Job is relocating - which city to choose; Baltimore or Norfolk?

[Anonymous]

Here is an article on the shootings and murders this year: https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/october-2021-daily-tracker-baltimore-murders-and-shootings?_amp=true

[Anonymous]

NP - DH's Navy HQ were moving from Washington Navy Yard to Norfolk in 2017, and Navy was going to pay to sell our house and move us. We actually really like Norfolk, but didn't do it because of climate change. I would rent in Larchmont, but never buy there. Or Ghent. Both are charming, and Ghent especially is my favorite neighborhood there. I also like Rodgers Park in Baltimore and have friends there, so if it were between the two, while overall I like Norfolk and being by the water better, in terms of wanting to buy property, Rodgers Park would be it. It's a great community, lush green space and super family friendly. Kind of a more spacious and affordable Fairlington, which I also used to live in.

We moved to St. Paul, MN on our own dime to be closer to family, and have a house the kids could come home to once they leave the nest. We didn't see that as likely in Norfolk long-term. The land is sinking and the sea is rising.

I applaud the current resident, and would have been happy there short term, but flooding worries would nag at me. Flood insurance is only going up, and it's possible to get stuck in a dangerous situation like Hurricane Matthew where you might not be able to evacuate.

Norfolk is highly underrated in my view, and I was bummed that we didn't see a future there. If we didn't have kids, we would have gone and probably just rented.
[Report Post]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is an article on the shootings and murders this year: https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/october-2021-daily-tracker-baltimore-murders-and-shootings?_amp=true

Once more, slowly: the crime rates vary wildly by zip and demographic. I suspect that OP is not looking to raise her family in the parts of the city referenced on that crime blog. I don’t know what to say to you if you can’t understand that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP - DH's Navy HQ were moving from Washington Navy Yard to Norfolk in 2017, and Navy was going to pay to sell our house and move us. We actually really like Norfolk, but didn't do it because of climate change. I would rent in Larchmont, but never buy there. Or Ghent. Both are charming, and Ghent especially is my favorite neighborhood there. I also like Rodgers Park in Baltimore and have friends there, so if it were between the two, while overall I like Norfolk and being by the water better, in terms of wanting to buy property, Rodgers Park would be it. It's a great community, lush green space and super family friendly. Kind of a more spacious and affordable Fairlington, which I also used to live in.

We moved to St. Paul, MN on our own dime to be closer to family, and have a house the kids could come home to once they leave the nest. We didn't see that as likely in Norfolk long-term. The land is sinking and the sea is rising.

I applaud the current resident, and would have been happy there short term, but flooding worries would nag at me. Flood insurance is only going up, and it's possible to get stuck in a dangerous situation like Hurricane Matthew where you might not be able to evacuate.

Norfolk is highly underrated in my view, and I was bummed that we didn't see a future there. If we didn't have kids, we would have gone and probably just rented.
[Report Post]

OP here. Thank you for this thoughtful message! We’re in Norfolk now and I love Ghent!! We have the same concerns about flooding and I think that is enough for us to eliminate Norfolk, unfortunately. It’s a shame because I think our family would enjoy being near the water but flooding is something we don’t want to have to deal with.

For those that live in Baltimore, where is the best place to look for reviews on schools? I know greatschools, niche, etc is not accurate. We went to some playgrounds in the areas were interested in (canton and locust point) and talked to several families but I’d like to do more research.

As of now, I think we’re leaning towards Towson/Stoneleigh area or Locust point.

Thank you again!

[Anonymous]

"Plus....Bush Gardens..."
Seriously? How is that in any way a major point in favor of Norfolk that there is Bush Gardens nearby?
Is OP trying to raise country bumpkins or educated, somewhat cosmopolitan children?
You think kids will not become like other kids even if parents have phds? Nope, before you know it, in Norfolk your kid starts dating some losers and is pregnant at 17.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP - DH's Navy HQ were moving from Washington Navy Yard to Norfolk in 2017, and Navy was going to pay to sell our house and move us. We actually really like Norfolk, but didn't do it because of climate change. I would rent in Larchmont, but never buy there. Or Ghent. Both are charming, and Ghent especially is my favorite neighborhood there. I also like Rodgers Park in Baltimore and have friends there, so if it were between the two, while overall I like Norfolk and being by the water better, in terms of wanting to buy property, Rodgers Park would be it. It's a great community, lush green space and super family friendly. Kind of a more spacious and affordable Fairlington, which I also used to live in.

We moved to St. Paul, MN on our own dime to be closer to family, and have a house the kids could come home to once they leave the nest. We didn't see that as likely in Norfolk long-term. The land is sinking and the sea is rising.

I applaud the current resident, and would have been happy there short term, but flooding worries would nag at me. Flood insurance is only going up, and it's possible to get stuck in a dangerous situation like Hurricane Matthew where you might not be able to evacuate.

