I'm just workin' for a livin', workin' for my pay /In Maryland it's raining somewhere in some cafe / Hey, hey, Maryland, I'm comin' home / Never worry about what I did wrong -- From "Maryland" by Vonda Shepard
Don't ever worry about what you did wrong, because if you move to Severn, Maryland, you'll have done something right! Maryland’s rolling-green meadows and Eastern Pines are well represented throughout the mid-size community of Severn. A small town of government workers in white-collar jobs, Severn is located near Fort Meade Army Base -- a key employer for locals. Located just a half hour drive from Baltimore, Severn is primarily a bedroom community with a handful of neighborhoods. Certainly, bring your pillows, blankets, and comforters.
Tips for Renting
Youll want to start looking for rentals several months before you move. Real estate vacancies in Severn are low, although there is more rental turnover closer to Fort Meade. Demand is higher than average, as the community offers easy access to the entire Baltimore-Washington corridor. If procrastination is your deal, save it for after you've secured new digs.
It's always a good idea to call rental properties to research the price range and availability of area properties. Making phone calls will save you time on your search (Because, who has time to waste?). After you get some basic information over the phone, drive around the different neighborhoods in Severn to determine which best suits your needs. There's a range of options to suit just about any budget. Yes, you'll find varied options, even if you'd rather get a root canal than spend a lot to rent an apartment.
Neighborhood Knowledge
Overall, Severn is a diverse area. Here are some of your options for living in Severn:
Burleytown/Harmans: If you've been dreaming of a life in average suburbia, check out apartment rentals here. Your apartment search will turn up mostly 3-bedroom houses for rent as well as apartment complexes, ranging from small, older units to more modern high-rises. Property ages range from 1940s to 1999-era construction. This area might also tickle your toes if you love cars. Many residents own three or more vehicles, even if they do take public transportation to work. Make sure you can afford rent and all of that gas -- eat more ramen.
Severn Town Center: More urban in terms of density, this area's rental options include apartment homes, townhomes, and single-family houses. Properties are occupied by a solid mix of renters and owners. You'll find lots of restaurants and shops here as well. Rental vacancy rates are higher in this part of town, and the population fluctuates a great deal. The frequent changes are likely due to the fact that so many residents are active in the military. If you love men and women in uniform, this is the community for you.
Wayne Rd/Meadow Rd: This pleasant suburban area has rental offerings of townhouses, attached single-family homes, and free-standing homes. Most were built after 1970, which is totally Generation X-style, dude. Properties are well-maintained, and you’ll find many luxury cars in the driveways of this neighborhood. If you move here, expect to rub elbows with professional, management, and military types.
Living in Severn
Maryland winters are mild, but youll still experience a full range of seasons in the state. Known for its pine woods and proximity to nearby Baltimore Harbor, Severn is a pleasant suburban town with most of its workforce employed by the Army and other government entities. You’ll find a lot of computer and tech jobs, both in the private and public sector here.
Although many residents own cars, you don’t necessarily need one. Public transportation is available and readily used throughout the community, with commuters taking the train into Baltimore and around greater Anne Arundel County. The Severn Square Shopping Center offers retail stores and major chain shopping. Arundel Mills, a major regional mall, is less than a 10-minute drive away. Get your shop on here.
Real estate is mostly comprised of apartment complexes, townhomes, and single-family homes. Medium-sized homes, such as 3-bedroom houses for rent, are common. Many of the available properties were built between 1970 and 2000, making the overall feel of the city modern.
Green and educated
The area offers ample parks, including Mead Village Park, with playing fields, playgrounds, and picnic space. The community is also dotted with small lakes, such as Lake Marion. Nearby are various tributaries of the Patapsco River, which stretches into the Chesapeake Bay. If you really want to get your sea legs going, head into Baltimore, which is the second-largest seaport in the mid-Atlantic. Prestigious Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland-Baltimore are both conveniently located near Severn. Smarty pants abound.
Transportation ease
Along with excellent access to the light rail for commuters, Severn is close to the Baltimore Washington International Airport for out-of-state travel. The heavily traveled Baltimore-Washington Parkway runs along the northern end of the community. Beware of screeching airplanes overhead.
Going to town
While Severn puts sports leagues, shopping centers, and a large regional mall at your fingertips, for cultural activities you’ll primarily commute 25 to 30 minutes into downtown Baltimore. While maintaining your comfortable suburban lifestyle, you'll partake of historic landmarks like Fort McHenry, where the Star Spangled Banner was penned (Just remember to remove your hats and caps, as a sign of respect.). You'll also find a plethora of fresh seafood down at the waterfront. Fresh crab anyone? That’s a Maryland waterfront staple!
The trendy Fells Point area of Baltimore has cafes, bars, and waterfront views from shops and restaurants sprouting out of Federalist-era row houses. Edgar Allen Poe fan? Visit the spot where the somewhat creepy precursor to Tim Burton movies penned The Raven. Baltimores Little Italy is rife with delicious pastas and splendid cannolis. A summer specialty consists of orange and lemon ices sweetly placed inside carved-out fruits.
In Severn, restaurant offerings skew to national chain brands, but there are several notable exceptions including the well-regarded Severn Staple of China Seas, open late and offering home delivery. Community parks, shopping opportunities, and the lively Baltimore waterfront are all draws of this location. If you like soft-shell crab, mild winters, and a comfortable, woodsy, suburban feel, what are you waiting for? Severn is calling! Get moving.