, the answers to those Q's will NOT be the same.

Laurel is midway of the two largest regional employment centers.
Baltimore is at the end of that range.
Prices and Prop Taxes and School Options are different.

Similarly, if the Hospital job is in sw Wash DC ... you'll probably want to live in Northern Virginia.
And that (probably great offer) might only be given to someone who is already local.

Which Extends into these points:

Another plan is to get a rental ... to get a better feel of the area before purchasing the home.

That really should be built into the plans of any family uprooting and moving 1000 miles away.
Use that time (a full year) to learn your way around, to see some of the sights, to make a few friends ...
getting to the point where YOU can answer most of these Q's based in your own experiences.

Be certain you have strong objective reasons to choose buying in X (rather than Y or Z) before you make that choice.

[goldenage1]

If the wife wants to be based in a hospital I suggest identifying the probables and draw a twenty mile circle around them. Plot the areas with good middle schools within those circles. I suggest you would end up in Ellicott City. Toss out towns like Mt Airy which are too far away from major hospitals.
BTW, it will not be easy to find a 6 month rental.

[nitynity]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

If the wife wants to be based in a hospital I suggest identifying the probables and draw a twenty mile circle around them. Plot the areas with good middle schools within those circles. I suggest you would end up in Ellicott City. Toss out towns like Mt Airy which are too far away from major hospitals.
BTW, it will not be easy to find a 6 month rental.

Yeah Mt Airy looks nice but not very realistic for our needs I guess.
You are right. Most leases are atleast one year. Might consider sub leases as well if available. If not pay in advance if that’s an option.