Norfolk is highly underrated in my view, and I was bummed that we didn't see a future there. If we didn't have kids, we would have gone and probably just rented.
[Report Post]

OP here. Thank you for this thoughtful message! We’re in Norfolk now and I love Ghent!! We have the same concerns about flooding and I think that is enough for us to eliminate Norfolk, unfortunately. It’s a shame because I think our family would enjoy being near the water but flooding is something we don’t want to have to deal with.

For those that live in Baltimore, where is the best place to look for reviews on schools? I know greatschools, niche, etc is not accurate. We went to some playgrounds in the areas were interested in (canton and locust point) and talked to several families but I’d like to do more research.

As of now, I think we’re leaning towards Towson/Stoneleigh area or Locust point.

Thank you again!

Thanks Gosh, op! I am so glad you decided to eliminate Norfolk. Truly, I think it is the best decision. Areas around Baltimore are awesome for kids and schools. I am not sure which site is good to research schools, but post and ask about it. I know more about MCPS and Howard County schools, than Towson. I am sure you will not regret your decision. People were weirdly focused on putting your in downtown Baltimore, and completely clueless about the surrounding areas.
When are you moving? You might want to look at new construction(if you can't find something you like right away) as housing prices were going nuts last summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Plus....Bush Gardens..."
Seriously? How is that in any way a major point in favor of Norfolk that there is Bush Gardens nearby?
Is OP trying to raise country bumpkins or educated, somewhat cosmopolitan children?
You think kids will not become like other kids even if parents have phds? Nope, before you know it, in Norfolk your kid starts dating some losers and is pregnant at 17.

Sadly, comments like this reveal you to be the provincial one. And it’s Busch Gardens, not Bush.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP - DH's Navy HQ were moving from Washington Navy Yard to Norfolk in 2017, and Navy was going to pay to sell our house and move us. We actually really like Norfolk, but didn't do it because of climate change. I would rent in Larchmont, but never buy there. Or Ghent. Both are charming, and Ghent especially is my favorite neighborhood there. I also like Rodgers Park in Baltimore and have friends there, so if it were between the two, while overall I like Norfolk and being by the water better, in terms of wanting to buy property, Rodgers Park would be it. It's a great community, lush green space and super family friendly. Kind of a more spacious and affordable Fairlington, which I also used to live in.

We moved to St. Paul, MN on our own dime to be closer to family, and have a house the kids could come home to once they leave the nest. We didn't see that as likely in Norfolk long-term. The land is sinking and the sea is rising.

I applaud the current resident, and would have been happy there short term, but flooding worries would nag at me. Flood insurance is only going up, and it's possible to get stuck in a dangerous situation like Hurricane Matthew where you might not be able to evacuate.

Norfolk is highly underrated in my view, and I was bummed that we didn't see a future there. If we didn't have kids, we would have gone and probably just rented.
[Report Post]

OP here. Thank you for this thoughtful message! We’re in Norfolk now and I love Ghent!! We have the same concerns about flooding and I think that is enough for us to eliminate Norfolk, unfortunately. It’s a shame because I think our family would enjoy being near the water but flooding is something we don’t want to have to deal with.

For those that live in Baltimore, where is the best place to look for reviews on schools? I know greatschools, niche, etc is not accurate. We went to some playgrounds in the areas were interested in (canton and locust point) and talked to several families but I’d like to do more research.

As of now, I think we’re leaning towards Towson/Stoneleigh area or Locust point.

Thank you again!

Thanks Gosh, op! I am so glad you decided to eliminate Norfolk. Truly, I think it is the best decision. Areas around Baltimore are awesome for kids and schools. I am not sure which site is good to research schools, but post and ask about it. I know more about MCPS and Howard County schools, than Towson. I am sure you will not regret your decision. People were weirdly focused on putting your in downtown Baltimore, and completely clueless about the surrounding areas.
When are you moving? You might want to look at new construction(if you can't find something you like right away) as housing prices were going nuts last summer.

Are you not from the area? There is no new construction in Towson beyond an isolated tear down ocassionally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP - DH's Navy HQ were moving from Washington Navy Yard to Norfolk in 2017, and Navy was going to pay to sell our house and move us. We actually really like Norfolk, but didn't do it because of climate change. I would rent in Larchmont, but never buy there. Or Ghent. Both are charming, and Ghent especially is my favorite neighborhood there. I also like Rodgers Park in Baltimore and have friends there, so if it were between the two, while overall I like Norfolk and being by the water better, in terms of wanting to buy property, Rodgers Park would be it. It's a great community, lush green space and super family friendly. Kind of a more spacious and affordable Fairlington, which I also used to live in.

We moved to St. Paul, MN on our own dime to be closer to family, and have a house the kids could come home to once they leave the nest. We didn't see that as likely in Norfolk long-term. The land is sinking and the sea is rising.

