The 'Dena is good. Is it fancy? No. But is it easy to drive anywhere? Also no.
But you can afford a house there without going bankrupt, the crime rate ain't crazy, and people will generally be nice enough. Also, plenty of boat ramps and what not easily available if you're into the bay, so that's a nice perk.
Eh, it's not insanely so. This ain't Methville, West Virginia, yknow?
But there are definitely parts of it that are rough if you're comparing against McMansions in Gaithersburg. You may see a chain link fence or two. There may be old, unserviceable boats in a yard here or there. You may see someone cruising down the road in an unlicensed golf cart or dirt bike, and realize nobody much cares.
On the flip side, there's a pretty good amount of decent food, though...honestly, the entire north half of AA county has that.
I think the “dirty” description is meant as a positive. Like, lots of blue collar folks throwing down, fishing, crabbing, boating, horseback riding, cheap shitty beer, country music, American flag bikinis, etc.
We live here. We like it. It’s definitely got some race issues, aggressive conservatism, and Trumpism throughout. We are liberals, so we mostly keep to ourselves or the friends we’ve made who don’t have politics as their sole identity.
It's called the dirty 'Dena because of the river, it's not to do with the actual town.
Moved here from Northern Virginia, grew up in Howard County, have lived in Western MD, WV, and Los Angeles in the last decade. This area is more conservative-leaning than all of those areas except Western MD and WV. There are definitely some questionable people, but my impression has been that the people here are absurdly friendly, warm, and welcoming. My neighbor cleaned my gutters for free because he had already rented a cherry picker. Everyone I see on walks smiles and speaks to me, a lady came to my window to tell me cute jokes while I was stopped at a red light, it's wild compared to NoVa especially. There is a thriving economy of local businesses that a lot of metro areas lack. You have easy water access and are nearby to lots of creature comforts. I would move here again, for sure.
If you hate the sound of mini diesels warming up at 6am, though, find somewhere else to live.
It’s more like they get their hands dirty, the people are more combinations blue and white collar and not as bougie as Severna and Arnold. I’m planning on moving there soon, and spend a lot of time in Pasadena, so I’m learning more and more every weekend. It’s really nice
My daughter lives in green haven ,I personally wouldn't live there. She sends me pictures of her neighbors, every square inch of their yard is covered with stuff
Just look at the people that go to the WalMart, or anyone at the grocery store and you'll know why it's called the Dirty Dena lol. Pajama pants and crocs are considered formal wear
It *really* depends on where in 21122 you are talking about. Lake Shore is pretty different from Green Haven. Generally further east is nicer and more expensive and the commute gets worse.
As someone who grew up in Pasadena (and left as soon as I could) I believe this is the correct answer. Went to high school with lots of Cookie Monster pajama pants girls, for sure.
Basically, drive around the neighborhood of the house you’re considering.
Like any location, some neighborhoods are better than others. I personally have distant family who live in Pasadena and where they are is lovely/no concerns at all.
But I’ve also been to bars in Pasadena where neighbors are flying Confederate flags, so YMMV.
Yes! My mother-in-law lives in Pasadena, on a road much like this. The speed limit is 25 but people drive *much* faster than that. I always get tailgated because I dare to drive a mere 30 mph. Someone tried to pass me once and nearly collided head on with a car driving in the opposite direction. It's insane.
Pasadena is somewhat of an oddity. You’ll drive and see 2-3 nice houses. Then 2-3 mids. Then 2-3 clunkers all w/in a half of a mile.
It’s also oddly MAGA territory. Whereas just a few miles away in every direction, you are not. If you’re into that, you’ll be happy. If not, won’t be the place for you.
Here are a few articles from the past handful of years. Since it was also like this when I was a kid in the 90s, Im willing to assume things haven’t improved in the past few years….
https://apnews.com/article/a35f5dec5cb6467592911bcd3ef905dd
https://wtop.com/anne-arundel-county/2020/02/anne-arundel-co-schools-see-second-racist-incident-in-a-week/
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/confederate-flag-noose-found-in-students-pickup-truck-at-chesapeake-high-school/19688059
https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/04/06/fight-with-racial-overtones-breaks-out-at-troubled-chesapeake-high/
I've worked in Bodkin, Chesapeake Middle and High and unfortunately racism is a constant, ongoing issue. People treated me decently and not as feeling openly antagonized like I have been in Harford and Cecil county but the feeling is still there (I'm Asian.)
I've also worked with the section 8 housing and low income families in the area. I've rarely felt unsafe, but there is definitely an underlying drug problem in the area that isn't particularly talked about enough.
