Why not Annapolis?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can do private then Annapolis is fine. The privates are much less expensive but in the major privates, drugs are rampant.

If you are going to commute into DC for work, then do not move east of the Severn River Bridge, too much traffic and it will take too long.

If you still want services (book stores, variety in restaurants, shopping, etc.), then don't move to Davidsonville or anywhere that Rt. 214 is going to be your normal/main thoroughfare.

You could consider, Annapolis proper (just know where the public housing units are located and know that many streets in Eastport experience a lot of petty crime), or the close in suburbs. There are some nice communities, off of 178 towards Crownsville and off of 450 and into Crofton. Also, if you want to go a little north, then Severna Park and Millersville area.

Depending on where you work in DC, you could do the commuter bus or MARC from Bowie or Odenton station.

I lived in Annapolis for the last 12 years, although we recently moved to Crofton for better public middle and high schools. Other than traffic, it was fine and hope to go back after kids finish school. You just have to know what communities to look at and know what you really want in a home and its surrounding environment. Pick a good realtor, drive around and keep your eyes open, go at different times to figure out traffic, get out and talk to folks, go to some open houses or just tour the privates (most are not locked into acceptance dates, like DC privates are, meaning even in late summer they will work with you). Look at Key, Severn, St. Anne's, St. Mary's and Annapolis Area Christian to start and then look at the others (St. Andrews, St. Martins, Indian Creek, the Montessori one, etc.) to get a feel for the school communities and what neighborhoods strongly feed into them.

This is incredibly helpful--thank you.

We're looking at some "water access" communities: Davidsonville communities on the South River (Harbor Hills, Eagles Passages) as well as some homes off of Solomon's Island Rd (on Annapolis side, not Edgewater side). These seem to give access to Annapolis Town Center area shopping and dining, but would keep commute to DC reasonable.

Any insight on these areas?

Thanks!

The area off of Solomon's Island would be good. or even the neighborhoods off of Riva. Have you looked near Bay Ridge and the two right before you get there. Can't think of the names but they offer water access and pools. Traffic going that far down can be problematic but they are strong solid neighborhoods with lots of kids, many DC transplants. Annapolis Roads right before Arundel on the Bay Rd. is another neighborhood that might appeal to you.

I'm not a fan of Davidsonville but it is a nice area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Culture is different, too. Could be a plus, could be a negative, but definitely take stock of what life there is a like.

It's more middle class than this area. We don't really have a middle class so I'm not used to interacting with people who are.

Plus, it's pretty rural.

Some places may be, but there is also a lot of money. People are more low key about it. Sailing and waterfront properties are not inexpensive.

It is more rural. People live here because they prefer a less urban atmosphere than DC or Baltimore; or are from here. Finally, Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC. Places like Rockville, are DC suburbs. It's a very different mindset.

OP here: Appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Lots of comments about the culture of Annapolis. Can anyone elaborate on difference between MoCo and Annapolis culturally? What does it mean to say it's "culturally aligned to MD and not DC"?

Once you get beyond the rich preppy boating people, it reminds me a lot of the part of Pennsylvania where I grew up. People are mostly white, have lived in the same place a long time, aren't that well educated or well off, are politically conservative, and are kind of provincial. Go hang out at the Annapolis mall and compare to Bethesda or Rockville.

Annapolis Mall is not even technically in Annapolis (it has an Annapolis address but not within city limits).

Most people in Annapolis are actually pretty well off and well educated. The provincial people you are thinking about are actually from places like Glen Burnie.

FYI, this response is a perfect example of the culture I'm talking about.

Provincialism (yes, it is a provincial town, sorry) + snobbery + complete obliviousness to this contradiction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Culture is different, too. Could be a plus, could be a negative, but definitely take stock of what life there is a like.

It's more middle class than this area. We don't really have a middle class so I'm not used to interacting with people who are.

Plus, it's pretty rural.

Some places may be, but there is also a lot of money. People are more low key about it. Sailing and waterfront properties are not inexpensive.

It is more rural. People live here because they prefer a less urban atmosphere than DC or Baltimore; or are from here. Finally, Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC. Places like Rockville, are DC suburbs. It's a very different mindset.

