corranhorn6565 t1_izsdx04 wrote on December 11, 2022 at 2:29 PM

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

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?

teedotjay39 OP t1_izsffhj wrote on December 11, 2022 at 2:41 PM

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.

Izzybee543 t1_izt1gyk wrote on December 11, 2022 at 5:18 PM

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.