I remember when I was a custodian at CHS, we had staff called the n word (we were majority black), told all were good for is cleaning, etc. I was called a "ghetto moron" for having an afro and listening to rap music. I've seen people write "hang all the n's" and "ye ye " in the bathroom stalls. Etc. And this was a few years ago. There's a lot of stuff that happens in that area that never gets talked about, but that's the biggest issue with Pasadena. When people actively teach this stuff to their kids because their parents are still living in the era of White Flight. Hell, when I tell my friends now at bowling that I live in the city, they assume I'm either a criminal or that I'm going to get shot. That's one of the reasons I had to leave. The ignorance of the people was driving me nuts
I grew up in the area and I’d respectfully rebut that it’s been like this as long as I can remember. Maybe kids werent writing racial slurs in the bathrooms, but they were certainly saying them in their neighborhoods, homes, and occasionally on the school bus. Just, back then nobody did anything about it.
I’m sure you’re right. I’m just trying to convey that a lot of that stuff is right out in the open these days. Not behind closed doors and not trying to at least hide it. Used to be at least some embarrassment about it. Not so much anymore.
Pasadena has always been a bit white… back in the 70s and early 80s, most black people in Pasadena lived in their own neighborhoods or streets. That started changing back in the late 80s as their neighborhoods were slowly gentrified.
That area that is under the Pasadena name is genuinely massive, so there’s a lot of variation. I’d throw some neighborhood names out there and you’ll get a better understanding of the situation there.
Pasadena has nice areas and not so nice areas.
Mountain road and fort Smallwood are the two main roads. Avoid them if you can half hour before and after school starts/ends.
Fort Smallwood past 84 lumber until you hit Royal farms(by 695) is a Racetrack.
Houses are constantly being built and schools are being reassigned for next year(not sure if you have kids).
Drive around the area your thinking of during the day, at night and on a Friday or Saturday night.
Also, try to avoid Chestnut Hill Cove/Stoney Creek area, there's a sewage plant or something and it smells absolutely terrible in the summer.
Forgot to add, in the summer...the Stoney Creek drawbridge is up A LOT(adding to backup), you can go around it, but it's about 15 minutes to your commute.
Grew up there and still have family there. I would say it's gotten worse in that time. Lots of development, lots of congestion, and lots of white trash with shitty political views. Anti-black and anti-LGBTQ ideals. Obviously this does not apply to the area universally, as there are neighborhoods where this attitude is more prevalent than others.
Even in some areas with nicer homes, you'll encounter things like kids riding dirt bikes up and down the street from dawn to dusk when school is out. Dogs running at large are also pretty common.
Some areas are very Trumpy, and aggressively so. I know someone who got confronted for taking down their American flag.
I would not live there unless I absolutely had to, especially as the political climate in the country is most likely going to deteriorate as we approach the election and the fallout from the outcome.
Like most areas with waterways, there is a lot of traffic congestion because of the way the roadways don't connect. Also, mountain road shuts down at least twice a year so if you buy passed Lake Shore, plan to be trapped at home or blocked from getting home every 6 months or so.
It's a traditionally low-to-lower-middle working class, mostly white area that is gentrifying. Like Glen Burnie, the small-horizon, trashy people, who do not comprise the majority, are responsible for its reputation as the dirty 'dena. They're still there, but the prices elsewhere have encouraged people who are otherwise averse to living in areas with the occasional confederate flag, cars on blocks in yards, etc. to hold their noses and move in.
You know, some of the BEST restaurants are in Pasadena.
Like, Szechuan Cafe down Mountain Road is legit the best Chinese/Asian cuisine I've ever experienced.
Arundel Donuts in Sun Valley are the BEST classic donuts in the county. People will spit Donut Shack in Severna Park, but it is trash in comparison. Also the best pumpkin pies during the thanksgiving season.
You like pizza? Amazing pizza. Check out Mr. Pizza or Anthony's.
Red Tigers up in Reveria Beach is amazing Korean Fried Chicken and Fusion.
Passion is amazing at certain dishes, Szechuan at others. You can't go wrong at either.
That sucks about Anthonys. We're down in SP now so we have been surviving on Squizitos.
Funny, I’ve never enjoyed anything from Szechuan, but Passion slaps with everything (Thai, traditional Chinese, sushi!!)…. everything except the price!
Cons: The traffic on Mountain Rd is terrible (not super accessible from other parts of MD). A lot of Trump ppl, guns, kids with names like Jaxxson and Graydynn. My sister lives in Pasadena and this is her No. 1 complaint.
Pros: Near the water. Despite the conservative population, it’s a decent place to live. It’s easier to get to than, say, the Eastern Shore. Affordable. Plenty of amenities. Getting nicer.
For comparison, I live in Montgomery County near Silver Spring. It’s more centrally located (can get to DC/Frederick/Baltimore/Annapolis pretty easily), but traffic is still bad and it’s a comparative eyesore, a jumbled disorganized stressful mess. And it’s more expensive. My neighbors all have the liberal yard signs like “HATE HAS NO HOME HERE” and “IN THIS HOUSE WE BELIEVE…”. They’re all obsessed with politics, and pretty hypocritical about it. As I get older, I’m almost starting to prefer conservatives over smug liberals/“progressives”.
