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teedotjay39 OP t1_izsc76e wrote

Reply to comment by corranhorn6565 in Positive and truthful vibes only by teedotjay39

Thanks so much! I’d mainly be looking to head to my friends on weekends so hopefully my time wouldn’t be as crucial.

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corranhorn6565 t1_izscs8t wrote

Ok great! Also, if you are living within a few miles of your work you should be able to get their without too much hassle. I would not work at a hospital in downtown Baltimore or DC and expect to have a fun time getting there from Columbia. The major traffic roads are 95, bw parkway (295), 32, 197 then both DC beltway (495) and Baltimore beltway.

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teedotjay39 OP t1_izsd30e wrote

Ah ok. So it may be good to look for work closer. How about driving to Annapolis from Columbia?

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stoofy t1_izsekuz wrote

That'd be out rt 32. The area between 95 and Ft Meade (Army base in the area) can get really congested, as can 97 down into Annapolis. Light traffic -and depending on your start/end points - probably around 30 minutes. Rush hour, more like 50 (but can vary).

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teedotjay39 OP t1_izsfliy wrote

This is helpful. I ask about Annapolis specifically only because my current company in CA has a location there, but I don’t know that I wanna live in Annapolis.

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corranhorn6565 t1_izsncpf wrote

One other note Annapolis is expensive. I'm new to Columbia so I don't know everything, but a lot of people love it and we chose to buy here. Howard and Montgomery counties are really diverse. Painting with a broad brush, its less diverse the closer to Annapolis you get and headig further south or east. I've heard good things about odenton and Crofton. Laurel seems more hit or miss in terms of safety. Prince Georges county has some hit more miss locales too. South of Anne Arundel county and you get rural quickly. Same with north and west of Ellicott city.

Come visit! We have crab cakes and old bay! Direct flights from LAX to BWI are a thing.

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teedotjay39 OP t1_izsnlzf wrote

Appreciate the feedback. I’m actually planning a trip next month, yes in the winter lol, jumping in with both feet so I can see how I manage.

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corranhorn6565 t1_izsng9d wrote

Yea 32 between 95 and bw parkway is not fun. Those 4-5 miles are the slowest of my afternoon commute

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corranhorn6565 t1_izsdx04 wrote

I would highly suggest living as close to work as you can find an affordable safe place to live. I have not done Annapolis/Columbia commute. As long as there isn't an accident on 97/32 you should be about 40-60 minutes. Personally I'd try and live closer to Annapolis.

Do you have kids, S/O tagging along?

What characteristics are you looking for in a community?

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teedotjay39 OP t1_izsffhj wrote

That would be my goal, as close as possible. My main goal in a community is safety, which may mean driving into work. I like an urban feel without city congestion. Drivable distance to errands and good eats, diversity, and proximity to friends.

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Izzybee543 t1_izt1gyk wrote

Why not live in Annapolis? The historic part is super cute, lots of places to walk and things to do. Columbia is as suburban as it gets. If you live in Columbia, there are walking paths for exercise but they don’t go to any real destination - just tot lots. If you like a city feel, you might be bored in Columbia. You will be driving every time you want to do something.

I love Columbia, I was born there, went to Howard County schools my whole life, have never lived more than 10 miles away. We do a lot of driving 20 minutes, it’s hard to meet new people, and you don’t get much space/land of your own. There are lots of rules to keep it suburban, nice and safe, fitting in, being a middle class person. If you like that, come visit!

I suggest visiting in Spring. That’s a nice time in Maryland. This time of year is kinda gray and damp. But there’s Christmas lights and displays if you come before the end of the year.

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