Annapolis Proper for Young Families?

[Anonymous]

We recently sold our home and moved back from another region to DC for work and family reasons, renting now in NW as we save for a bigger down payment and also figure out where on earth we want to settle down--while I've lived in DC for a significant portion of my young adult life, this is our first time living in the city with our toddler.

We were planning on staying in the District but, while we're lucky enough to have significant job security and high incomes, this crisis has made me much more open to the 'burbs to be more conservative with our budget.

We'd love to still have a somewhat walkable lifestyle on the weekend with a "town" feel, and we both love being near the water. We've both always loved spending weekends in downtown Annapolis, so are considering turning our home search there. West Annapolis Elementary is fantastic for all intents and purposes, but we are also open to private school for the right house in the historic areas. We both grew up in historic-y towns, so there is also a natural feeling of home there.

I'm a Maryland kid--went to a Baltimore prep school and grew up in that orbit (god help me) as opposed to the more DC-centric communities--so I am somewhat familiar with the Annapolis vibe as a whole, but am not sure what the culture is like for young families. Does anyone have any insight into making friends in Annapolis and getting involved in the community as a new, young family to the area?

To get this out of the way: Husband works from home and I have a flexible work schedule, telecommuting some days and getting into work at 10ish on the days I'm in the office. I know the commutes into DC from MoCo, HoCo, and AA fairly well--actually think the commute from AA is a lot less stressful than from other areas. I have been burned by the MARC far too many times to rely on it regularly and don't like the inevitable 15 minutes I usually lose parking and waiting for it (or the metro) when I take that route anyways, so would likely just drive.

[Anonymous]

As always, what is your housing budget?

[Anonymous]

Curious what responses you get. We lived in Annapolis briefly and I rarely saw any young kids. We also thought the commute to downtown DC was dreadful, especially coming home on Friday afternoons. My experience was that downtown wasn’t an especially livable place (lots of bars and restaurants, few services), but we were in the heart of downtown, pre-kids, and this was years ago. We were constantly trekking out to the mall and suburban areas for necessities. It’s beautiful and charming, so if the commute works for you (and try it, don’t sugarcoat it for yourself), I can see the appeal.

[Anonymous]

Annapolis is not that big so it's not as if you'd be spending hours in traffic getting around. The historic district is gorgeous, but it's also a bit limited in amenities. Surprisingly so. You'd be driving out to the supermarkets all the time. There are families with children around so it's not just old affluent retirees, especially in West Annapolis and the district between West Street and Spa Creek. But you will likely find more families a bit further afield in places like Bay Ridge that isn't walkable to the historic district and along all the creeks.

Annapolis does have a great small town vibe while still being close to DC and Baltimore. I'd think seriously about living there if it was something feasible for us.

[Anonymous]

OP here: Affordable budget is 1.2ish but would like to stay in the 800s for long-term goals. But, like I indicated, I know what that budget will get me in various areas—I’m more interested in getting answers to the question I asked re: atmosphere for young families. (Also have no interest in bickering over the commute.) Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP here again: Should add my assumption is that we’ll need to drive for necessities in any burb, but like being able to walk to coffee/restaurants/community events. I like the Whole Foods and TJ’s nearby.

And on the commute to hopefully ward off more comments (tried to do that in the original post)—I’ve done it, know it. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP, I suggest you visit the elementary, middle, and high schools. Keep in mind that if you do private, then your child loses the community of going to school with friends in the neighborhood. That's one of the big draws of neighborhoods with good school districts. Good luck with house hunting whatever you decide!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I suggest you visit the elementary, middle, and high schools. Keep in mind that if you do private, then your child loses the community of going to school with friends in the neighborhood. That's one of the big draws of neighborhoods with good school districts. Good luck with house hunting whatever you decide!

DCUMers love to say this, but I really wonder how "visiting the schools" works in practice. I know when I go to my kids' public schools at which they are students, the doors are locked, I need to be buzzed in, I go to the front office and they want to know why I'm there.

Is someone, with no kids enrolled at that point, supposed to walk in and say "Oh I'm here to visit! I'm just going to wander around a bit, sit in on a few classes. I'll be back here in two hours, and I'd like to meet with the principal at that point, so if you could set that up, that would be great. Too-da-loo!"

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Annapolis and it was fun. People here will say some of the schools are “bad” but so are lots of schools around here. I don’t like the small mindedness of my friends who stayed in AA county and there is definitely a redneck/republican thing there. But being near the water is great. Look at houses in West Annapolis elementary area. It is near the stadium and close to downtown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in Annapolis and it was fun. People here will say some of the schools are “bad” but so are lots of schools around here. I don’t like the small mindedness of my friends who stayed in AA county and there is definitely a redneck/republican thing there. But being near the water is great. Look at houses in West Annapolis elementary area. It is near the stadium and close to downtown.

The majority of Anne Arundel County voted for Clinton.

[Anonymous]

Everyone I knew who grew up in Annapolis loved it (ok, not a huge sample but it's a decent number). Family friendly is the right word. Lots of kids. Lots of kid activities. It helps to be interested in water sports and boating.

While DCUM has knowledgeable people, this may be something you should seek out knowledgeable realtors in Annapolis for as they'll be able to tell you the ins and outs of specific neighborhoods and lifestyles associated with specific areas. You may find the historic district a draw at first, but it may turn out you might enjoy living in one of those communities along the Severn with water access instead as they might have a lot more kids. Everywhere will have its tradeoffs.

[Anonymous]

OP, I am very jealous of you in a good way if you can move to Annapolis. Like PP, I know a lot of people who have lived and love annapolis, and people who currently live there are very happy too.

[Anonymous]

The elementary and middle schools are fine. Depending on where you are zoned, you may want to strongly consider private high school.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all! Agree need to talk to realtor. Very odd to be considering after I swore off living in Maryland when I was a teenager, ha!

After years in DC we moved to the South for my husband’s job (with me flying to DC typically once a month, which was a treat for fear of flying me) and got used to a slightly slower pace of life/more space. Still do love DC though, will be an adventure to finally settle on a plan .

[Anonymous]

There have been a few Annapolis threads here the past few months that are worth a read. I think in Annapolis, West Annapolis is probably your best bet. You could also look down at Hillsmere, but that's pretty far down into Annapolis if you need to commute out. How far out from Annapolis are you willing to go? I have friends with kids in Crownsville (more rural), Arnold, Cape St. Claire, and Severna Park. The schools outside of Annapolis are historically better than Annapolis, especially when you get to Middle School.