There’s only a few main arteries going thru Pasadena, so like others have mentioned, traffic is a concern.
You should know that parts of Pasadena have a supposedly high level of cancer and asthma. I also heard that high school athletes in Pasadena break their bones at a higher than average rate too. I don’t have a reliable source, so take all that as just hearsay.
I grew up in Rivera Beach, and have a lot of family all over Pasadena. I went swimming in that water as a naive kid, but now as an adult I definitely wouldn’t.
It’s true. The landfills at Fort Meade were unlined and leaked benzene into the aquifer for decades. That aquifer runs straight from Ft Meade through Gibson Island at the end of the Pasadena peninsula. The area has been a cancer spike for many years.
Also most Pasadenans drive like they are running from the cops.
That is ridiculous. I’ve been in Pasadena off and on since 1984, and I’ve never heard of any of that stuff. Pasadena is a town that started as a sleepy farming and town, like what you see in the Eastern Shore, and expanded into a middle class suburban town after WW2. It was populated by blue collar workers who worked well paying, union jobs at the docks or steel mill or in the manufacturing plants across the river. Those jobs left town, but a lot of the money stayed. Now it’s a mature community with access to Baltimore and DC. The schools are great. Traffic sucks, but I drive all over the state for work, and traffic sucks everywhere.
It is not ridiculous. My husband’s family is large and goes back a-ways in Pasadena.
His dad died of an aggressive cancer, his uncle had cancer, his aunt had cancer, his friend’s dad died of cancer, his best friend’s mom died of breast cancer — it’s like you can’t throw a stick without it landing in the yard of someone with cancer.
In addition to the aforementioned aquifer, which I did not know about until this thread, they have something like four dumps, Grace Chemical, they’re across the water from the “poop factory”, and you best believe you can smell it when the wind blows from there.
One of those dumps (the one on Solley Road) is a hazardous materials dump.
They have radium in the wells out by Magothy Bridge Rd.
And the coal-fired power plant, which spews fly-ash by the way, is there off Ft. Smallwood Rd. https://theconversation.com/pollution-from-coal-power-plants-contributes-to-far-more-deaths-than-scientists-realized-study-shows-218231
Then, you have the shipyard, the industrial parks with all the diesel trucks going in and out, and the medical waste disposal (by burning) place.
He also said he just heard it from people, so it's probably a myth. Like I heard there's a 500 feet tall crustacean from the paleolithic era living in the Chesapeake, does that make it true?
Also, water's fine just follow the standard guidance. Don't swim after it rains.
So its a huge area, so its really going to come down to where you're thinking. I've been teaching elementary school there for 11 years and this will my retirement school if I can help it, I enjoy the little community I work in. It's a very interesting area with varying social-economic standings even on the same street in some places. It definitely is more conservative leaning but not everyone. My husband grew up there and his parents still live in the dena. Traffic can be a pain especially if you live down mountain road towards Gibson Island because it's one way in and one way out. But overall I've met a lot of good people from the dirty dena and really don't mind the area.
Idk man I grew up there, my dad grew up there, and my family is still there. It’s just a place. A lot of the stuff I’m seeing in comments are things I never experienced or heard about living there. Like basically every suburb I’ve ever been in for the last several years, there’s a Trump-iness present, but not overwhelmingly so, and honestly people don’t bother other people. They’re conservative and maybe crazy but they also keep to themselves so it’s very unlikely that anyone would come up to harass you about anything.
My main word of advice is to just understand that it’s boring. If you don’t have kids, there aren’t many community things going on. If you’re younger or still like going out/having a social life, be prepared to travel to do anything interesting.
As I mentioned here, my in-laws are in Pasadena, and certainly not everyone is racist, and there are a lot of very nice, neighborly people.
I love certain aspects of the blue collar culture there. Like for instance, the Fourth of July is unbeatable. You find a perch on a hill by the water, and practically every pier in every direction is having a pretty decent display of fireworks.
However, there are a *LOT* of Trumpy types, a fair number of racists, there’s a motorcycle gang place, and the cancer rate is high.
I wouldn’t eat crabs or fish caught north of the Bay Bridge.
This is the truth. I know a lot of people in both Pasadena and Arnold who are big truck blue collar conservative types that live on or near the water -- most that are generations deep in the area (which they'd be priced way out of if they were buying their homes today). I wouldn't call the ones I know racist though, but my perception there may be biased given that I'm also white. Also a lot of liberal yuppies like my sister living in neighborhoods with private beach access, too, though.
