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If you're looking at a map of the D.C.-Baltimore area and feeling a bit overwhelmed, I understand.  Even after growing up in the Maryland suburbs of D.C. and graduating from college in D.C., Larry and I were unfamiliar with this immediate area when Larry got orders to the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

My grandmother told us that choosing a community would be easy, if we would take the time to answer these questions:

1. What do you want to be near? 
2. What are you looking for in a community?
3. What is your price range for a home?

Our answers led us to CROFTON, MARYLAND - and chances are it will be a good place for you to start your home search, too, for the same reasons.

1.  CROFTON IS 30 MINUTES TO EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO GO - 

You know what they say about the three most important things in real estate - Location, Location, and Location.  When the traffic gods are smiling, Crofton is only about 30 minutes to the D.C.  Beltway (I-495), the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  (And frankly, that's most days!)

If you are active duty or retired military, you and your family will enjoy the resources of several military bases within an hour of Crofton:  The U.S. Naval Academy, Ft. Meade, Andrews AFB, National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Walter Reed, and even the Pentagon. 

If you travel for business, you'll appreciate the convenience of BWI Aiport and Amtrak.

For commuting, you have the option of taking the MARC train from Odenton or METRO-Rail from New Carrollton.

Aside from commuting time, you'll appreciate Crofton's location for its convenience to the museums, monuments, professional sports teams, and arts venues in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis, not to mention sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.   As to shopping - Annapolis Mall and Bowie New Town Center are just 15 minutes away, but groceries and other everyday shopping needs will be met without leaving Crofton. 

Your kids will probably be glad to learn that the Atlantic Ocean is only about 2 hours east of Crofton - close enough for a day trip or weekend.  You'll find links to many of these in my Crofton Area Resource Guide.

2.  LIVING IN CROFTON IS A LOT LIKE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN - 

It's no surprise to anyone in Crofton to see our community listed in Money Magazine's 2007 Top 100 Best Places to Live.  You'll soon see why! 

American flags fly over Crofton Parkway, mounted on light posts above the many walkers, joggers, runners and bikers that travel its 3.5 mile route.  Flowering cherry trees line some of the streets, creating a spectacular splash of spring color.  Holiday wreathes magically appear on windows, doors and light posts at the Crofton Village Green (with a little help from the Crofton Village Garden Club).  

Crofton residents enjoy many annual traditions such as Spring and Fall crafts fairs, free summer concerts on the Village Green, the Tour de Crofton bike race, Santa's arrival and Christmas tree lighting, and parades for Halloween, Armed Forces Day, and Opening Day for the youth baseball season... 

There are ongoing community activities for every age and interest including organized athletics, scouts, garden clubs, civic organizations, service groups...   Recreation facilities include two golf courses, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds... There are several places of worship, small businesses, medical offices, shopping centers, restaurants and a recently-built library...  No chance of getting bored, when you live in Crofton!

And yes, your children will probably walk to elementary school from their Crofton home!  There is a middle school in Crofton, as well, but your children will have a short school bus ride due to the school being on a busy street.

MORE CROFTON PHOTOS:  Inside the Crofton Gates and Outside the Crofton Gates

3.  YES, YOU CAN AFFORD A CROFTON HOME -

While home prices are higher in the D.C. area than some parts of the country, they are lower than others.  Home prices in Crofton are certainly more affordable than many other communities in the D.C.-Baltimore area.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how low Anne Arundel County property taxes are, too - sometimes $100 or more savings per month over other nearby Maryland and Virginia counties.  This difference enables you to spend more for your Crofton home while still keeping your monthly payments affordable.

I think many of those sticker-shock stories about the D.C. area are based on Northern Virginia home prices.  Crofton is a place where you can still find a detached home in the $300-500 thousands.  Given the nature of today's buyer's market, it is highly likely that many of them are negotiable.

Click here for a sneak preview of Crofton homes on the market for sale, in every price range (from the $200-$800 thousands).

P.S.  I almost forgot to mention the "BRAC Factor" - 

Thanks to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Report, 22,000 new jobs are expected in the next five years at Ft. Meade.  This is great news for your Crofton home's future property value, since there will be huge demand for a limited supply of nearby homes!

Copyright 2008.  Margaret Woda.  All Rights Reserved.  Why Consider Crofton?