OP here: Appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Lots of comments about the culture of Annapolis. Can anyone elaborate on difference between MoCo and Annapolis culturally? What does it mean to say it's "culturally aligned to MD and not DC"?

Once you get beyond the rich preppy boating people, it reminds me a lot of the part of Pennsylvania where I grew up. People are mostly white, have lived in the same place a long time, aren't that well educated or well off, are politically conservative, and are kind of provincial. Go hang out at the Annapolis mall and compare to Bethesda or Rockville.

Annapolis Mall is not even technically in Annapolis (it has an Annapolis address but not within city limits).

Most people in Annapolis are actually pretty well off and well educated. The provincial people you are thinking about are actually from places like Glen Burnie.

FYI, this response is a perfect example of the culture I'm talking about.

Provincialism (yes, it is a provincial town, sorry) + snobbery + complete obliviousness to this contradiction.

You can think whatever you want, but it's pretty stupid to say something about a place (say DC), but then as evidence describe someplace else (i.e. - DC is very nice and wooded! I hang out at Great Falls all the time.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Culture is different, too. Could be a plus, could be a negative, but definitely take stock of what life there is a like.

It's more middle class than this area. We don't really have a middle class so I'm not used to interacting with people who are.

Plus, it's pretty rural.

Some places may be, but there is also a lot of money. People are more low key about it. Sailing and waterfront properties are not inexpensive.

It is more rural. People live here because they prefer a less urban atmosphere than DC or Baltimore; or are from here. Finally, Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC. Places like Rockville, are DC suburbs. It's a very different mindset.

OP here: Appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Lots of comments about the culture of Annapolis. Can anyone elaborate on difference between MoCo and Annapolis culturally? What does it mean to say it's "culturally aligned to MD and not DC"?

PP who first mentioned culture.

I think MoCo is the quintessential professional class county. Lots of graduate degrees from elite schools, 'knowledge' industries/workers, obsession with public school quality, a bit aggressive, self-assured, very high median incomes, less of a sense of tradition, etc. There are of course, fairly large immigrant populations and while many of them are very highly educated professionals, there are also meaningful concentrations of working class immigrants, especially in eastern and to a less degree northern MoCo.

Annapolis (and AA county, especially south of 'Naptown) feels more traditionally southern and MD-ish. The culture of the Cheasapeake Bay and watermen, the military and intelligence, sailing, and rural patronage politicians all figure there. That being said, COL is lower, so in many ways all that 'traditional' stuff coexists with some funky folks/stuff that would be priced out of MoCo. The pace of life is much slower, and at least in the historic district and close-in Eastport, there is something of a small-town culture of familiarity. There is also a weekend tourism and party culture around the docks. Weekend nights feature lots of noise, but the town gets quiet quickly once you get away from the docks. Like others have said, the major social dynamic is more middle-class, but there are large numbers of folks with big $$$ who live there because they like it, you'll find them both in the historic district and out on any piece of water front property: on the Severn and it's tributaries, South River, Spa Creek, etc.

I am the "Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC" poster and I agree with everything said above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Culture is different, too. Could be a plus, could be a negative, but definitely take stock of what life there is a like.

It's more middle class than this area. We don't really have a middle class so I'm not used to interacting with people who are.

Plus, it's pretty rural.

Some places may be, but there is also a lot of money. People are more low key about it. Sailing and waterfront properties are not inexpensive.

It is more rural. People live here because they prefer a less urban atmosphere than DC or Baltimore; or are from here. Finally, Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC. Places like Rockville, are DC suburbs. It's a very different mindset.

OP here: Appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Lots of comments about the culture of Annapolis. Can anyone elaborate on difference between MoCo and Annapolis culturally? What does it mean to say it's "culturally aligned to MD and not DC"?

Once you get beyond the rich preppy boating people, it reminds me a lot of the part of Pennsylvania where I grew up. People are mostly white, have lived in the same place a long time, aren't that well educated or well off, are politically conservative, and are kind of provincial. Go hang out at the Annapolis mall and compare to Bethesda or Rockville.