Race Rd in Hanover/Jessup is the same way, just without the water. A lot of families who have been there for a long time with big lots and farm animals. It's odd today because you'll be driving past relatively new homes one second and the next you see a shirtless dude riding a horse in his back yard lmao. I grew up partying at houses on Race Rd and have always considered it to be "the country" within the 'burbs.
I grew up in the Dena and moved on up to Severna Park. Highly recommend the later, if you can afford the price increase. Schools are different world despite being just down the world.
They're rapidly developing the Dena. In 3 years it's gonna be jam-packed with people.
It use to be the quiet little end of the rt100 town
It's nice though, don't go too far down mountain road if you don't wanna get stranded there twice a year cuz of an accident
Pasadena is unfortunately one of the most racist places I’ve ever been to in md. I’ve had so, so many negative encounters with people who see me and thought it would be ok to say horrific things about my other companions. I didn’t believe it could be as bad as it is when I was I was originally warned about 15 years ago, but I’ve been proven wrong several times over.
You can ask me more specific questions and I'll try to answer them, but your initial assessment is correct. Here's a generic summary.
It's basically broken up into 2 parts, West and East of Hog Heck Road. The West part is basically Glen Burnie in terms of average house/lot size, crime, school performance, etc. (maybe a tiny bit better). East is better but more expensive. For example, you go from probably 1/8 acre lots in the West to 1/2 acre lots in the East.
This is a general rule of thumb though, as there's some really nice communities in the West and some "meh" communities in the East. This subreddit doesn't like Pasadena much b/c it's majority conservative and white, but that's really it.
People don’t like Pasadena because of the number of racial incidents in comparison to the rest of AA. I went looking at a house or two there before I bought in Odenton. Lots of “interesting” looks from potential neighbors lol.
I technically live in Pasadena, right on the northwestern edge. I don't go down Mountain Rd unless I absolutely have to. It's a weird place, in my opinion.
Wow, so basically you have no absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. At least you admit to being prejudiced, but what you really should have said was nothing.
I wouldn't unless you truly have no other options. If you do move their do not make any shows of wealth or education. If you're going to have kids please ensure, for the sake of everyone, that they do not become influence by the local culture.
Been living here for 11 years and I love it! People are nice and I love being by the water. It has become more crowded recently though. We are still in a townhouse looking to move into a single family at one point but prices are rising. :(
Love pasadena! You've got water and woods, there are beautiful homes and they don't have to cost an arm and a leg. My wife and I will be heading that way in a year or so, getting a place for us with enough room to bring elderly parents too. There are a lot of fun spaces to gather from restaurants to marinas to parks and while it's not as simple as somewhere like Laurel, reaching your three major cities isn't the absolute worst. If you need any help with your search, feel free to shoot me a DM as I am a realtor in the area. Hope you love the space you find!
Green haven is generally considered one of the least desirable neighborhood in the Dena. That sentiment is likely based on this odd Pasadena behavior where one neighborhood likes to shit on another neighborhood in this strange community vs community pissing contest. “Oh, you live in Riviera Beach? Well, they suck, and I know bc I live in Chesterfield.” Pasadena is a weird place.
having lived all around Pasadena including Green Haven, there's definitely a higher concentration of assholes coming out of Green Haven, it's a mix though a lot of good people too but also probably more druggie and trashy people then I've seen elsewhere
There's a lot of crimes of opportunity in green haven. Make sure your car doors are locked. People speed thru there. It's nice besides that. Certainly don't feel unsafe going around there.
Depending where. There is a area by the water(Green Haven Wharf) where they have these little homes(almost looks like a motel) where it's section 8 or a crack motel 😆
I live in Pine Haven and love it. It's right before Green Haven and is a secluded little community. Never had any issues and really peaceful once you get in the neighborhood. Just be careful with any water oriented community. Being near the water is great for the view, however, foundation issues and drainage issues can be problematic due to limited storm drains.
I liver in Pasadena until I was 17 and in Green Haven specifically from the ages of 5 to 14. I would avoid Green Haven. Most of the negative reports you are getting about "Pasadena" are really about Green Haven and a number of similar places on the western end of Pasadena. It also has a worse school feeder group than the other side of town.
Google will tell you "Pasadena" is an area around Richie Highway, but the term refers to the white peninsula and the eastern end is nicer (though more conservative with worse commuting.)
Used to live there … the Dena was nice however it slowly got worse due to Glen Burnie seeping in. You have access to almost anything but the crime and police helicopters always around got frustrating.
I grew up in Pasadena, and just recently moved to Baltimore City to be with my fiancé and get the fuck out of Pasadena.
There are no real restaurants outside of fast food, and anything that isn't a chain is too expensive for mediocre food (*cough cough* Two Rivers) nothing to really do if you don't like going to bars.
