Moving from Seattle to DE, Philly, or Balt area (Dover: sales, real estate)

[austen1023]

I will be relocating to the Delaware, Philly or Baltimore area in a couple of months and need some advice on housing. I will be managing a district that spans from Philly to Baltimore and will be travelling frequently throughout the territory. I am married with a stay-at-home wife who homeschools my 9 year old son and cares for my 5 month old son as well. I will be looking to purchase a house in the $250,000 - $400,000 range. I want my family to be in a safe and family friendly city/neighborhood. I would like to find a place in a smaller more rural type of location, but this isn't a requirement. I would also prefer a location where my max commute would be 1 hour. I can be located anywhere in the territory. I thought since DE is between the two largest markets (Philly / Baltimore) that this may be the ideal area. Any suggestions on where I can find whatI am looking for? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[nurider2002]

I'm from Baltimore, born and raised. First, if you are looking for affordable housing in a decent neighborhood Baltimore is not the spot. Real estate taxes are outragous. Our utility bills went up 72% last year with more increases coming. Violent crime in the city is undeniably one of the highest in the nation. Downtown Baltimore has some great areas around the harbor but venture too far in any direction and you are in trouble. Delaware has very affordable housing, is not too congested and you are an hour from Phili or Baltimore (both great places to visit but not necessarily great places to live). Dover DE has great prices on real estate and is within an hour to the beach. A bit more rural but maybe worth the trade off. Visit Baltimore and Phili for some long weekends and check out the residential neighborhoods. But I personally would not buy a house in Baltimore. Maryland is too expensive and the city has too many problems. Best of luck.

[from PA]

If you live in northern DE, you will be easily 1 hour from both Baltimore and Philly. We live further south in Kent County. We are 1 1/2 hours from BWI and 1 1/4 from PHL airports.

[jonjj]

If you are traveling around through all three, find a place that you can relax after all that driving. It would make sense to locate yourself where you will have the least amount of commute. Baltimore is no more expensive than Philadelphia and they both have some great areas to choose from. I always liked New Castle, Delaware. It is a nice little town. Or, on the bay somewhere north of Baltimore.

[BrianC350]

I've lived in MD my entire life. I agree with nurider2002. MD is not the place is use to be. The price of electricity has gone up 72%, sales taxes went up 20% and housing is not that affordable. I would suggest DE. I am starting to look there myself. Good luck.

[home-sweet-home]

I have lived in Delaware for the past 4 years, I was born and raised in Philly and many of my family members reside in Maryland. If you are considering the taxes then DE is certainly the place for you. Delaware is a great place to raise a family. I have been an agent for 3 years, if you are looking to get the most out of your money then Middletown, Smyrna wll gve you that. It is up and coming areas. Maryland has some nice areas also but you are going to pay for that niceness. DE Taxes are the best.
Good luck!

[austen1023]

Thank you all very much for the info. I really appreciate it.