Annapolis Mall is not even technically in Annapolis (it has an Annapolis address but not within city limits).

Most people in Annapolis are actually pretty well off and well educated. The provincial people you are thinking about are actually from places like Glen Burnie.

FYI, this response is a perfect example of the culture I'm talking about.

Provincialism (yes, it is a provincial town, sorry) + snobbery + complete obliviousness to this contradiction.

You can think whatever you want, but it's pretty stupid to say something about a place (say DC), but then as evidence describe someplace else (i.e. - DC is very nice and wooded! I hang out at Great Falls all the time.)

I mean, I spent 23 years of my life in the area, whole family is still there and I'm back shopping at the Whole Foods (in PAROLE, sorry) almost every week. My family has been in Maryland for like 300 years. I think I know what I'm talking about. You don't have to agree. But it's pretty objectively absurd to come in here all "#Actually the mall is not even in Annapolis." That's a pretty classic Annapolis attitude that anything outside the vaunted brick lined city limits is inferior. Your derision toward glen Bernie is pretty unbecoming as well.

Yes, Annapolis has a lot of affluence, and educated people, in the city proper and outside (even glen bernie). But it's not the same as DC at all. People are not as fluent in politics, world affairs, etc., not as sophisticated. Like, you probably go to book club with other college educated sahms and read Eat Pray Love. You probably think the dinky sushi place on Main Street is a world class restaurant.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a small town atmosphere, and some people likely prefer it. It's just that when coupled by the classic Annapolis snobbery, it's not so charming and quaint.

[Anonymous]

Forgot to mention that it's very, very very white and he main reason Annapolis proper people think the schools are bad is because of the presence of minorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Culture is different, too. Could be a plus, could be a negative, but definitely take stock of what life there is a like.

It's more middle class than this area. We don't really have a middle class so I'm not used to interacting with people who are.

Plus, it's pretty rural.

Some places may be, but there is also a lot of money. People are more low key about it. Sailing and waterfront properties are not inexpensive.

It is more rural. People live here because they prefer a less urban atmosphere than DC or Baltimore; or are from here. Finally, Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC. Places like Rockville, are DC suburbs. It's a very different mindset.

OP here: Appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Lots of comments about the culture of Annapolis. Can anyone elaborate on difference between MoCo and Annapolis culturally? What does it mean to say it's "culturally aligned to MD and not DC"?

Once you get beyond the rich preppy boating people, it reminds me a lot of the part of Pennsylvania where I grew up. People are mostly white, have lived in the same place a long time, aren't that well educated or well off, are politically conservative, and are kind of provincial. Go hang out at the Annapolis mall and compare to Bethesda or Rockville.

Annapolis Mall is not even technically in Annapolis (it has an Annapolis address but not within city limits).

Most people in Annapolis are actually pretty well off and well educated. The provincial people you are thinking about are actually from places like Glen Burnie.

FYI, this response is a perfect example of the culture I'm talking about.

Provincialism (yes, it is a provincial town, sorry) + snobbery + complete obliviousness to this contradiction.

You can think whatever you want, but it's pretty stupid to say something about a place (say DC), but then as evidence describe someplace else (i.e. - DC is very nice and wooded! I hang out at Great Falls all the time.)

I mean, I spent 23 years of my life in the area, whole family is still there and I'm back shopping at the Whole Foods (in PAROLE, sorry) almost every week. My family has been in Maryland for like 300 years. I think I know what I'm talking about. You don't have to agree. But it's pretty objectively absurd to come in here all "#Actually the mall is not even in Annapolis." That's a pretty classic Annapolis attitude that anything outside the vaunted brick lined city limits is inferior. Your derision toward glen Bernie is pretty unbecoming as well.

Yes, Annapolis has a lot of affluence, and educated people, in the city proper and outside (even glen bernie). But it's not the same as DC at all. People are not as fluent in politics, world affairs, etc., not as sophisticated. Like, you probably go to book club with other college educated sahms and read Eat Pray Love. You probably think the dinky sushi place on Main Street is a world class restaurant.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a small town atmosphere, and some people likely prefer it. It's just that when coupled by the classic Annapolis snobbery, it's not so charming and quaint.

