From Columbia to...? Please help! (Elkridge, White Marsh: homes, private schools, to live)

[shannobanano]

Hi, my husband and I live in Columbia which is where I work and he works in Elkridge. When we moved from DC to Columbia, it felt like the most tranquil place on Earth. Now, I'm starting to feel a little claustophobic again. I live in a nice residential area in Hickory Ridge and we moved here for the schools. From the halfway home for schziphrenics behind me and who were stalking me to my next-door neighbors being robbed today and the much greater tranquility I felt over the weekend at Deep Creek Lake in Western MD, I am just begininnig to fantasize about moving.

I want to live on a wooded, private lot--doesn't have to be huge. We would like to be close to outdoor activities and the water, be it river, lake, or bay. So far, I have researched Sykesville and North East, MD. North East sounds particularly nice but perhaps a little far and, from what I have read, not very good schools. Any suggestions for anywhere within an hour's commute from Columbia/Elkridge that has charm, woods, water, outdoor activities, and decent schools? Of course, somewhere safe!...and, ya know, charming...convenient to shopping would be a bonus.

Thanks so much!!!!

[gottogetfishing]

Hi, North East is, s you stated, on or by the water, and very tranquil overall and there ar eplenty of wooded lots or homes on large private lots here with quick or direct access to the water. The Tome School is here and is one of the most pretigious private schools you 'll ever find. The public schools do get a bad rap but I think that this may be slightly over stated. However, I have never enrolled children in these schools. I have lived here part time since 2001 and full time since 2005 and find it to be very safe and enjoyable. I will be relocating to about 7.5 acres in Rising sun where I am completing a new lodge like home. This just on the border of North East about 1.5 miles to Rt95. I'm familiar with the drive to Columbia which would be a good hour. The only traffic hang up may be around White Marsh and the intersection with the beltway, which really isn't too bad even during rush hour.

Hope this helps.

[eponena]

Maybe Anne Arundel -- the more rural areas like Harwood, Lothian, Shady Side, Galesville or even Northern Calvert County - Dunkirk, Owings, etc. You can find large lots and sometimes waterfront for a very good price. The commute to Columbia area is not horrible either....