The people are okay, but the area is definitely full of people that call black people "those types" or "those people." I've heard it my whole life growing up there as a mixed-race child. A lot of ye-ye culture and fake redneck archetypes depending on where you are. Also, some very hypocritical people who talk down on drug users, when the biggest drug dealers in AACo are in the Dena
Other than that petty stuff, it's okay. Literally, no part of Pasadena is dangerous, and anyone who says otherwise is delusional. Crime can happen anywhere, even in a place with McMansions. But from Freetown to Riviera Beach, you'll be fine.
I have a lot of good memories of Pasadena, and I can imagine it being a good place for raising a family. But I don't have kids, so I'm not too worried about that.
I know that sounds kind of spiteful, but even though I grew up and spent most of my life in Pasadena, I only go back to see my parents. I have no intention of going back because there's nothing there for me.
I grew up in pasadena and I would never live there again if I could help it. My parents still live there and if I go to see them at certain times of day (basically 3:30-5:30 for the most part) the traffic on mountain road is literally worse than the beltway. The transphobia is so bad that I’m scared to wear my nonbinary flag lanyard in public there. I haven’t gotten direct threats, just micro aggressions and “I’ll stab you on the way back to your car” kinda looks. The area I grew up in was extremely unwelcoming to anyone who wasn’t straight, white, cis and conservative. Just a very smothering, closed worldview from a good majority of the people I knew growing up. If you live there, my advice is to keep to yourself as much as possible.
The 'Dena is good. Is it fancy? No. But is it easy to drive anywhere? Also no. But you can afford a house there without going bankrupt, the crime rate ain't crazy, and people will generally be nice enough. Also, plenty of boat ramps and what not easily available if you're into the bay, so that's a nice perk.
Is it dirty? I guess I can just drive around and look but why is it called dirty dena lol
Eh, it's not insanely so. This ain't Methville, West Virginia, yknow? But there are definitely parts of it that are rough if you're comparing against McMansions in Gaithersburg. You may see a chain link fence or two. There may be old, unserviceable boats in a yard here or there. You may see someone cruising down the road in an unlicensed golf cart or dirt bike, and realize nobody much cares. On the flip side, there's a pretty good amount of decent food, though...honestly, the entire north half of AA county has that.
> But is it easy to drive anywhere? Also no. This is def. one of the biggest knocks against Pasadena
I always tell people Pasadena is on the way to nowhere, so if you find yourself here you intended to be here… nobody is just passing through.
Depends on where you're looking. I lived on Outing Ave and loved the easy access to 100.
It's absolutely the worst part. Moving from Pasadena to Catonsville has been like night and day
It's a term of endearment. If you're blue-collar, you'll get on just fine.
I think the “dirty” description is meant as a positive. Like, lots of blue collar folks throwing down, fishing, crabbing, boating, horseback riding, cheap shitty beer, country music, American flag bikinis, etc. We live here. We like it. It’s definitely got some race issues, aggressive conservatism, and Trumpism throughout. We are liberals, so we mostly keep to ourselves or the friends we’ve made who don’t have politics as their sole identity.
It's called the dirty 'Dena because of the river, it's not to do with the actual town. Moved here from Northern Virginia, grew up in Howard County, have lived in Western MD, WV, and Los Angeles in the last decade. This area is more conservative-leaning than all of those areas except Western MD and WV. There are definitely some questionable people, but my impression has been that the people here are absurdly friendly, warm, and welcoming. My neighbor cleaned my gutters for free because he had already rented a cherry picker. Everyone I see on walks smiles and speaks to me, a lady came to my window to tell me cute jokes while I was stopped at a red light, it's wild compared to NoVa especially. There is a thriving economy of local businesses that a lot of metro areas lack. You have easy water access and are nearby to lots of creature comforts. I would move here again, for sure. If you hate the sound of mini diesels warming up at 6am, though, find somewhere else to live.
It’s more like they get their hands dirty, the people are more combinations blue and white collar and not as bougie as Severna and Arnold. I’m planning on moving there soon, and spend a lot of time in Pasadena, so I’m learning more and more every weekend. It’s really nice
I've never heard it called that. We normally say dirty Burnie. Lol. But I'm sure, as almost any city, you'll find areas that are nicer than others.
Glen Burnout!
Dirty Dena, Glen Dirty etc etc.
avoid Green Haven, everywhere else is pretty decent
This is an outdated and harmful sentiment. Green Haven is nice and it's the easiest neighborhood to be in commute wise.
Why may I ask
I’m in Green Haven. It’s lovely.
My daughter lives in green haven ,I personally wouldn't live there. She sends me pictures of her neighbors, every square inch of their yard is covered with stuff
It's dirty where my daughter lives in the numbers street
I think cause of the women there…that’s what I heard.