Give me a break. Snobbery is hardly limited to Annapolis. I lived there too and live in DC now. You're free to say that people there are not fluent in politics (it's not because they are stupid, it's because they're not angry loud leftists). It is absolutely absurd to say that people in Annapolis are not sophisticated. Yes, there are fewer restaurants in Annapolis, and there isn't that much of a variety (most places are Irish or American), but it isn't because people don't want them, it's because the town is small and the population can't support the same number of restaurants as DC.

and since you're getting personal - I'm an electrical engineer with a Master's. I hated the book Eat Pray Love. That dinky sushi place on Main St is Joss is actually huge now due to buying the space next door, and that place is absolutely AMAZING. Not quite on par as Makoto or Sushi Taro, but it's up there for sure. I've traveled to 5 continents, and 33 countries. I've lived the first 10 years of my life not in the US, and my husband is Swedish and Dutch.

And to be fair, Annapolitans deride Glen Burnie, like New York people deride New Jersey. Every city deride the people they can consider bridge and tunnel.

OP was asking about Annapolis, so it's absolutely fair to point out when someone's answer is not even applicable. People like you may think borders don't matter, but they in fact do. If you live in Annapolis, don't expect your kid to be going to Severna, for example. If you live in Parole, don't expect to have the same lifestyle as someone who lives in Eastport, even though they are close to each other.

[Anonymous]

OP - let me add this to the above.

If you are actually thinking about living in Annapolis or other similar suburbs of it (like Severna Park), it is a very old-school Maryland kind of place. Many people who live in Annapolis have lived there all their lives (true) and they stick around because they have good lives there, as did their parents and grandparents.

People love everything to do with the water - sailing, fishing, boating, crabbing etc.

If you're in the military (particularly) the Navy, you would fit right in.

People enjoy attending Naval Academy events like Blue Angels and football or lacrosse games.

If you're a little preppy, you'd enjoy it, but if you're deep South preppy (Vineyard Vines), you might be out of place.
Annapolis is Patagonia/Helly Hansen/Sperry preppy, not UVA fratty preppy.

People are genuinely nicer and much more pleasant in Annapolis than they are in DC. People are more conservative in Annapolis.

Schools are terrible in Annapolis proper, so people send their kids to private school if they have the means or they tend to move to places like Cape St Claire or Severn when they have kids.

Oh and Annapolis is a very boozy place..

I loved it there, I would live there in a heartbeat if not for the 90 min commute.

[Anonymous]

We looked into Frederick and Annapolis. Picked downtown Frederick because it was a bit closer to family and seemed more hip. Very happy here!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Culture is different, too. Could be a plus, could be a negative, but definitely take stock of what life there is a like.

It's more middle class than this area. We don't really have a middle class so I'm not used to interacting with people who are.

Plus, it's pretty rural.

Some places may be, but there is also a lot of money. People are more low key about it. Sailing and waterfront properties are not inexpensive.

It is more rural. People live here because they prefer a less urban atmosphere than DC or Baltimore; or are from here. Finally, Annapolis is culturally aligned to Maryland and not DC. Places like Rockville, are DC suburbs. It's a very different mindset.

OP here: Appreciate all of the feedback and insight.

Lots of comments about the culture of Annapolis. Can anyone elaborate on difference between MoCo and Annapolis culturally? What does it mean to say it's "culturally aligned to MD and not DC"?

Once you get beyond the rich preppy boating people, it reminds me a lot of the part of Pennsylvania where I grew up. People are mostly white, have lived in the same place a long time, aren't that well educated or well off, are politically conservative, and are kind of provincial. Go hang out at the Annapolis mall and compare to Bethesda or Rockville.

Annapolis Mall is not even technically in Annapolis (it has an Annapolis address but not within city limits).

Most people in Annapolis are actually pretty well off and well educated. The provincial people you are thinking about are actually from places like Glen Burnie.

FYI, this response is a perfect example of the culture I'm talking about.

Provincialism (yes, it is a provincial town, sorry) + snobbery + complete obliviousness to this contradiction.

