We finally got orders out of this stupid little base in San Angelo, Texas (Goodfellow). My special duty to Ft. Bragg fell through because they couldn't place my wife in a photographer slot at Pope AFB or Seymour Johnson AFB.

So, she applied to a special duty at Walter Reed doing Forensics Photography, and I get the tag-along job over at Ft. Meade, not sure what I will be doing yet. They told me I have to take a polygraph first, then within 30 days I will be classed into my job; I just hope it doesn't suck!

We're looking at buying houses in the Anne Arundel area, have a few we're looking into, but will see them in person when we get there to decide finally.

Definitely looking at minimum .3 acre, would like to get .4-.5, but .3 will do me by (have 7 vehicles ). We're leaving Texas on April 9th and get up there shortly after.

Just wanted to see who all's in the area, what's good off-roading, and just things in general!

- Dave

 

there are quite a few of us up here in the md area. check out www.masondixontdc.com. great group of guys

 

I'm a good ways north of there, but AA county is nice. What we up here would consider a "hot spot", much more densely populated than points north (and easy across the Bay).
All in all a very nice place to be though. I would suggest searching some of the RE broker sites that are directly linked to the areas MLS (Long and Foster, Re-Max). The market is getting better and better for buyers and has been getting WORSE for sellers in the last 9-12 months.

As with anything, location, location, location. I appraised one in Northern Baltimore county last week, 3br 2.5 bath 2400 sq. ft.Colonial on a postage stamp lot, nice in ground pool, rear deck & patio. $437K. No issue seeing that value either, there are 500 homes around it that have sold at that price in the last 18 month or so. My house (Western Cecil County) is 400 sq. feet bigger, on 1.8 acres with more goodies (granite tops, hw floors, ceramic & granite in the baths, 3 car garage, and is worth less than $400K here.

Be prepared to HATE this climate. Friggin hot and sticky all summer, cold and wet all winter.

You like Crabs?

 

Dave, I live in AA county - about 12 miles from Ft Meade. Moved here in '94, and been in this house since '99. It can be a little pricey living around here, but since you're both active duty, your VHA/BAQ will help alot. Its doable, my neighbor is a spook over there - least I think he is; "you know....". Lots of military around here, govt, and secret service too.

Our economy is going pretty good here.

7 vehicles and stuff, huh? Hmm, at first I thought that was a lot, but then I've got 2 cars, a truck, a boat and three motorcycles. I wish I had more space but it'll do for now. When I was married, I only had 2 cars, so life is good.

Like PJ said, the housing market is favoring buyers now. In the not too distant past, the avg new home (large house on large lot) around here was over $600k, and the avg house was in the $300+k range. But its calmed down some. I don't think I have any more realtor points of contacts. Big lots will cost some $$$. The Eastern shore has lots of space, but getting across the Bay Bridge is a pain in the butt in the summer. Its cheaper living here than in many areas (like near Walter Reed, etc...)

Some random thoughts:
Any children? Ask them about schools. My kids grew up here in AA county so I've got some thoughts - HS wise anyways.

AA county is probably one of two Republican counties in this Democratic ruled state. Montgomery county is the other.

I don't have that many complaints about the weather - then again I grew up in MI where it was just as hot in the summer and the winters were lots worse - and lots longer. Yeah it snows here - contrary to what lots of folks think. We just had our last snow on Friday (fingers crossed). Schools close at the mere threat of snow though.

Gun laws are very opprressive here in MD. Forget about carrying.

Off-roading? None around here anymore (AA County) - but not sure what your definition is. Boating? Its off-road; Yeah, its a great place to go boating. Capital Raceway (drags) are about 20 minutes away, MIR (drags and motocross) are about an hour.

Location? I'm about 45 minutes from the Washington Monument, 30 minutes from Camden Yards (Baltimore Inner Harbor); and 3 hours from the Lincoln Tunnel into NYC. Our commute into DC is one of the better ones. Takes me about an hour during the early morning rush hour to drive into DC. I usually take the commuter train from BWI into Union Station now rather than driving.

Your wife will be stationed at Walter Reed Hospital? Be forewarned its a tough commute into that area from here. It took me 45 minutes to drive to Bethesda Naval Hospital on Sunday (32 miles and no traffic). There isn't an easy way in or out from here to there, and she'll be in the thick of the DC commuting traffic. Call that area of MD a high dollar area.

Some History: Lady Anne Arundel was Lord Baltimores wife.

You'll like the crab cakes.

Anyways, hope this helps. Pm me if you'd like.

Chris

 

Have you considered Howard County? 32 will take you right into the Fort and 29 down Watler Reed. It'll still be a haul on 29, but might be better than taking the beltway. Walter Reed will also be moving to Bethesda Naval in a few years so that'll add up. Howard would be a good compromise. I'm down in Calvert, OK for the Fort, Bad for WR. Very country where I'm at.

One more thing to consider, with the BRAC closures, The FT Meade area will be growing. I think this area in general is gonna have a population boom when the re-alignment get's into gear. Just something to think about.

As for off-roading, you might want to ask scottjeeprolet, he'll know. Haven't been, but I hear the Fort has some trails. I'll have to ask a friend, he goes back there sometimes.

Good Luck at the Fort.