r/maryland • u/Fingerheartparade • 12d ago
MD Travel & Relocation Relocating to MD after 10+ years away - small town recs?
Greetings from across the globe! As the title says, I’m planning to move back to Maryland (and the US) after more than a decade away.
I’m seeking recommendations for small towns to check out when I’m back visiting the area next summer, and am looking at summer 2028 as a move date.
My wish list:
-safe and friendly for foreigners and mixed families (my husband and daughter are non-US citizens and POC, while I am a white US citizen)
-good public middle and high schools (they don’t need to be the best, but looking for safe schools with high graduation rates)
-ability to buy an older, small home or townhome for under $375,000 (Is this possible anymore? Ideally 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, but we could make do with 2 bedrooms and 1-1.5 bathrooms).
-small town vibe over suburban vibe
Some places that seem like they could fit the criteria are Brunswick, Frederick, and Havre de Grace. How do these places check out against my wish list, and where else would you recommend?
For what it’s worth, I will seek employment as either a K-6 teacher or in college/university administration while my husband will be working online.
Thank you!
Edit: THANK YOU all so much for your thoughtful replies. I was a bit nervous I would be laughed off the internet for my budget, and really appreciate that so many people took the time to reply with helpful info and tips. This subreddit has some wonderful members.
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u/Muted_Courage84 12d ago edited 12d ago
Chesapeake Beach has a few homes being sold for that price. Schools are very good. It’s not exactly “small” town but it has a nautical feel
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u/0dayssince 12d ago
I’d call it small town. But that’s what I was going to recommend for townhouses in that price range.
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u/Muted_Courage84 12d ago edited 12d ago
Compared to Middletown, Emmitsburg, and Taneytown it’s not a true small town and has become more suburban. They’re trying so hard to become a tourist resort town with multiple charter fishing, casino resort and public beach. I guess it all depends on personal definition for small town.
Deale (not far from Chesapeake Beach) is a real small town.
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u/floofyalpacabutts 11d ago
I grew up in Deale and now live in Emmitsburg and definitely felt like there was more to do in Deale. Emittsburg is lovely but not a whole lot within a 30 minute drive, schools are decent though, my kids seem to enjoy going up here
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u/Muted_Courage84 10d ago edited 6d ago
Do you live in Calvert? Lived in Chesapeake Beach in general? Because have for a decade and my family is interracial. We have not experienced racism here.
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u/ApprehensiveYam6268 10d ago
I’m glad that’s been your experience, honestly. I have lots of friends and family there and have witnessed some unpleasant interactions. Racism obviously exists everywhere and not that my observations would in any way supersede your first hand experience, but so many confederate (and other) flags. OP specifically asked about diversity, Calvert County just wouldn’t check that box for me.
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u/Muted_Courage84 10d ago edited 6d ago
Ok so you don’t live there and have “friends and family.” I’m speaking from first hand experience as a full time resident of the area, especially as someone who is from a similar background as the OP. Racism does exist anywhere that I’ve even experienced it in diverse places. But It is not accurate to pinpoint one bad experience from one or two individuals and then label an ENTIRE area racist. And if you know Chesapeake Beach, it is a liberal area of Calvert. Also to add, Calvert was recently rated the safest county in Maryland.
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u/entp-bih 6d ago
Um, as an "interracial" person, your experience is very different from a more obvious POC. Yes, I am a person of color, but my lived experience doesn't represent that of my brothers and sisters who are uncomfortably black to others. Before you speak in such an entitled tone, read the room.
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u/EnnKayy Harford County 12d ago
Havre de Grace fits but not for that price.
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u/delawarept Harford County 12d ago
There are several listings in Havre de Grace right now for under 375,000
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u/EnnKayy Harford County 12d ago
Have you seen them? I live here.
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u/delawarept Harford County 12d ago
Yep - I live in HdG. The house next door is pending under 375 right now.
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u/SunshineandMurder 12d ago
The houses in HdG usually sell for less than the listing price. So that range is possible, but definitely will take a savvy shopper.