You can think whatever you want, but it's pretty stupid to say something about a place (say DC), but then as evidence describe someplace else (i.e. - DC is very nice and wooded! I hang out at Great Falls all the time.)

I mean, I spent 23 years of my life in the area, whole family is still there and I'm back shopping at the Whole Foods (in PAROLE, sorry) almost every week. My family has been in Maryland for like 300 years. I think I know what I'm talking about. You don't have to agree. But it's pretty objectively absurd to come in here all "#Actually the mall is not even in Annapolis." That's a pretty classic Annapolis attitude that anything outside the vaunted brick lined city limits is inferior. Your derision toward glen Bernie is pretty unbecoming as well.

Yes, Annapolis has a lot of affluence, and educated people, in the city proper and outside (even glen bernie). But it's not the same as DC at all. People are not as fluent in politics, world affairs, etc., not as sophisticated. Like, you probably go to book club with other college educated sahms and read Eat Pray Love. You probably think the dinky sushi place on Main Street is a world class restaurant.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a small town atmosphere, and some people likely prefer it. It's just that when coupled by the classic Annapolis snobbery, it's not so charming and quaint.

Give me a break. Snobbery is hardly limited to Annapolis. I lived there too and live in DC now. You're free to say that people there are not fluent in politics (it's not because they are stupid, it's because they're not angry loud leftists). It is absolutely absurd to say that people in Annapolis are not sophisticated. Yes, there are fewer restaurants in Annapolis, and there isn't that much of a variety (most places are Irish or American), but it isn't because people don't want them, it's because the town is small and the population can't support the same number of restaurants as DC.

and since you're getting personal - I'm an electrical engineer with a Master's. I hated the book Eat Pray Love. That dinky sushi place on Main St is Joss is actually huge now due to buying the space next door, and that place is absolutely AMAZING. Not quite on par as Makoto or Sushi Taro, but it's up there for sure. I've traveled to 5 continents, and 33 countries. I've lived the first 10 years of my life not in the US, and my husband is Swedish and Dutch.

And to be fair, Annapolitans deride Glen Burnie, like New York people deride New Jersey. Every city deride the people they can consider bridge and tunnel.

OP was asking about Annapolis, so it's absolutely fair to point out when someone's answer is not even applicable. People like you may think borders don't matter, but they in fact do. If you live in Annapolis, don't expect your kid to be going to Severna, for example. If you live in Parole, don't expect to have the same lifestyle as someone who lives in Eastport, even though they are close to each other.

Just to be clear I meant "you" in the impersonal sense, but, okay. This post speaks for itself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:your two day commute would be terrible. The outer loop of the beltway from 95 to Wisconsin is some of the worst in the region. Friday traffic to Annapolis is terrible whenever the weather is nice.

Otherwise, there are some great parts to Annapolis. There are some good schools. Annapolis definitely identifies more with Baltimore than DC and that can be a positive for some.

Why in th hell would you get on the outer loop (or inner loop for that matter) to get to downtown DC from Annapolis?

[Anonymous]

I don't need the inner or outer loop for my 35 minute early morning commute. True, the trip home maybe long depending on when you leave but that is my choice. BTW... I have three higher level degrees, travel internationally with my family and love my life so skip that we are not socially sophisticated. I would not return to DC as I think that many are snobs and run their life trying to keep up with one another. Not interested in raising our children that way. Welcome to Annapolis where many live their life in an authentic fashion.

[Anonymous]

OP: We recently made a similar move - closer in MD to Davidsonville (in fact to one of the communities you named), with both of us working in downtown D.C. The commute is under an hour door to door (via Metro), and though it's definitely not short, it's well worth it for the rest of the upsides. Happy to chat more, including about our neighborhood (and we looked at several others you mentioned as well) if there is an email I can reach you at.

Good luck with your potential move!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you spent a lot of time there? I loved it till my boyfriend moved there. Downtown is charming, but outside of that small area, not much to love.

+1. A lot of Annapolis, outside of the charming two to three blocks, is blighted and dangerous.

[Anonymous]

And D.C. is not? You can be robbed or car jacked in Bethesda too. Crime is everywhere.