Ok, so I might be moving North. I live in Clemson SC now and work for the city of Greenville P.D.. My G/F is a Phd student at clemson and is maybe going to move to Laurel for a research job. I know nothing about the town of Laurel and have no idea what to expect if I move. I know rent is going to be higher, and SNOW not happy about cold weather but hopefully it wont be a long stay. Maybe a year or less depending on my girls post doc.

Just wanting to know what areas are better than others and what is the over all feel of the area. I checked the city site online but its a bland description and nothing about things to do or places to visit. The main thing is if she works in Laurel where are the nicer places to live and what areas should be avoided. I know rent will be higher and will probably be taking it 6 months at a time. My Z is also a concern because its my primary car. Should i look into getting a beater? Areas around laurel is what I'm looking for, maybe close to pubs and restaurants and in a safe Area, I carry most all of the time but its my girl I worry about.



Thanks for any help

Kevin

 

Snow is fun, sry I can't help much. I don't know the area very well yet. (have only been here for like 1.5 years and most of it has been on AAFB)

 

I lived in the Foxfire apartments in Laurel for about 2 years before I bought my home.
Pros: The entire property is fenced in; huge onsite laundry facility; Main office is quick to respond with maintenance issues and they'll hold your Fedex,UPS packages for you; onsite security personnel; easy access to 295 corridor

Cons:
Unknown neighbor scratched my Z as soon as I purchased it
Crime fluctuates in the area. Niether of my cars were ever stolen but a co-worker right down the street repeatedly had his windows smashed, tires slashed and then car stolen
No rent control

Overall, it's not a "bad" area but you could definitely do a little better further out in Howard County or one of the surrounding areas. You might pay more though...

 

It doesn't have to be in Laurel, and It has to accept dogs (I have two). I know Im going to pay out the *** for a short rent anyway so it better be nice and have just about everything. Any areas around Laurel i should be looking at?
How far is Columbia?

 

I suggest you look further into Howard County or maybe even Severna Park/Pasadena area. Deeper into Howard County will definatly be noticably more expensive though. Laurel isn't terrible but it is seedy. A friend of mine's car was stolen and turned up chopped in Laurel.

 

You could look at Columbia but its going to cost alot,
more than it is worth in my opinion. If you have the money I'd suggest looking out by Ellicott City. Or if you don't mind a short commute check Severna Park.

 

How long would it take to drive from those areas to laurel?

 

Ellicott City would be about 20 minutes depending on which part of Laurel you're headed to, and Severna would probably be about a half hour.

 

Bowie is nice. Its in the middle of everything, maybe a 15min drive to Laurel at most. Living in Bowie is probably like 3 or 4x more than Laurel.

Laurel's atmosphere is depressing, dark, gloomy etc.

 

She most likely will be doing research for University of MD at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and I believe thats in Laurel.

As far as the atmosphere goes im getting the feeling Laurel is lower status. Im looking at all the suggestions you guys are giving me. Please keep them coming.

Thanks

 

Yeah and Bowie will be even more depressing when he comes out of his apartment complex and gets shot in the face Chen. >:0\

 

that place is right outside Ft meade.

It is only 15 min from severn/pasadena/odenton 20-30 for severna park and a little farther for bowie.

I suggest looking into pasadena. Its where I live. Its very laid back. Easy to find houses for rent. Not a high crime area. and its central to everything. 30 min drive to baltimore/annapolis/bowie/columbia and 45-60 min from DC.

Another nice area is odenton which is also close. Jeffie7 lives there and can give very good input on that area.

 

Laurel crosses 3 different counties. Some part of it is super ghetto.

 

where that wildlife refuge is is right down the street from elite.

 

^This! When I had my first realtor, he took me to this one spot in Old Laurel and I almost didn't get out of the car. These people literally were living like animals in this condo. Crayon graffitti on the walls, piled up old food plates in the kitchen, bedroom doors kicked in...
Odenton might be the best bet for this guy.

 

I agree clay anywhere but laurel... even the "good" parts arent great to live in. There are many places that are the same distance drive just in the opposite direction.

That refuge if you arent familiar with the area is right down the street from elite if you head towards the base.

 

Heard about Elite from Tod, never been though. Is the refuge the same place they play paintball or am I thinking of somewhere else?

BTW, I'm "pulling a Barny" tonight. Stuck in the office until late to work on some reports. :0(

 

I rented in http://pineyorchard.com/ for 3 or 4 years before buying a house here. I straight up LOVE this neighborhood, it's about 10 minutes from Laurel.

Only problem is you get what you pay for. Since it's all nice there's not much out there that's cheap.

Town homes for rent in my neighborhood go for around 1700-1900 and apartments within piney orchard will run you 1200+ for 1 bedroom.

I lived in http://www.fieldstonefarmapts.com/Ap...5Bid%5D/17112/ for awhile, I really enjoyed it there and would move back without thinking twice if I needed an apartment. They have over sized garages too!

honestly if you can avoid laurel... do it. Go to Odenton or Columbia.

Although I'd rather live in Laurel then Bowie.

 

Ok thanks guys, Ill keep looking for a place. I like the looks of fieldstone and a garage is a plus. What do you guys drive in the winter months?

Also her research facility is at 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD which is slightly North/West of bowie. The prices seam to be reasonable for what you get, but are there things to do in the areas you suggest. Hopefully I can meet some Z members too as the SC clubs are a bit slack. Looks like i have lots to look at, and keep the suggestions coming. It helps narrow it down when we go looking for a place.

Thanks again!!!

 

Sweet Riced out 98 Cavalier Z24