Submitted by [deleted] t3_y73wya in ColumbiaMD
Any suggestions on what to look for, any neighborhoods to lean toward or away from? Moving for work, looking to buy
Comments
AKnitWit777 t1_issf9aj wrote
Are you looking for a single family home or townhouse? Family friendly or does that not matter? Are you commuting to somewhere outside of Columbia?
All of the neighborhoods have a few things in common--the Columbia Association, extensive walking trails, shops and restaurants are in each village/neighborhood. Some neighborhoods are older than others and some schools get higher GreatSchools ratings (and you will pay more to live in those neighborhoods). Crime is relatively low.
freecain t1_isukkvg wrote
What's your budget?
Are you worrying about schools?
Do you prefer someplace quiet or nearer to stuff?
Do you want to have access to the trails for running biking or do you not really care?
How much space do you need/want?
This is like saying what's a good place to get food...
2ndRoundExit t1_isuoqc2 wrote
The neighborhoods in kings contrivance are very nice and you're right off 32, super quick to 95/295
Zealousideal_Tea3214 t1_isvh367 wrote
My neck of the woods (pun on the fact that there’s tons of excellent wooded areas in KC)
2ndRoundExit t1_isvhcc2 wrote
I lived near the Teeter for 2 years before moving to Colorado, very safe and great walking paths. Plus Corner Stable was walkable and corner stable is GREAT. Miss it lol
Zealousideal_Tea3214 t1_isvhjd6 wrote
Having agonized over where to live in Columbia… there’s a ton of excellent places but wow is it hard to beat KC
2ndRoundExit t1_isvhs0g wrote
If work takes me back to the area, that's definitely where I'd live again. There or Clarksville
Zealousideal_Tea3214 t1_isvhwft wrote
I like Clarksville, too, but I like the river more down this way and housing at half the cost.
asWorldsCollide2ptOh t1_issiz95 wrote
This is not a popular opinion in this sub, but pay attention to the school district and you'll be fine. Also keep in mind that the Howard County Public Schools are building a new High School and have a "proposed" redistricting map carved out already. They're soliciting comment but the current board will ignore any protests or any comments that aren't in favor of their proposal.
https://hcpss-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d0e49d28a24b41f38b15347711c76ce5
ForceExciting t1_istouwu wrote
The new HS opens in fall of 2023 I thought. Either way, I am grateful to be done with the Hoco School saga.
Native_Outsider t1_isvkxai wrote
So we are supposed to be upset that Howard County built a new high school? Isn’t this supposed to be a good thing?
asWorldsCollide2ptOh t1_isvsq2d wrote
You do you.
My comment was intended to be focused on the process rather than yours or others emotion.
We just went through a redistricting and above anything else, the process was extremely flawed, where many felt that their voices haven't been heard.
SuddenBird4926 t1_isvqcgv wrote
The entire school system is way over capacity. We elect folks who take bribes from developers. By the time that school opens, it will be at 130% capacity and if your kids are lucky they can spend hours on a bus each day traveling to any random school.
SuddenBird4926 t1_isvq3w5 wrote
I would say if you care about schools look at Anne Arundel or Carroll. Avoid HOCO.
rhinodewster t1_isuftyb wrote
If you're budget conscious don't move to Columbia. Look just over the county line in Anne Arundel county. Much cheaper and a trip to Columbia is 10 mins.
erasethenoise t1_isv0a9b wrote
Bro you’re not wrong I constantly feel like I’m too poor to be living here lol
[deleted] OP t1_issis1c wrote
Which is the nicest area for townhouses?
randxalthor t1_isss308 wrote
If you want the typical "nice," you'll be looking in Ellicott City. Columbia has more socioeconomic diversity and more community benefits.
Easier to guide you with a price range. Low end, small, old townhouses in less desirable areas start around $300k, new luxury townhouses are $700k. You can get very nice garage townhouses in convenient locations for around $500-550k.
toliver2112 t1_istslpw wrote
Also, if you want to enjoy the amenities of the Columbia area without the Columbia Association dues, look in EC.
PatientSarcasm t1_isu3o7c wrote
Don't discount this notion. Paying the CA annual assessment (which is like a tax) will set you back about $1,200/year.
Native_Outsider t1_isvbe45 wrote
Or simply buy a home in one of the many non-CA neighborhoods in Columbia. Kings Contrivance, for example, has a couple neighborhoods with no CA, despite being very close to the village center. But there’s a lot to like about the CA neighborhoods, such as the bike trails and probably more of a community vibe.
Wjbskinsfan t1_istty1v wrote
That depends on your budget. Town Center has nice townhomes that are fairly new. They also have more condos. There are some new townhouses that were just built in Kings Contrivance, River Hill is always a nice area if you can afford it.
Wilde Lake and Owen Brown are turning things around but I’d still wait a bit to see if it sticks.
DancingAnger t1_isv7nrn wrote
Personal (and very subjective) favorites:
- Maple Lawn!!
- Shipley's Grant
- Old Frederick Rd around Waverly Woods & Marriottsville Rd
jules9687 t1_isvex75 wrote
Clarksville also has a couple of great townhouse communities, with lots of walkable restaurants, etc., great schools, and very accessible to Columbia (some parts of Clarksville are under Columbia Association). But like everyone else has said, budget and school considerations are relevant.
WanderingBat t1_it4mqpp wrote
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.
Duckhunt t1_istpntz wrote
Downtown Columbia area has some nice town houses with great walkability.
TimSprings t1_it83hkp wrote
Wilde Lake and Hickory Ridge are very nice areas with different types of housing at a wide range of price levels.
If you’re looking for more walkable communities or if being close to cultural amenities and other activities is important to you, check out those villages.
[deleted] OP t1_isvfp89 wrote
[deleted]
k0vi86 t1_isuihav wrote
Op you haven't given any commute parameters or pricing or whether schools are important.