OP, one thing about Virginia Beach: Military planes fly overhead regularly and they are incredibly loud. Enough that you have to plug your ears when they go by. Just something to consider.

Va beach has better schools

Anonymous wrote:You’re likely going to want to live in Howard County for the schools. The reality is that you are probably not going to be able to replicate your current situation in a different city but that isn’t necessarily bad, especially bc your child is young. We’ve moved states twice and it involves compromise. You will likely get a lot of what you want but not everything. I would hate to deal with flooding and I like Baltimore so I’d choose there (all things being equal for your dh’s career). Then find a good realtor who can show you different options in the city and the suburbs. You also may want to rent for a year or so since your dc doesn’t have to start school right away. Then you can figure out where you really want to be (city vs. suburbs). Good luck!

Howard does have great schools and which is why it is perennially popular with out of town relocations, but that is also because they know little of the region and just zero in on "great schools" and Howard makes it easy to move there. But there are great schools in Baltimore County, too....

If OP is looking for a suburban subdivision or a more exurban environment, she can find that both in Howard and Baltimore counties. If she wants a more walkable environment, her options are going to be mostly in Baltimore County or the better Baltimore city neighborhoods. If she wants good public schools, good neighborhood community feeling with some character and history and even some walkability, and lower taxes, then her best options are going to be around Towson, and then perhaps Catonsville.

The city itself is more problematic even if it has genuinely gorgeous neighborhoods. There are families committed to a good public education in the city and there are good educational tracks, but it is one that has to be more carefully planned. I wouldn't have any problems sending a kid to the best of the city schools, it's other factors that caused us to buy outside the city (taxes mostly).

They are both bad choices.

Anonymous wrote:I would do Norfolk because VA has a better range of public universities than MD.

Excellent point. Norfolk is also super close to VA Beach, which is nice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would do Norfolk because VA has a better range of public universities than MD.

Her oldest is 3.

If you’re moving every few years than I agree. If it’s permanent or could stay in the state then I would. VA has a better overall economy and job base than MD.

Anonymous wrote:You’re likely going to want to live in Howard County for the schools. The reality is that you are probably not going to be able to replicate your current situation in a different city but that isn’t necessarily bad, especially bc your child is young. We’ve moved states twice and it involves compromise. You will likely get a lot of what you want but not everything. I would hate to deal with flooding and I like Baltimore so I’d choose there (all things being equal for your dh’s career). Then find a good realtor who can show you different options in the city and the suburbs. You also may want to rent for a year or so since your dc doesn’t have to start school right away. Then you can figure out where you really want to be (city vs. suburbs). Good luck!

I wouldn’t recommend Howard County for someone who enjoys city living though. Check out North Baltimore or Towson, op, at least as a starting point.

Norfolk and live in Ghent or Larchmont neighborhoods…or Va Beach.

You’re likely going to want to live in Howard County for the schools. The reality is that you are probably not going to be able to replicate your current situation in a different city but that isn’t necessarily bad, especially bc your child is young. We’ve moved states twice and it involves compromise. You will likely get a lot of what you want but not everything. I would hate to deal with flooding and I like Baltimore so I’d choose there (all things being equal for your dh’s career). Then find a good realtor who can show you different options in the city and the suburbs. You also may want to rent for a year or so since your dc doesn’t have to start school right away. Then you can figure out where you really want to be (city vs. suburbs). Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:I would do Norfolk because VA has a better range of public universities than MD.

Her oldest is 3.

I love Baltimore, but Baltimore city schools are terrible. Everyone does private if they can afford it. Baltimore county schools and Howard County schools are better. Howard’s are excellent. There are great places for kids, the science museum, inner harbor, port discovery, Maryland zoo, national aquarium, the orioles, the ravens, B&O railroad museum, visionary art museum. Annapolis isn’t that far either.

https://www.mommynearest.com/edition/washington-dc/article/25-best-things-to-do-in-baltimore-with-kids

I’ve never been to Norfolk, but I think it’s a military town. That Wilson turn me off.

What’s your housing budget?


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/things-to-do-in-baltimore-with-kids/amp/

I would do Norfolk because VA has a better range of public universities than MD.

Ellicott City/Columbia are sad, suburban hellscapes with lots of traffic, no sidewalks and tons of strip malls with big box stores and chain restaurants. But the schools have high test scores.

Baltimore is truly charm city! Tons of great activities for kids. I love the Roland Park neighborhood.

Sorry, I know nothing about Norfolk.

Take the Baltimore job and live in Ellicott City or Columbia
https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/09/15/ellicott-city-howard-county-best-places-to-live/

Great flights from Baltimore and DC too