I know. It's not what even I expected, and it may be atypical. It's a bunch of little things that add up.
I'm in one of the original Levitt houses, in Belair. It is a much better-built place than what I had in Columbia. Gas heat: so, in the winter, we can get, you know, warm. I gained a bathroom and a garage for the same $.
I have a retired navy chief on one side of me and a network engineer on the other. Across the street are other families with similar backgrounds. We all helped each other shovel out of the snow, together. In Columbia, I had thug wannabes and more and more multi-multi-family houses surrounding me. And Columbia's wonderful system of paths provided ideal escape routes for the increasing vandalism and other petty crime.
In Bowie, I can put a fridge or a sofa bed or nearly any other combination of stuff out on the curb for twice a week pickup, not including recyclables and yard waste... which have their own dedicated weekly pickups. In Columbia, I could put out 3 bags a week that couldn't weigh more than whatever they felt like picking up, based on whim.
Groceries and gas are cheaper. I found an honest mechanic that does good work at sane prices. Berwyn and PG Trap and Skeet are nearby. Annapolis shopping smokes Columbia's and takes no longer to get there.
Closer to the beach. No Columbia Association (I get to pick where I build my shed--shocking). I can do something whacky/crazy like... grow vegetables... in my yard.
I've met and like the mayor and the police chief. The Bowie police have been courteous, responsive, and professional whenever I've dealt with them. I have more wildlife runnin' through the back yard (which is, imo, cool).
#1 reason: No one is baiting me to strangle them for their "Choose Civility in Bowie" bumper sticker.
Like I said, lots of little things make it preferable to where we were (notice I never claimed it to be a great place to be and/or raise a family). I will say that the public schools are inexcusable, but much of Columbia's are as well. And there are parts of it where I really don't need to go... which isn't odd considering how big Bowie is.
If I was moving here fresh, I'd really try for the Eastern Shore as I think that's about as good as MD gets.
Good to know. I live in HoCo like you once did, except in Ellicott City. I am looking to move out because it is getting too expensive around here and I want to live somewhere that is closer in proximity to where I work. I actually looked into Bowie because of its proximity to work and because it is substantially cheaper. I know there are parts of Columbia that can be pretty bad, but I figured Bowie would be worse so I haven't seriously considered living there. However, I do know there are some good areas of Bowie to live, which is why I asked where about in Bowie you reside in. If you don't mind sending me a PM letting me know what part of Bowie you live in I'd appreciate it.
#1 reason: No one is baiting me to strangle them for their "Choose Civility in Bowie" bumper sticker.
LOL