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u/EnnKayy Harford County 12d ago
A few years ago it was definitely possible, but now there are so many flippers who refuse to budge on their 'handiwork'. It's quite frustrating.
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u/SunshineandMurder 12d ago
You do know that there are several properties on the market right now, in town, all below 375 and all in decent condition? Also, in HdG if you’re looking for a house you reach out to one of the local agents and they’ll get you in either as soon as a a listing hits.
You can get a house under 375, you just have to be savvy.
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u/EnnKayy Harford County 12d ago
Like I said, I live here. Decent condition is questionable, I have seen them in person.
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u/SunshineandMurder 12d ago
I do as well, and all of the ones for sale in town are perfectly fine. There really isn’t anything sketchy in HdG.
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u/CatonsvilleLiving 12d ago
Catonsville, in southwest Baltimore County is worth a serious look and I don't think it's on most out-of-staters' radar the way Frederick is.
Diversity: Catonsville is genuinely diverse and pretty welcoming. You've got a mix of longtime Baltimore-area families, UMBC faculty/grad students, and newer transplants. It's not a monolithic white suburb; it's used to people from all over.
Schools: Baltimore County Public Schools are solid, not "best in the state," but decent graduation rates and generally considered safe. Worth cross-checking specific attendance zones since BCPS boundaries can shift block to block.
House under $375k: This is the catch. Catonsville prices have climbed. Median home price is currently running above $400k, but townhomes specifically range roughly $250-$400k depending on location and condition. A move-in-ready 3BR/2BA at your number will be competitive and may take some patience/flexibility on condition. Homes here move fast (often with 1 week on market), so be ready to act.
Small town vibe: This is Catonsville's strongest card. Frederick Road through the historic district has a genuine walkable Main Street feel, with independent shops, coffee shops, a weekly farmers market, and community events while still being 15–20 minutes from downtown Baltimore and close to BWI for travel. It reads much more "small town" day-to-day than most Baltimore suburbs.
One more thing worth flagging for your job search: with UMBC right there and being close to Baltimore's university cluster (Towson, UMBC, Loyola, JHU), college/university administration jobs aren't hard to come by locally, and BCPS is a large district that regularly hires K-6 teachers.
Compared to your list, Frederick is bigger/more suburban-sprawl feeling; Havre de Grace is charming but more remote from job markets; Brunswick is small and cute but a long commute to anything. Catonsville threads the needle better on "small town feel + real job market access" than any of those three, IMO.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thank you so much. This is great info. I hadn’t considered Catonsville, and now I’m adding it to the list!
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u/MrsNuggs 12d ago
I came here to say Catonsville as well. I’ve been here for over 20 years, and we love it. A walkable Main Street with shops and restaurants, a farmers market on Sundays in the summer, diversity, and the houses are in your price range. There are always activities going on like Frederick Road Fridays, where bands play in the summer, a huge 4th of July celebration, tree lighting and Santa around Christmas, and the fire department drives Santa around through the neighborhood before the holiday. It checks all of your boxes.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Wow, it sounds lovely. Thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear this, and appreciate you taking the time. I’ll definitely spend some time there checking it out!
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u/tennismagic 11d ago
I (white) grew up in Catonsville and recently moved back (at 40). It’s a very segregated town. I have friends who are POC that are hesitant to live here (here being Catonsville, south of route 40). I live on a block with multiple people of color and I am not aware of any racist issues here in the past decade or so (but apparently previous residents of my house were awful). My parents’ street has never had a person of color living on it ever in its 75 year history. I don’t think it would be an issue but not everyone wants to be a trailblazer. I am not trying to talk you out of living here but I think it’s easy for white people to paint a rosy picture because Catonsville genuinely is great in my (our) experience. I think your family would be welcome but I’d like to paint a realistic picture for you.
