Overlooked in the Outskirts

Sure, there’s usually a Target nearby and plenty of parking.
 
But that doesn’t mean suburbanites aren’t lacking in some retail offerings.
 
Many county residents were just as vocal as their counterparts in the city in expressing what they want in their neighborhoods. An independent coffee shop, IKEA, an ice cream parlor and a healthful café are on their wish list.

"We have a Starbucks in the Woodholme Shopping Center, but that's pretty much it," says Pikesville resident Daniel Waldman. Pikesville, a Northwest suburb in Baltimore County, is anchored by Reisterstown Road.

A little farther northwest, Owings Mills suburbanite Jessica Platt is seeking an IKEA to cut down on trips to White Marsh. She enjoys the nearby Target and Wal-Mart but would like to see a home furnishing store.

“As a young, working professional with a realistic budget, IKEA is where I went to furnish my apartment. Having to go back and forth to White Marsh a couple times was a pain, but it was worth the drive to get the great deals and prices that only IKEA offers.”
 
Howard County resident Brianna Moulton is thinking about food—or the lack thereof, in the form of sandwiches.

"All that I want is a Panera in Ellicott City,” she says. "I really think that Ellicott City needs that sort of 'in-between' restaurant that isn't fast food, but isn't a fancier restaurant, either."
 
She doesn’t always have time to cook dinner and doesn’t want to spend time waiting for a table and having a sit-down dinner. Einstein Bros. Bagels, Subway and several takeout Asian places dot Route 40, but Moulton craves more sandwich options.  

“I want to order, eat, and be out in less than 30 minutes. That doesn’t have to be Panera, but a nice sandwich shop would be great,” she says.
 
Moulton and her fiancé recently purchased a home in Columbia, so she may find what she needs at one of the area’s many cafes, like La Madeleine and, yes, Panera.

Just north of Baltimore City, Towson resident Quinn Collins (and her little girl) expressed a desire for "a good ice cream shoppe.” (Yes, a place with two Ps and an E.) Collins is looking for the quintessential ice cream parlor with classics like banana splits. Moxley’s on Allegheny closed, leaving few family friendly options.

Regardless of urban or suburban living, Baltimore-area residents will happily share the few things that their neighborhood is lacking—but are quick to share neighborhood charms, as well.



PHOTO:

Jessica Platt in Owings Mills / Photo by Steve Ruark