Potentially moving to Aberdeen, MD

Submitted by rngATARIS t3_zz2szk in baltimore

Hello! I currently have lived in McKinney, TX for $1500/month in a one bedroom and was offered to move into a house recently built by a family member (built in late 1800's) in Aberdeen and only pay almost half of what I'm paying for rent now which has sparked my interest. I am just very curious about what everyone's opinion of Aberdeen is?

I am a just turned 40 year old 100% remote worker who has turned into a homebody where I only leave to get groceries once a week. The town I currently live at has a very low crime rate and is overall very new so I understand moving to Aberdeen may be a bit of a shock for myself possibly? Paying half the amount of rent and living in a house vs apartment just sounds very appealing to me. I am not concerned about the "bar scene" & "city"-type of life. I'm basically a hermit. Thanks for reading this lol.

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therealcatspajamas t1_j295a24 wrote

Depends a lot on what part of Aberdeen. Some are just fine, others I wouldn’t want to live near. Overall, harford county is a nice place to live, but Aberdeen is one of the less desirable parts. They have some of the best Hispanic hole in the wall take out places though.

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rngATARIS OP t1_j297d1w wrote

South of 40 & 22? haha

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therealcatspajamas t1_j2988ks wrote

My sister in law lives in the neighborhood that Aberdeen ave is on right there. Yeah that’s a pretty sketchy spot. I mean if you are a hermit you’ll probably be fine but yeah that’s right in the thick of it. I’d say at least go there once before you make a decision to see what it’s like

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dopkick t1_j295e23 wrote

Honestly, you’re probably the first person I’ve ever seen on here that is perfect for Aberdeen. Usually it is recommended only as a pragmatic choice (live close to work) because it is very boring. But since that’s not a concern for you, this is pretty much a perfect deal.

The town has the regular convenient things you might go to on the regular - Target, Aldi, etc. You’re not going to find bougie grocery stores and the like, but it sounds like that’s not your thing.

Where is the house located? The area closer to and south of 40 is not the best. There will be some small level of crime, but if you’re a hermit the probability of being a victim is likely extremely low. Just get an alarm system, don’t leave anything in the car, etc.

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rngATARIS OP t1_j296hmd wrote

Haha ok i just looked it up it's about a mile South East from 40 & 22. I was warned that I may hear some Army horns or something of the sort every morning (not a concern at all). My life style is very simple pandemic and WFH turned me into a hermit homebody. I'll probably want a local gym to go to at least also. I'm very quiet and keep to myself as well. I guess when it comes down to it is overall safety. My relative says that he has an alarm system but found it wasn't necessary because his house is surrounded by street lights and he said he felt safe? I am just hesitant that's' why I am have turned to reddit!

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JonWilso t1_j29ev1f wrote

You may at times hear pretty loud booms from Aberdeen Proving Ground. They test explosives and weapons at the facility and it can often be heard pretty far away.

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CaptainObvious110 t1_j29gbws wrote

If you're a hermit then I don't see why it would be a problem to move there. You would be living in a house so as long as you get along with the relative you would be just fine. You'll save a ton of money so can make the place even more comfortable to be in a lot so yeah this is great

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anne_hollydaye t1_j2ay33h wrote

A friend lives in a REALLY NICE carriage home off Rt 7 in Aberdeen. I'd live in her neighborhood.

I strongly suggest visiting the area. Go drive around during the day and at night, midweek and on the weekend. Some areas of Aberdeen are SUPER SKETCH (we used to call it Aberdump back when Joppatowne was a nice place to live). Someone else mentioned the booms from APG - this is normal, you'll get used to it. Don't hang anything fragile on the walls. Don't put anything fragile in an open-front bookshelf or cabinet. I can't tell you how many tchotchkes we found on the floor after a particularly active day. Also we used to get mustard gas warnings, so don't be shocked when that happens.

A plus: you're pretty close to Havre de Grace, which is a cute little town to visit. There's also a really good liquor store up in Elkton, State Line, which carries the best mead I've ever consumed.

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LorenzoStomp t1_j2c4mjw wrote

Back when we were saying Aberdump we were also saying Havre Disgrace. Havre de Grace's little "downtown" area is cute but it has its own share of sketch.

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anne_hollydaye t1_j2dg9ur wrote

You know, I forgot about that. Honestly - every area has its own little sketchball area, because humans create them simply by existing in proximity to each other. It really helps to VISIT the area and look around.

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DfcukinLite t1_j29984e wrote

I have nothing good to say about Aberdeen. Most people that are from Harford county or know it wouldn’t. Aberdeen isn’t exactly high crime, but it isn’t low crime by any means when it comes to HarCo.

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rngATARIS OP t1_j299kla wrote

I've heard this is quite common

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nameisinusetryagain t1_j2aoda6 wrote

In the most non judgmental way possible. Aberdeen is seen as lower middle class/working class. If that works for you, great. You'd probably stand out if you did your weekly grocery shopping driving a luxury vehicle and wearing high end clothing.

Check out the Baltimore Humor IG page. Obviously it's satire. But a lot of the people who live in the area's they talk about have a good laugh at it and don't get offended. It will tell you a lot about the reputations of the greater Baltimore area.

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rngATARIS OP t1_j2as5st wrote

That's funny I do consider myself basic middle class and I drive a 2006 Kia to perfectly fit in 😁. Thank you for the info though!!!!!!

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DfcukinLite t1_j299uzh wrote

I grew up in the same county, but Bel Air. Even if you’re a hermit and don’t go out I wouldn’t recommend Aberdeen. It’s not the worst but if you can do better, I would.

Try Havre De Grace, Bel Air (south), Abingdon, Fallston, Forrest hill or Belcamp

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rngATARIS OP t1_j29bxg3 wrote

Appreciate the feedback.

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DfcukinLite t1_j2ba4ot wrote

You’re welcome. If anything go check it out and decide for yourself. You’re the one that has to live there, and would be a great setup in theory.

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shinytoyguns617 t1_j2batl3 wrote

Hello! I moved here this past May from Baltimore. I consider it to be safe if you are going to be staying in/keeping to yourself and going to the commercial areas. You have nearly every kind of modern convenience within 15 minutes. I highly recommend Planet Fitness for a gym as it's hardly ever busy, friendly staff, decent locker rooms, CHEAP, and they keep it incredibly clean. Grocery store selection can be tough because you're not guaranteed to get the item you want if you go to certain stores (like Aldi, Lidl. Walmart has been out of stock of some staples lately). I think you will fit in just fine here! If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

p.s. Ollie's is my favorite store around here, you can find stuff for much cheaper than regular store price. Just check the expiration dates on food!

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Double_Access t1_j29np0p wrote

I lived there for a few years before moving back to Bmore. It isn't that bad. The quality of life was fine, I just got bored in Harford County.

Ideally you want to be on the west side of Rt.40. That said if you are in a house I don't think you would really have any problems with anyone. Some of the apartment complexes on the east side of 40 in Aberdeen are sketchy but its mostly drug related stuff that won't effect you if you aren't in that scene. There's some sections of Aberdeen that are really nice and up there with the better sections of Bel Air and Havre de Grace. I lived off W. Bel Air Ave and never had issues with porch pirates or feeling unsafe, my neighbors were all decent middle class people.

Make sure to grab food at Georgia's Carryout. Their soups are incredible. There's some decent shopping centers with a food store (Shoprite), Target, and Home Depot all very close to each other.

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ratpH1nk t1_j2aotfl wrote

There are about 25 other cities in MD better than Aberdeen and many many other counties better than Harford.

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