Emerson/Wellington Farms is a really nice area in Laurel. Very close to Kings Contrivance. There's townhomes there for 500k to 650k. Newer homes, and relatively newer schools (Murray Hill, Gorman Crossing, and this area may be redistricted to the brand new high school). Definitely a place to consider. There aren't many shops in the immediate neighborhood, but it's close to Route 1, Maple Lawn, and Columbia shops.