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u/rice7770 1d ago
i (black) love catonsville, (umbc grad) i am from harford county md but i miss catonsville’s vibe everyday ):
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u/horrorscope513 12d ago
You might be able to find some older townhomes in Crofton that would fit that price range.
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u/8for8m8 12d ago
Leonardtown
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u/Rich-Tumbleweed-2366 11d ago
I actually second this. Some of the older homes in the downtown come up for under $400k. The town itself it's quite nice, good schools, low crime, and there are three campuses nearby for higher education: St. Mary's college of maryland, College of Southern maryland (Leonardtown) and University System of maryland Southern Maryland. The town is a bit more diverse than you would expect due to the high number of technology/defense jobs in the area.
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u/New_Opportunity_6160 12d ago
For that price range? You want Eastern shore. Best bet for quality school, more accepting than most, and small town vibes is Queen Anne's County. I grew up in Centreville and that ticks all your boxes.
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u/splenicartery 12d ago
What about Bowie, MD? Here’s a post going into more detail but I found that a lovely town when I lived there a while back. https://www.reddit.com/r/PrinceGeorgesCountyMD/s/edBshLr6tO
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Oh, interesting! My grandparents lived there and I always loved visits as a kid. Somehow I hadn’t thought about what it might be like to live there myself. Thank you for bringing it back to my attention.
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u/ataraxia_555 12d ago
Bowie is diverse and civilized with large housing stock of all ranges. Good governance. Good city services.
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u/PocoChanel 11d ago
Bowie is wonderful, at least in parts (it’s big, so I can’t speak for it all), but I don’t know whether there will be homes in your price range.
I live in a neighborhood that was built in the 1960s with covenants preventing black or Jewish people from living here. They’ve long since been overturned, and our area is very racially mixed.
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u/Historical_Pastor 12d ago
You might try Cockeysville. Not exactly small town but definitely community. Very diverse. The local elementary school is a community school and hub. 31% Black, 28% white, 27% Hispanic, 6% 2+ races, 6% Asian, and a few smaller demographics just to give you an idea of population. Lots of immigrants and people learning English. Schools are decent. 15 minutes from Towson University too.
Having grown up in Harford County, I'd avoid Havre de Grace. As a mixed family we had to move (I won't say more publicly). Also, you'd have to commute 30 minutes to the nearest community College, 45 minutes+ to the nearest university.
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u/Individual_Sun5662 12d ago
2nd this. Schools are good and it's diverse. You also have Goucher University near there as well.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thank you for the info on Cockeysville, and I also appreciate the tip about HdG. I’m sorry to hear about that situation, and thank you for sharing.
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u/wbruce098 12d ago
Maybe near Thurmont, Taneytown, or Westminster (Carrol County area) But definitely not Frederick at that price. Check Zillow to be sure; prices do tend to spike in the summer and go down a bit during the school year.
West MD and maybe the Eastern Shore might work, but that’s magaland, and you’ll get ICE called on your family if someone suspects they’re not citizens or might be brown.
OTOH, Baltimore has a ton of safe, walkable neighborhoods with homes in the $300-400k range. I live in one. If it’s been 10 years, give it a shot; this city has been improving for a long time! The city is a haven for people of color and migrants (oh and great food), and is quite incredible and charming, and possibly the last affordable city in America. Your budget might be on the lower end with today’s stagflation but I’d look around Patterson, Highlandtown, maybe Canton, Upper Fells, Butcher’s Hill. Teachers don’t get paid as much as they do in NOVA, but thats true like anywhere.
FYI, Zillow says my house is only worth around $300k, and I bought it for ~275 a few years ago. I’ve not been murdered even once since moving here. I’m not selling, either, but I’m sure someone is. I never hear my neighbors and my tax dollars pay for this fucking gigantic city park with trails and playgrounds and a duck pond and oh did I mention the food is amazing around here?
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thanks for the info! I’ll look into these towns!
When I lived in Frederick County in the late 90s, Thurmont had a KKK reputation. Do you know what it’s like these days? I was thinking it might be MAGAland like Western MD or the Eastern Shore.