I applaud the current resident, and would have been happy there short term, but flooding worries would nag at me. Flood insurance is only going up, and it's possible to get stuck in a dangerous situation like Hurricane Matthew where you might not be able to evacuate.

Norfolk is highly underrated in my view, and I was bummed that we didn't see a future there. If we didn't have kids, we would have gone and probably just rented.
[Report Post]

OP here. Thank you for this thoughtful message! We’re in Norfolk now and I love Ghent!! We have the same concerns about flooding and I think that is enough for us to eliminate Norfolk, unfortunately. It’s a shame because I think our family would enjoy being near the water but flooding is something we don’t want to have to deal with.

For those that live in Baltimore, where is the best place to look for reviews on schools? I know greatschools, niche, etc is not accurate. We went to some playgrounds in the areas were interested in (canton and locust point) and talked to several families but I’d like to do more research.

As of now, I think we’re leaning towards Towson/Stoneleigh area or Locust point.

Thank you again!

Thanks Gosh, op! I am so glad you decided to eliminate Norfolk. Truly, I think it is the best decision. Areas around Baltimore are awesome for kids and schools. I am not sure which site is good to research schools, but post and ask about it. I know more about MCPS and Howard County schools, than Towson. I am sure you will not regret your decision. People were weirdly focused on putting your in downtown Baltimore, and completely clueless about the surrounding areas.
When are you moving? You might want to look at new construction(if you can't find something you like right away) as housing prices were going nuts last summer.

Are you not from the area? There is no new construction in Towson beyond an isolated tear down ocassionally.

As I wrote, I am familiar with MoCo and Howard County, so no, I did not know there was no new construction in Towson. I know there is a lot of new construction around in wider areas off of I 70.

[Anonymous]

Op, would you consider renting for a year or two to get your bearings? it’s very hard to buy a house in Stoneleigh if you are not in town as they sell in days (I think you would also like parts of West Towson as well because it has a similar level of walkability but same issue). In either of these neighborhoods, you would have very good public options all the way through.

I have lived here for more than two decades and have heard nothing good about the public schools in Canton or Locust Point. However, you do not need schools immediately. You could rent for a year or two in one of these neighborhoods and research schools more. I believe there is a charter elementary in Federal Hill, which is next to Locust Point, but no idea how good it is or how hard to get into. Middle school options would definitely be dismal.

Perhaps renting in LP or Canton will make your family fall in love with the neighborhood, and you will be willing to do what it takes to make the schools work. If not, you would could buy in Towson when the right house hits the market.

[Anonymous]

Both bad choices. I guess I’d take Norfolk

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Plus....Bush Gardens..."
Seriously? How is that in any way a major point in favor of Norfolk that there is Bush Gardens nearby?
Is OP trying to raise country bumpkins or educated, somewhat cosmopolitan children?
You think kids will not become like other kids even if parents have phds? Nope, before you know it, in Norfolk your kid starts dating some losers and is pregnant at 17.

Sadly, comments like this reveal you to be the provincial one. And it’s Busch Gardens, not Bush.

Nobody cares hon, nobody wants to know how you pronounce some "fun" roller coaster place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Plus....Bush Gardens..."
Seriously? How is that in any way a major point in favor of Norfolk that there is Bush Gardens nearby?
Is OP trying to raise country bumpkins or educated, somewhat cosmopolitan children?
You think kids will not become like other kids even if parents have phds? Nope, before you know it, in Norfolk your kid starts dating some losers and is pregnant at 17.

Sadly, comments like this reveal you to be the provincial one. And it’s Busch Gardens, not Bush.

Nobody cares hon, nobody wants to know how you pronounce some "fun" roller coaster place.

They’re pronounced the same, just spelled differently.

But if you’re any indication of how an educated, somewhat cosmopolitan person talks (and let’s be honest, you’re not), I’ll take a country bumpkin, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Plus....Bush Gardens..."
Seriously? How is that in any way a major point in favor of Norfolk that there is Bush Gardens nearby?
Is OP trying to raise country bumpkins or educated, somewhat cosmopolitan children?
You think kids will not become like other kids even if parents have phds? Nope, before you know it, in Norfolk your kid starts dating some losers and is pregnant at 17.

Sadly, comments like this reveal you to be the provincial one. And it’s Busch Gardens, not Bush.

Gee, teen pregnancy isn't a problem in Baltimore City Last I heard, 1 in 3 illiterate there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Plus....Bush Gardens..."
Seriously? How is that in any way a major point in favor of Norfolk that there is Bush Gardens nearby?
Is OP trying to raise country bumpkins or educated, somewhat cosmopolitan children?
You think kids will not become like other kids even if parents have phds? Nope, before you know it, in Norfolk your kid starts dating some losers and is pregnant at 17.

Sadly, comments like this reveal you to be the provincial one. And it’s Busch Gardens, not Bush.

Nobody cares hon, nobody wants to know how you pronounce some "fun" roller coaster place.

I care. I hate when people beat around the Busch.