In the shadow of old Annapolis, Generations wind forever, Seafood feasts, and iconic treats, Severna Park, a Maryland treasure." (-- Kevin Mooney, "Severna Park").
Named after the Severn River, this community in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area is home to people who work in Baltimore, Washington D
In the shadow of old Annapolis, Generations wind forever, Seafood feasts, and iconic treats, Severna Park, a Maryland treasure." (-- Kevin Mooney, "Severna Park").
Named after the Severn River, this community in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area is home to people who work in Baltimore, Washington D.C. and other nearby cities. The community is one of the most expensive places to live in the entire United States. The town is split by the Ritchie Highway, which goes straight into Baltimore, so city workers have an easy time getting into the city. Over the years, several famous people have come out of Severna Park, including some politicians, writers, athletes, and, ahem, the porn star Tracy Adams, so it's definitely a place with character!
KOK, so you have your first-born child ready to hand over, and a bone saw revved up for your arm and leg? Okay, okay, it's not going to be that hard. Let's get started on your home-hunting adventure!
First off, you will have trouble finding an apartment in Severna Park. There are some small apartment buildings available, but mostly there are only houses and townhouses available. With vacancy rates ranging between 0 and 4% depending on the neighborhood, it's basically a catch-as-catch-can market. So if you have your heart set on getting a large two bedroom apartment in Severna Park, it's possible, but you will have to be very lucky, or very persistent.
Because of the number of houses and townhouses, small homes and larger 3 bedroom houses for rent are more likely to be available, so keep an open mind!
Tips to Cut Costs
There are a few things you can do during your apartment search to make sure you get something affordable:
Getting an All-Bills-Paid Apartment
This is the toughest thing to find, but if you can get it you'll save a bundle. Part of the reason Severna Park is so expensive is due to the various services, not simply the rent, which can be as low as $860. If you can somehow strike a deal in which the landlord covers most of these expenses, do it.
Offer to Fix the Place Up
Some people hate the thought of investing any time or money into fixing up a rental, but if you offer to use some elbow grease and some money taking care of the lawn, painting, shoveling the walk and driveway, or doing some minor repairs and remodeling, it can get you a lower rent. Talk things over with your potential landlord, and see if you can make a deal. The money you save each month will go a long way toward recouping your time and effort.
Live Near the Highway
People don't like the thought of the noise and traffic from being close to the freeway, so houses near the Ritchie Highway and some other busy streets in Severna Park will cost less. The noise will be annoying at first, but after 2 or 3 weeks, and with a good pair of earplugs, you won't notice it.
Be Friendly and Helpful
People want to help people they think are nice, so when you look at your potential apartment rental, dress nicely, smile a lot, and be friendly. Don't pretend you're kissing up to your boss, however: that puts you in a bad bargaining position.
To be helpful, have your papers in order before you begin your search. Proof of employment, pay stubs, credit reports, and good references are pretty much essential, unless you want to pay through your nose in security deposits.
There are four neighborhoods in Severna Park. You want to be careful about which one you choose, as the prices vary dramatically. Here's a basic guide:
Lakeland: About the only place in the town with apartment buildings, you will have to make a deal with the devil or pull some strings at an important government office to find a place here, as the vacancy rate is 0.
Pasadena: The least expensive area in town at an average price of $860, and you actually have a chance at finding a nice place.
Town Center: The residents here enjoy the finer things in life, with small galleries and cafes lining the street.
Manhattan Beach: Right on the coastline, this is the place to be if you love the ocean, and have very deep pockets.
Severna Parks is a bedroom community. It offers a fairly quiet life, with lots of families and relaxing activities. One popular place is Severna Park (an actual park, not the town. Creative name, right?) that offers places for picnics, biking, hiking, swimming, and boating. There are also a fairly large number of cafes, boutiques, and art galleries for the refined tastes of the community.
If a quiet, sophisticated life is what you're looking for, you'll find it here.