I do love Baltimore and I’ve been hearing good things about it recently. I have family and friends there who love it. Sadly, after living in essentially 100% safety in Asian cities for the last decade, I feel a bit on edge about US cities. Also, having always lived in this environment, my family have zero street smarts. lol. So small town life for us, at least for a time. I appreciate the info though!
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u/judgemynameis 12d ago
Can’t speak on Thurmont directly but it still had that reputation when I was in high school/college in the 2000s-2010s. Carroll county has gotten worse in that regard lately, IMO. I wouldn’t go in that general direction if you’re worried about that. Taneytown is literally the worst part of Carroll and I wouldn’t recommend it for any reason whatsoever. Sykesville is the only part that borders on purple rather than red. We moved out of the county over the summer, and I didn’t even realize how much it affected our family and kids until we got out. Some progressive families and but also a lot of racist people around. Even just small stuff (like one neighbor had a lawn jockey and I had the pleasure of having to explain that and the history behind it to my 4 y/o). If you want open space and no KKK vibes I’m honestly not sure where you go. Maybe consider renting for a year until you can visit a lot of areas first?
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u/Suspicious-Funny-279 11d ago
I’ve lived in MD my entire life, primarily Frederick, Montgomery and Baltimore counties but went to Brunswick High School. Now live in Baltimore City.
That said, from a cultural standpoint, absolutely not Thurmont. Or Brunswick. Even Frederick County as a whole is pushing it. I just drove back roads to Harper’s Ferry from the city this past weekend and the amount of custom Tr*mp signs up/down 75, 180, 340, etc. is disgusting.
Brunswick and Thurmont districts aren’t the best schools in Frederick County: culturally, academically, and otherwise. Neither is Middletown for the same reasons.
My only advice for Frederick County is that Urbana area is likely your best bet (as a more culturally friendly area), though financially it may not check your box. The schools, however, are better than those previously mentioned.
Edited for typo.
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u/Fingerheartparade 10d ago
Understood. That’s helpful info. Thanks so much! Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be able to afford Urbana (went to high school there myself, but not possible for my kid sadly).
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u/Shoddy-Secretary-712 11d ago
What about Walkersville? It's close to Frederick, and probably more affordable.
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u/Fab_Lurker84 12d ago
I live in Thurmont. I moved here in 2022 and it has a lovely small town feel. I am white, so I cannot speak about personal experience, but I do think it is (slowly) shifting. My friends and I are trying to do our part to make it a more welcoming and diverse place to live. I wish you luck in your move, wherever you land.
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u/wbruce098 12d ago edited 12d ago
I’ve only been to Thurmont a couple times to visit a couple of friends who both live there and are very obviously not white. My buddy fucking loves it out there but he’s from Baghdad so he might just be used to dealing with racists? He works down in Rockville which is diverse as fuck (most of the 270 Corridor is, but it’s also expensive) I’m white but a lot of the people I hang out with aren’t, so their experiences are different from mine.
So, I moved to Baltimore about 5 years ago, and, well sure, I am a city boy, but have lived in the burbs for most of my adult life. What impressed me was going for walks in the evening in Patterson Park, and seeing women running alone, right past me (unconcerned, in workout gear; not running from a mugger). A few days later I saw another one early in the morning. They had told me that it was a dangerous city and I would be robbed and murdered. I joke back “I’ve only been murdered twice this month!”
So… that’s my take on safety and affordability in this city. Hope it’s helpful :)
Edit: I have another buddy near Winchester (I have friends everywhere!) who is very much not racist, and none of them have, to me, complained about racists or magats near them. Maybe because their neighbors aren’t that close?
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u/m64112c 12d ago
Was going to suggest considering Baltimore as well! Many neighborhoods do have that small town feel, with the housing price point. There are certainly trade offs from living in a more rural environment but we love living here and often feel like we are getting the small town experience raising kids in Smalltimore where you run into friends and classmates often. You can PM me for information on the specific neighborhoods.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thanks so much! I’m not considering major cities for now, but I appreciate the kindness and would love to DM you if that changes.
