Townhomes in Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City: for sale, real estate, apartment complex) - Maryland (MD) - City-Data Forum

1blessed1 · 07-13-2008, 10:48 PM

I plan to relocate to Howard County in 6-9 months. I am looking for a townhouse, preferably a new construction. My purchase price is around $360k. I was able to look at some homes this week-end. I visited Oakhurst (Ryan Homes in Columbia), Belmont Station (Ryan Homes in Elkridge) and the Oaks at Waters Edge (Ryland Homes in Elkridge). I am unfamiliar with the area. If you are familiar with these areas, can you please share your opinion(s) about the area, safety, schools and recreational activities, etc? I am concerned about the industrial park being so close to the townhomes in Belmont Station. Additionally, I would like to know about other new construction or fairly new townhome communities within my price range that are in safe and clean areas. Thank you for your assistance.

jessy0780 · 07-14-2008, 09:22 AM

Belmont Station- I have toured these and they seem very nice, I'm just not crazy about them being right off rte 1.
Oaks at Waters Edge- I can't remember which ones these are, but I believe they are also off rte 1.
It's not a horrible area, just not the best part of Elkridge. Are you only interested in new construction? If not, I can reccomend a couple of townhome communities that are really nice.

1blessed1 · 07-14-2008, 12:37 PM

Jesse0780,

Hello. Thank you for your response. Yes, both Belmont Station and Oaks at Water Edge are located off route 1. I am open to learning more about other communities. So, please share your inputs. Again, I am looking for safe, clean and family friendly communities. Do you know much about the Oakhurst community in Columbia? Thanks again.

gumbo31 · 07-14-2008, 05:09 PM

There's quite a few new developments off of route 1, but as a stated in a previous posts, route 1 is kinda sketchy.... to say the least.

jessy0780 · 07-15-2008, 10:01 AM

I don't know where Oakhurst is in Columbia. What is it off of?

1blessed1 · 07-20-2008, 12:49 PM

thanks, gumbo for the info

jelenap · 07-21-2008, 09:52 PM

I have toured almost every single new townhome community in Howard and AA county, but this is just my humble opinion.

1) Belmont Station - Fairgate model is AWESOME! But the location could hardly be any worse. It's right off Route 1, which is very busy with a lot of truck traffic. Also on work days you'll hear quite a lot of the airport traffic noise (not too bad, but considerable). This is the only Ryan's community where they have actually dropped the base prices since February. Imagine, if they have problems selling new homes with a nice model and everything, what'll happen when you'll need to sell. Also there are rumours that it was an old dumping ground - look it up on this forum. An apartment complex and office complex nearby do not add to the property values at all and might become a safety issue later.

2) Oaks at Waters Edge by Ryland - more like "Oaks at I-95 edge". This community is very crowded, lots are tiny and there is hardly any space on the streets. The newer sites will be very close to I-95, literally with a view on the sound barrier wall. If you're not concerned about the view and noise, you should be about the air quality. There are usually quite a few older homes for sale in the same community, probably for a reason. Also I pesonaly didn't like Ryland's models and construction quality.

3) Oakhurst (Columbia) - this is not too bad, if you don't mind living right next to a rather busy street. Keep in mind that new homes will NOT be in the same place where the model is. Make sure to look at the actual location to see if you are OK with it. The prices are good there though and at least it's not next to a freeway and there is much less airport noise. All things considered, this is the best of all 3 locations.

There is also a Ryan Homes community farther west (Ellicott City?), but prices are higher, you'll probably only get a very plain small home for 360K.

If you don't have to live in Howard county and want a new construction TH, I'd suggest Ryan's Villages of Dorchester (Hanover, MD). You can get a decent home there for 340K and a short commute to Howard county.

Beware of additional local "taxes" in certain areas: CPRA in Columbia and "Dorchester tax" in Dorchester. They might add about 1K per year or even more to your payments.

1blessed1 · 07-22-2008, 08:05 PM

Jelenap,

Hi. Thanks for the info. I agree with many of your points and you surely made me aware of new things such as the noise from the airplanes and highway.

AllisonFc21 · 07-23-2008, 11:17 AM

Do you have kids? If so, what grades are they in? Ho Co public schools are good, but the schools vary a lot. I'm in real estate here, I've lived in HoCo for 20+ years and now have kids in the schools. My kids were the reason I moved to where I did....

jessy0780 · 08-13-2008, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonymoe00

I just moved to Elkridge and find the place really nice. Rt 1 is not that attractive but once you are in your townhome community it is lovely. I have no noise or traffic issue. The only problem I have is the space for parking. As mention earlier the spacing is pretty tight but besides that everything is great. Another Plus is the selections to major roadways (i.e. I-95, 100, 32). This makes it easy to commute to just about anywhere. You’re in between two malls (Anne Arundel and Columbia). So you have a choice in many areas to eat, shop, and entertain. I suggest staying in the new developments for home of choice.

I agree with choosing new developments off Rte 1. There are some really nice older developments off of rte 1, though- like off of rte 103, or Montgomery Rd.