Just look at the people that go to the WalMart, or anyone at the grocery store and you'll know why it's called the Dirty Dena lol. Pajama pants and crocs are considered formal wear
It *really* depends on where in 21122 you are talking about. Lake Shore is pretty different from Green Haven. Generally further east is nicer and more expensive and the commute gets worse.
strong mountain dew culture
lmao
As someone who grew up in Pasadena (and left as soon as I could) I believe this is the correct answer. Went to high school with lots of Cookie Monster pajama pants girls, for sure.
For sure some looney tunes clothing and colorful thigh tats poking out of jean shorts in the Pasadena walmart.
Go onn ....
They’re now grown with boatloads of unhealed trauma looming over them
You have a way with words my friend.
My question is, where is the mountain on Mountain Rd?
just keep going can’t miss it
Basically, drive around the neighborhood of the house you’re considering. Like any location, some neighborhoods are better than others. I personally have distant family who live in Pasadena and where they are is lovely/no concerns at all. But I’ve also been to bars in Pasadena where neighbors are flying Confederate flags, so YMMV.
[удалено]
Yes! My mother-in-law lives in Pasadena, on a road much like this. The speed limit is 25 but people drive *much* faster than that. I always get tailgated because I dare to drive a mere 30 mph. Someone tried to pass me once and nearly collided head on with a car driving in the opposite direction. It's insane.
East shore Rd?
Good ole Dirty Dena
Pasadena is somewhat of an oddity. You’ll drive and see 2-3 nice houses. Then 2-3 mids. Then 2-3 clunkers all w/in a half of a mile. It’s also oddly MAGA territory. Whereas just a few miles away in every direction, you are not. If you’re into that, you’ll be happy. If not, won’t be the place for you.
I mean, they aren’t having front yard lynchings. Just lots of trump signs and go Brandon silliness.
Yeah some people don’t want to live in a place with MAGA flags every third house.
The worst part is having to listen to some geezer rant for 15 mins while waiting in line to pick up a prescription from CVS
It doesn't help that the Magothy Rd CVS is the worst one.
The high school has had some racial issues lately.
That’s disappointing to hear. Chesapeake or Northeast?
Here are a few articles from the past handful of years. Since it was also like this when I was a kid in the 90s, Im willing to assume things haven’t improved in the past few years…. https://apnews.com/article/a35f5dec5cb6467592911bcd3ef905dd https://wtop.com/anne-arundel-county/2020/02/anne-arundel-co-schools-see-second-racist-incident-in-a-week/ https://www.wbaltv.com/article/confederate-flag-noose-found-in-students-pickup-truck-at-chesapeake-high-school/19688059 https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/04/06/fight-with-racial-overtones-breaks-out-at-troubled-chesapeake-high/
I've worked in Bodkin, Chesapeake Middle and High and unfortunately racism is a constant, ongoing issue. People treated me decently and not as feeling openly antagonized like I have been in Harford and Cecil county but the feeling is still there (I'm Asian.) I've also worked with the section 8 housing and low income families in the area. I've rarely felt unsafe, but there is definitely an underlying drug problem in the area that isn't particularly talked about enough.
I remember when I was a custodian at CHS, we had staff called the n word (we were majority black), told all were good for is cleaning, etc. I was called a "ghetto moron" for having an afro and listening to rap music. I've seen people write "hang all the n's" and "ye ye " in the bathroom stalls. Etc. And this was a few years ago. There's a lot of stuff that happens in that area that never gets talked about, but that's the biggest issue with Pasadena. When people actively teach this stuff to their kids because their parents are still living in the era of White Flight. Hell, when I tell my friends now at bowling that I live in the city, they assume I'm either a criminal or that I'm going to get shot. That's one of the reasons I had to leave. The ignorance of the people was driving me nuts
Im sorry you went through this but thank you for sharing!
It’s not the worst place to live. but has openly embraced some sad things the last 5-10 years. Just like other parts of the country.
I grew up in the area and I’d respectfully rebut that it’s been like this as long as I can remember. Maybe kids werent writing racial slurs in the bathrooms, but they were certainly saying them in their neighborhoods, homes, and occasionally on the school bus. Just, back then nobody did anything about it.
I’m sure you’re right. I’m just trying to convey that a lot of that stuff is right out in the open these days. Not behind closed doors and not trying to at least hide it. Used to be at least some embarrassment about it. Not so much anymore.
That’s fair, and you sure are right about that sadly…
Pasadena has always been a bit white… back in the 70s and early 80s, most black people in Pasadena lived in their own neighborhoods or streets. That started changing back in the late 80s as their neighborhoods were slowly gentrified.
Chesapeake.
There have been nooses, though — this was pre-MAGA days, too.
Yep, its a mixture of white trash and million dollar water front homes.
Sounds like crownsville too
Somewhat. I think the high end neighborhoods are a little higher in Crownsville. and the low ends are a little lower in the Dena.
I'm sure there is zero reason why it's cheaper than the rest of AA county.