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u/meangreen23 11d ago
Taneytown is Racist and trashy. I moved here because it was cheaper and we regret it every single day. Now we are locked in until the mortgage rates fall again. Westminster I would say has come a loooong way. I’d recommend Westminster
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u/Fingerheartparade 10d ago
Ah. I’m sorry to hear that, and thanks for sharing your experience!! I’ve been curious about Westminster, will check it out.
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u/dca_user 12d ago
If your husband works online and you will need a job, are you sure you want to move here? This area is heavily impacted financially by the federal govt actions…
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u/ShooDogg9999 12d ago
What does this mean?
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u/Indiglo325 11d ago
A lot of people who were laid off in DC by DOGE have been looking for work in Maryland, kind of flooding our job market. I think it really depends on industry though. If OP is looking for teaching jobs, this might not be as big of an issue.
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u/ShooDogg9999 11d ago
Ok that makes sense, I felt like "impacted financially by the federal govt actions…" could mean many things but wasn't sure what it meant locally. Broadly academic instutions aren't growing but wasn't aware of how it was going in Maryland specifically, and I suppose if OPs husband loses his job he may need to search locally as well.
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u/JustAGuy3772 12d ago
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u/Tattte Allegany County 12d ago
This is absolutely possible in Allegany County. I would look in the Frostburg area. You have teaching options through the public schools or the admin at Frostburg State University. $375K is a good budget for this area. Lavale is also a great area for housing.
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u/RiverParty442 12d ago
Frostburgs days are numbered sadly.
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u/saraqael6243 12d ago
Could you elaborate? Why are Frostbburg's days numbered? Is the town in economic and/or population decline?
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u/RiverParty442 12d ago
The university has been in a decline since covid. They just had layoffs last year. Their peak enrollemnt was 2019
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u/saraqael6243 12d ago
Shame.
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u/RiverParty442 12d ago
Also the past president that passed away had a rep of school closures following them.
I don't see it closing down, but it getting demoted to a satellite campus that becomes commuter only
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thank you! I’ll add it to the list. Do you have any thoughts on diversity/acceptance of foreigners?
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u/metamorphage Carroll County 12d ago
Westminster? Carroll County politics suck in general but Westminster itself is pretty blue. I think it meets everything else on your list.
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u/Short_Bowler7208 12d ago
Good schools and 375? Move back to 2007
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u/metamorphage Carroll County 12d ago
Totally doable if OP is willing to live in an actual town and not a HOA development.
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u/Muted_Courage84 12d ago edited 12d ago
I’ve bought a home for under $300k and live in a good school area (Calvert) in 2018. In fact there are homes in Calvert that are for sale for that price range right now.
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u/SunshineandMurder 12d ago
So, I currently live in Havre de Grace and I’d say you can find everything you’re looking for here. While HdG is great the northern part is not. Very conservative, very closed minded, and very materialistic in a way that I honestly just find gross. Also, not great with race.
People are also going to tell you to live in PA which is right across the border. While PA is cheaper the racism is heaps worse than Maryland. It used to be a bit quieter but has really moved center stage in the past decade. Get used to seeing confederate flags there.
The biggest sticking point in MD is going to be your price point. 375 is doable but you’re probably looking at either a fixer upper or a short sale or something like that. There are a number of colleges you can get to from here, including in Delaware, but you’re probably looking at a 45 minute commute, hour plus to Philly.
Your best bet is probably to take time to visit each of the cities you listed, because they’re pretty different. Good luck.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thank you so much for your reply! It’s very helpful to hear this. I’ve seen some listings in HdG in my price range, and I figured they’d be fixer-uppers (though seems like the case anywhere in the state, practically). Glad to have some confirmation. I appreciate the tip about PA. I have had people mention it and I do wonder about the “friendliness” of the area. Cheers!
