Whether you’re new to the Chesapeake area or just moving from one neighborhood to another, choosing where to settle can be a daunting task.
And with an area as diverse as Anne Arundel County, it can be difficult to decide which neighborhoods are right for you.
This guide is not a one-size-fits-all—ultimately, the best places to live can vary depending on the unique circumstances of a specific family. Rather, these are just a few examples of how to narrow down your search using factors relevant for families, such as the quality of local school districts and crime and safety statistics. With these criteria, we determined the pros and cons of some of the highest-reviewed areas in Anne Arundel County. Consider these recommendations or use the same criteria to expand your search.
Crofton
The Good: Crofton is the highest-ranked neighborhood in Anne Arundel County on Niche.com, with a diverse population, high-ranking schools and a prime location.
Its public schools Crofton Meadows Elementary School and Crofton Middle School have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, with the former also earning a Maryland Blue Ribbon School title.
The area is also close to Annapolis and Washington, D.C. and a reasonable driving distance from Baltimore, in addition to having many grocery stores and shopping centers. It’s a safe place to raise children, with a fairly low crime rate. Some Niche reviewers have also noted that there are many playgrounds and parks in the area, offering a large selection of places for children to play.
Things To Consider: Maryland Route 3 runs through Crofton and can often be very congested, making it difficult to avoid traffic on the way in. Crofton is also a fairly expensive area—Niche cites a median income of over $147,250, and home sale prices are also on the higher end.
Severna Park
The Good: If you feel at home raising your family in a more rural environment, there are many riverside and beachfront properties in Severna Park and ample opportunities to spend time in nature. It’s home to Kinder Farm Park, which is a great place for kids and families to spend time playing, exercising and meeting the resident farm animals. Severna Park is also fairly walkable, with biking encouraged by the community, so families can walk or bike to local shopping centers rather than driving.
Severna Park’s public high school, Severna Park High School, is very highly rated and noted as having great teachers. The area also has a very low crime rate, and there are many activities available for families.
Things To Consider: Severna Park is not a very diverse area, with some residents citing this as a point of contention. The population is 86% white, with many wealthy residents. If raising your children in a diverse environment is important to you, it’s something to keep in mind. Some Niche reviewers also note that because Severna Park High School is so highly rated, kids who attend experience a lot of pressure to succeed.
Gambrills
The Good: Gambrills offers a small-town experience with a population of under 3,000 residents. It’s a fairly quiet area that doesn’t have as many community events, but it’s noted for being especially family-friendly because of green spaces and parks nearby.
Located right between Baltimore and D.C., it’s a convenient place to live for people who enjoy visiting either city. Notably, it’s also fairly close to Fort Meade, so families with federal jobs often choose it for its shorter commute.
Gambrills is home to Four Seasons Elementary School, which is very highly rated. Crime rates in the area are also fairly low, and the community is noted as being diverse.
Things To Consider: Gambrills is a very small community, so adults seeking nightlife would have to travel outside of town. It’s also fairly expensive, with relatively few job options, so most residents commute to work.
Arnold
The Good: Arnold is right near Annapolis but does not have the capital city’s high crime rates. Arnold residents actually note that the area has remarkably little crime and is very safe. As a result, living in Arnold grants residents easy access to Annapolis without its downsides.
Because there are many elementary schools in Arnold, the area is home to a large population of parents with younger children. There’s also an emphasis on family-friendly activities and community, with elementary school parents always looking to network and support one another.
Arnold is right by the Chesapeake Bay, as well as several rivers and streams, so waterfront activities are very accessible and popular.
Things To Consider: Homes in the area can be on the expensive side. Arnold is also a growing community, so construction is common. While it’s very accommodating to parents of younger children, there are no high schools in Arnold. Most high school students attend nearby high schools in Severna Park, Crofton or Annapolis.
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