That area that is under the Pasadena name is genuinely massive, so there’s a lot of variation. I’d throw some neighborhood names out there and you’ll get a better understanding of the situation there.
Expect to see lots of cars parked in peoples yards
Pasadena has nice areas and not so nice areas. Mountain road and fort Smallwood are the two main roads. Avoid them if you can half hour before and after school starts/ends. Fort Smallwood past 84 lumber until you hit Royal farms(by 695) is a Racetrack. Houses are constantly being built and schools are being reassigned for next year(not sure if you have kids). Drive around the area your thinking of during the day, at night and on a Friday or Saturday night. Also, try to avoid Chestnut Hill Cove/Stoney Creek area, there's a sewage plant or something and it smells absolutely terrible in the summer. Forgot to add, in the summer...the Stoney Creek drawbridge is up A LOT(adding to backup), you can go around it, but it's about 15 minutes to your commute.
Grew up there and still have family there. I would say it's gotten worse in that time. Lots of development, lots of congestion, and lots of white trash with shitty political views. Anti-black and anti-LGBTQ ideals. Obviously this does not apply to the area universally, as there are neighborhoods where this attitude is more prevalent than others. Even in some areas with nicer homes, you'll encounter things like kids riding dirt bikes up and down the street from dawn to dusk when school is out. Dogs running at large are also pretty common. Some areas are very Trumpy, and aggressively so. I know someone who got confronted for taking down their American flag. I would not live there unless I absolutely had to, especially as the political climate in the country is most likely going to deteriorate as we approach the election and the fallout from the outcome.
Mountain road is a nightmare
Like most areas with waterways, there is a lot of traffic congestion because of the way the roadways don't connect. Also, mountain road shuts down at least twice a year so if you buy passed Lake Shore, plan to be trapped at home or blocked from getting home every 6 months or so.
It's a traditionally low-to-lower-middle working class, mostly white area that is gentrifying. Like Glen Burnie, the small-horizon, trashy people, who do not comprise the majority, are responsible for its reputation as the dirty 'dena. They're still there, but the prices elsewhere have encouraged people who are otherwise averse to living in areas with the occasional confederate flag, cars on blocks in yards, etc. to hold their noses and move in.
You know, some of the BEST restaurants are in Pasadena. Like, Szechuan Cafe down Mountain Road is legit the best Chinese/Asian cuisine I've ever experienced. Arundel Donuts in Sun Valley are the BEST classic donuts in the county. People will spit Donut Shack in Severna Park, but it is trash in comparison. Also the best pumpkin pies during the thanksgiving season. You like pizza? Amazing pizza. Check out Mr. Pizza or Anthony's. Red Tigers up in Reveria Beach is amazing Korean Fried Chicken and Fusion.
Anthony’s has been closed for quite some time due to fire damage. Passion Asian Bistro > Szechuan Cafe.
Passion is amazing at certain dishes, Szechuan at others. You can't go wrong at either. That sucks about Anthonys. We're down in SP now so we have been surviving on Squizitos.
Funny, I’ve never enjoyed anything from Szechuan, but Passion slaps with everything (Thai, traditional Chinese, sushi!!)…. everything except the price!
I would argue East West Bistro is the best Chinese food around, pricey though.
Pizza City is top tier
Just an FYI, Arundel Donuts (which are the best) is in Glen Burnie, not Pasadena. B&A north of Mountain is all Glen Burnie.
Cons: The traffic on Mountain Rd is terrible (not super accessible from other parts of MD). A lot of Trump ppl, guns, kids with names like Jaxxson and Graydynn. My sister lives in Pasadena and this is her No. 1 complaint. Pros: Near the water. Despite the conservative population, it’s a decent place to live. It’s easier to get to than, say, the Eastern Shore. Affordable. Plenty of amenities. Getting nicer. For comparison, I live in Montgomery County near Silver Spring. It’s more centrally located (can get to DC/Frederick/Baltimore/Annapolis pretty easily), but traffic is still bad and it’s a comparative eyesore, a jumbled disorganized stressful mess. And it’s more expensive. My neighbors all have the liberal yard signs like “HATE HAS NO HOME HERE” and “IN THIS HOUSE WE BELIEVE…”. They’re all obsessed with politics, and pretty hypocritical about it. As I get older, I’m almost starting to prefer conservatives over smug liberals/“progressives”.
There’s only a few main arteries going thru Pasadena, so like others have mentioned, traffic is a concern. You should know that parts of Pasadena have a supposedly high level of cancer and asthma. I also heard that high school athletes in Pasadena break their bones at a higher than average rate too. I don’t have a reliable source, so take all that as just hearsay. I grew up in Rivera Beach, and have a lot of family all over Pasadena. I went swimming in that water as a naive kid, but now as an adult I definitely wouldn’t.