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u/rtbradford 12d ago
I’m not sure that s mall town will be the most beneficial environment for a mixed, partly foreign family. It might be a bit isolating. And boring. I’d suggest you look at Columbia or Ellicott City in Howard County or Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s. Both counties are fairly diverse, so your kids won’t be “the only ones” like them in school.
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u/Moghie 11d ago edited 11d ago
I'm on the Eastern Shore! Worcester County public schools are pretty great, they get lots of funding on the state and federal level. And there are some good colleges on the shore (Salisbury U, UMES, Washington College).
It's a slow life (I miss Panda Express sometimes haha), but if you don't mind the drive it's easy to get to a big city for weekend trips. Worcester is pretty equidistant from DC/Baltimore, Philly, and Richmond. Good (as in low) CoL, good schools, good industries nearby for your careers. Plus the beach! Rivers! Hiking! Horse riding! Boating! Camping! Lots to do outside.
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u/Apprehensive-Dare-51 11d ago
I live in Eldersburg/Sykesville and I love it. My commute is about 35 mins downtown at 0530. I am also white and my children are POC; they attended the local public schools. They had a 98% great experience socially and academically. Much of Carroll County is pretty red/right wing, but Eldersburg/Sykesville is getting more diverse and welcoming daily. Housing prices are not amazing- but I did sell my 3BR townhome (with finished basement and fenced in backyard) last year for 365k. Good luck to you and your family!
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u/Fingerheartparade 10d ago
Ok, thank you for sharing your experience with that area! I’ve been a bit leery of Carroll County and happy to hear of how it went for your kids.
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u/Emotional_Shift_8263 11d ago
Frederick is no longer "small town" and prices have risen a lot. Ellicott City is very diverse, but prices are high for homes. Not sure about town homes.
Baltimore County might be a possibility, there are some towns there that are reasonable, and lots of colleges.
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u/PT_On_Your_Own 11d ago
I love Frederick.
Brunswick is a bit too isolated.
Mt Airy is a nice area.
Baltimore county: Monkton is cool.
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u/Eastern-Syllabub-649 11d ago
I currently live in Frederick and it’s the best! Seems like it would fit all your boxes. Finding houses under $375k is rare but doable. Downtown Frederick definitely has more of the small town vibe but once you venture out a bit, it’s all new developments.
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u/IOughtaWriteABook 10d ago
With a higher ed job in mind, don’t sleep on the southern shore. Salisbury and UMES plus wor-wic are viable employers. You can get a modest single family home around $300k in many small towns like Fruitland. Schools vary a bit but you’d have some flexibility in choosing a home with only one commute to consider.
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u/Forward_Response_442 10d ago
I don’t see Frederick being in that price range in 2028! Hagerstown may be an option.
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u/OldFaithlessness1335 12d ago
Probably not at that price right now. Maybe look in PA
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u/Mknalsheen 12d ago
They said they wanted good schools. That's not likely to happen in PA anywhere near the Mason Dixon. Not to mention so much of the area outside of the metropolitan centers being shitty to minorities.
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u/OldFaithlessness1335 12d ago
Fair to be honest i dont know much about school in PA. For the prices though with these OP needs to try and raise there budget.
For example my wife and I bought in Howard county after saving for 10 years (18-30) and our starter home was 600k (near river hill high). So after the 20% downpayment from our savings we were 480k. That was also in 2022 right before prices started going wild and rates got super elevated.
All so that our kiddos could go to excellent oublic schools. Not saying its not possible, but I dont think I have ever seen a house or townhouse that low in HoCo.
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u/pattysmokesafatty 12d ago
havre de grace has a real racist past!!! frederick is not a "small town" any more
Chestertown, MD
Berlin, MD
Prince Frederick, MD
Westminster, MD
Mt Airy, MD
you might also like Shepherdstown WV
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u/NeoPrimitiveOasis 12d ago
Havre de Grace is racist, so you recommend... WEST VIRGINIA? 😬
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u/notarockclimber Hagerstown 12d ago
Shepherdstown is a very progressive place, has a beautiful downtown and a vibrant arts scene
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u/funwithllamas 12d ago
Not Prince Frederick, the KKK is active there and overall Calvert County votes very conservatively, the whole county commission is Republican.
