Moving from Charlotte NC to MD

[Anonymous]

Hi,

We are moving from Charlotte, NC to MD in June. My husband will be working in downtown Baltimore and I work from home. Trying to figu?re out the best public school options for my kids- a rising 4th grader and a rising 7th grader. Academics is important, but so is diversity, a tennis team (do they have them at the middle school level) and a good band program (the latter 2 are for my middle schooler). Ellicot City seems like a good option but I am concerned the schools might be hyper-competitive (both my kids do well academically, but we believe there is more to childhood). Other areas like Severna Park, Eldersburg and Clarksville "seem" to lack diversity. I would greatly appreciate any feedback/opinion. Also, are there areas I have missed? Thanks in advance!!

[Anonymous]

Agree with Ellicot City as long as you are looking for typical car centric suburbia. You don’t want to go too far out since your husband is working in Baltimore.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! Any input on the schools?

[Anonymous]

Nw is Baltimore generally. Find your church, schools, commutes and house and see if you can get all four aligned.

[Anonymous]

Ellicott City will be most like Charlotte.

[Anonymous]

I think Ellicott City is a good choice, strong schools and diversity. It will also be a decent commute to Baltimore.

If you are looking for more options, maybe Crofton? Since you mentioned Severna Park and they are close in proximity. Crofton has good schools and more diversity than Severna Park (albeit, it could be better). They are also set to open a brand new high school in a year or two.

[Anonymous]

Look in Baltimore County. Maybe the Towson area. Schools that feed into Towson HS. What is your budget?

[Anonymous]

Howard County is your best best if location/commuting is a priority.

But you need to define diversity, as it has many connotations.

What's your budget? Parts of Howard feeding into some of the "upper echelon" schools come with a big price tag.

[Anonymous]

I’d advise you not to move, Baltimore is a big step down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d advise you not to move, Baltimore is a big step down.

Oh, please. Baltimore is a great, fun city. I second the recommendation to check out the Towson area. Great shopping, schools and access to city amenities.

I know people on this board are in love with Howard County/Ellicott City, but that area is so remote and has no personality. Truly suburban hell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d advise you not to move, Baltimore is a big step down.

Oh, please. Baltimore is a great, fun city. I second the recommendation to check out the Towson area. Great shopping, schools and access to city amenities.

I know people on this board are in love with Howard County/Ellicott City, but that area is so remote and has no personality. Truly suburban hell.

I think Old Ellicott City has a ton of personality. https://visitoldellicottcity.com/

[Anonymous]

EC has been devastated by recent floods.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:EC has been devastated by recent floods.

How Historic Ellicott City Plans to Survive the Next Flood
https://www.citylab.com/environment/2019/04/ellicott-city-flood-control-plans-howard-county-climate-change/587410/

[Anonymous]

Elkridge, MD. Great community. My nephews recently graduated from Howard High and loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d advise you not to move, Baltimore is a big step down.

Oh, please. Baltimore is a great, fun city. I second the recommendation to check out the Towson area. Great shopping, schools and access to city amenities.

I know people on this board are in love with Howard County/Ellicott City, but that area is so remote and has no personality. Truly suburban hell.

I’m sorry, no, Baltimore is an actual hell hole, just about any other city would be a better place to live.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2019/03/12/magazine/baltimore-tragedy-crime.amp.html

And Towson? It has a mall, that’s it, a mall.