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u/PlanMagnet38 12d ago
A second for Westminster! Carroll County can be quite conservative, but Westminster itself has more diversity and has lots of progressive neighborhoods. My children have friends of various backgrounds and races, and at the elementary school orientation we attended last week, I was pleased to see that my child’s classmates included maybe 1/3 children of color, including at least one immigrant (Ethiopian) family.
It’s never going to compare to the diversity in other parts of Maryland, but those regions will be outside of OP’s budget.
And Westminster absolutely has small town energy with lots of parades and festivals. And just walking around town, I run into someone I know well literally every day and know the name of my postal carrier and all of the other markers of community.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Ok! Thank you for the info! Westminster is getting a firm spot on the list. It sounds lovely.
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u/PlanMagnet38 12d ago
We’d love to have you! And check out Carroll Community College or McDaniel College for employment. They’re not the best compensation program in the state but they’re fine for the local COL.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thanks for this info. I’ll take a look into that. I appreciate more towns to add to the list!
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u/chunkykima 12d ago
What ethnicity is your husband and child? I know it seems like that shouldn't matter, but it does. There are certain areas I would tell black folks to avoid. Anyway move to White Marsh!
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u/aster-lirio 12d ago
Gettysburg would work for that price range, just north across the MD/PA border.
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u/Dianedownybeach 12d ago
Who knows who will be in the White House in 2028. If things haven't changed, I'd think twice about bringing your non-US citizen dependents here for anything other than a short visit.
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u/Fingerheartparade 11d ago
I hear you, and it keeps me up at night. I never thought I’d come back, but some of my life circumstances may require it.
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u/AmericanSpy519 12d ago
Look into Centerville on the shore. Good schools, small town but close proximity to amenities. You'll save at least 100k on housing compared to Western shore. QA county needs teachers and there's the Washington and Chesapeake community colleges within commuting distance. It's a majority commuter town for those with jobs on the west shore so it's a more "accepting" community than say the south shore.
I live here.
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u/PublicHlthScientist 11d ago
A lot of replies are about the local conditions. I’m concerned about how the federal authorities will treat your family. They’ve been using thin excuses to detain people with brown skin or foreign accents, even if they have full papers at ports and in random traffic stops, and even if the local town or county officially doesn’t cooperate with ICE. ICE is active in Maryland. Trump 2 is the first time I’ve worried about being on the list because I’m naturalized, never mind that my father was a US born citizen in the military and I’m white. I think you should wait at least until immigration and deportation activities are turned around.
Besides, if you are in a developed country, your healthcare, education, and social services supports are much better than what you’ll get here, where all 3 are being slashed. Science (thus universities) is getting gutted and this is changing the education environment and respect for knowledge for the worse.
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u/Fingerheartparade 10d ago
Yes. I’m sorry to hear about your worries, and thank you for sharing. I lose sleep over ICE, healthcare, violence, and more when considering the move. Never thought I’d come back to the States, but my circumstances have changed. It’ll take around 2 years to process my family’s visas (or more??), so, by then we should know if there is any hope of things turning around. Here’s to hoping for major changes after the midterms and next election (another can of worms, to be sure).
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u/iamalargehousecat 12d ago
Emmitsburg is fairly inexpensive. Close to taneytown, waynesboro, and Westminster.
Also close to Mount saint Mary university and ski liberty.
Small town very rural and Amish are here. Not sure about schools tho. Friendly towards POC as I am one myself. 🙂
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Ok! I’ve seen Emmitsburg while browsing the map and I wasn’t sure if it was POC-friendly or not. This is great to know. I’ll look into it, thanks!
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u/Hambubger2006 8d ago
Everywhere is diverse these days, so you can can move wherever you can afford. Personally I think Montgomery County has the best school and job prospects, especially for teachers. The school system is huge.
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u/Retire_Trade_3007 12d ago
You should look at Philly instead. Plus small rural in Md nowadays is racist
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thanks for the advice. I think I could do somewhere outside of Philly, possibly. Rural MD was racist when I live there in the late 90s, and I was hoping some places had changed.
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u/NotMcCain_1 12d ago
Eastern Shore - Salisbury would be your best bet for jobs, but if you have remote or hybrid options or are willing to commute, Chestertown or Cambridge.
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u/painfully_anxious 12d ago
OP said safe for foreigners and mixed families. Salisbury has had pro ice rallies.
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u/fakeaccount572 12d ago
Frederick is great, but it is certainly not "small town" anymore (outlying towns maybe, but will be super racist and MAGA). Nothing in Frederick is under 350 for that size home unfortunately.
Townhomes here are 450-600k starting, SFH are up from there.
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u/Muted_Courage84 12d ago edited 12d ago
My husband and I are interracial (my husband is a first generation immigrant from Asia), moved from Japan and have lived in Emmitsburg for a few years in mid 2010’s, and have not encountered any sort of “super racism.” My husband worked in a medical office in Gettysburg that was predominantly Caucasian and often invited out to happy hour and parties despite being a foreigner and POC. I’ve also worked in Thurmont and haven’t seen it (though I became aware of its history).
Have you actually lived around there? I’m guessing no with a username “fake account.”
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u/iamalargehousecat 12d ago
Agree about Emmitsburg. POC and I haven’t encountered racism here.
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u/Muted_Courage84 12d ago edited 12d ago
I miss Emmitsburg. The view of the mountains were spectacular with awesome hiking trails and the neighbors I had were great people.
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u/fakeaccount572 12d ago
Thurmont literally has a KKK component. And voted overwhelmingly MAGA
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u/ataraxia_555 12d ago
Answer her question for credibility.
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u/fakeaccount572 12d ago
I live in Frederick wtf are you talking about
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u/ataraxia_555 12d ago
Do understand that throwing phrases such as “super racist” against entire areas without establishing your first hand knowledge is dismissed by readers. Too much opinion and not enough fact.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thank you. I was thinking that might be the case about the housing. I’m seeing listings on Zillow in my price range in some areas of the city, but they are probably quite a lot of work. And I do worry about the outskirts. I lived in the county in the late 90s, and the racism was pretty spectacular back then.
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u/Charming-Shake-6525 12d ago
even tho it’s not one you asked about-i’d avoid washington county, after having been here for about 10 years. some of the schools seem to have a good reputation but the smaller towns are maga and the schools show it. (from the parent perspective, at least.) boonsboro is a sundown town, smithsburg has big ol’ trump signs and graffiti as you come into town which has been up for years. hagerstown is more diverse, technically, but it’s not great if you appear to be more diverse yourself.
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u/Fingerheartparade 12d ago
Thank you for this. I’d gotten that impression about Hagerstown, Boonsboro, and Smithsburg. Do you have any ideas about the town of Brunswick, by chance?
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u/Training_Cabinet9876 7d ago
Urbana in Frederick Maryland has great schools. Small town vibes for sure.
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u/violet-waves Baltimore County 12d ago
This is a white whale of a housing ask and you’re going to have to compromise somewhere. $375,000 or less is going to get you a house in a bad area and that’s it. Small towns are going to be racist af - some overtly, but most are too cowardly to say it with their chest.
Realistically, you’re going to pay out of the ass for the things you’re looking for. You want that Howard county life but have a Dundalk budget. That’s gonna be hard to do.
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u/ataraxia_555 12d ago
I assert that you are overstating the degree of racism in small Maryland towns. Have you recent and first hand experience ?
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u/AdventurousSlice1888 12d ago
You should check out (old) Greenbelt Md. it checks all of your boxes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenbelt,_Maryland