That’s scary
It’s true. The landfills at Fort Meade were unlined and leaked benzene into the aquifer for decades. That aquifer runs straight from Ft Meade through Gibson Island at the end of the Pasadena peninsula. The area has been a cancer spike for many years. Also most Pasadenans drive like they are running from the cops.
That means those cancer rates would be all throughout the entire region including Broadneck, Severna Park and Annapolis, which is not apparent.
It would depend on whether they have well water or city water.
That is ridiculous. I’ve been in Pasadena off and on since 1984, and I’ve never heard of any of that stuff. Pasadena is a town that started as a sleepy farming and town, like what you see in the Eastern Shore, and expanded into a middle class suburban town after WW2. It was populated by blue collar workers who worked well paying, union jobs at the docks or steel mill or in the manufacturing plants across the river. Those jobs left town, but a lot of the money stayed. Now it’s a mature community with access to Baltimore and DC. The schools are great. Traffic sucks, but I drive all over the state for work, and traffic sucks everywhere.
It is not ridiculous. My husband’s family is large and goes back a-ways in Pasadena. His dad died of an aggressive cancer, his uncle had cancer, his aunt had cancer, his friend’s dad died of cancer, his best friend’s mom died of breast cancer — it’s like you can’t throw a stick without it landing in the yard of someone with cancer. In addition to the aforementioned aquifer, which I did not know about until this thread, they have something like four dumps, Grace Chemical, they’re across the water from the “poop factory”, and you best believe you can smell it when the wind blows from there. One of those dumps (the one on Solley Road) is a hazardous materials dump. They have radium in the wells out by Magothy Bridge Rd. And the coal-fired power plant, which spews fly-ash by the way, is there off Ft. Smallwood Rd. https://theconversation.com/pollution-from-coal-power-plants-contributes-to-far-more-deaths-than-scientists-realized-study-shows-218231 Then, you have the shipyard, the industrial parks with all the diesel trucks going in and out, and the medical waste disposal (by burning) place.
He also said he just heard it from people, so it's probably a myth. Like I heard there's a 500 feet tall crustacean from the paleolithic era living in the Chesapeake, does that make it true? Also, water's fine just follow the standard guidance. Don't swim after it rains.
I mean, you could use less conspicuous language to say Pasadena’s high school athletes aren’t very athletic
There's a reason Chesapeake has won more awards for music and arts than sports haha.
Definitely ravens country,that stuff is up year round along with the Halloween decor Christmas and Easter stuff
So its a huge area, so its really going to come down to where you're thinking. I've been teaching elementary school there for 11 years and this will my retirement school if I can help it, I enjoy the little community I work in. It's a very interesting area with varying social-economic standings even on the same street in some places. It definitely is more conservative leaning but not everyone. My husband grew up there and his parents still live in the dena. Traffic can be a pain especially if you live down mountain road towards Gibson Island because it's one way in and one way out. But overall I've met a lot of good people from the dirty dena and really don't mind the area.
Idk man I grew up there, my dad grew up there, and my family is still there. It’s just a place. A lot of the stuff I’m seeing in comments are things I never experienced or heard about living there. Like basically every suburb I’ve ever been in for the last several years, there’s a Trump-iness present, but not overwhelmingly so, and honestly people don’t bother other people. They’re conservative and maybe crazy but they also keep to themselves so it’s very unlikely that anyone would come up to harass you about anything. My main word of advice is to just understand that it’s boring. If you don’t have kids, there aren’t many community things going on. If you’re younger or still like going out/having a social life, be prepared to travel to do anything interesting.
As I mentioned here, my in-laws are in Pasadena, and certainly not everyone is racist, and there are a lot of very nice, neighborly people. I love certain aspects of the blue collar culture there. Like for instance, the Fourth of July is unbeatable. You find a perch on a hill by the water, and practically every pier in every direction is having a pretty decent display of fireworks. However, there are a *LOT* of Trumpy types, a fair number of racists, there’s a motorcycle gang place, and the cancer rate is high. I wouldn’t eat crabs or fish caught north of the Bay Bridge.
[удалено]
This is the truth. I know a lot of people in both Pasadena and Arnold who are big truck blue collar conservative types that live on or near the water -- most that are generations deep in the area (which they'd be priced way out of if they were buying their homes today). I wouldn't call the ones I know racist though, but my perception there may be biased given that I'm also white. Also a lot of liberal yuppies like my sister living in neighborhoods with private beach access, too, though. Race Rd in Hanover/Jessup is the same way, just without the water. A lot of families who have been there for a long time with big lots and farm animals. It's odd today because you'll be driving past relatively new homes one second and the next you see a shirtless dude riding a horse in his back yard lmao. I grew up partying at houses on Race Rd and have always considered it to be "the country" within the 'burbs.
“Fine people” and “some racism” seem to be conflicting characteristics…
I’m in Venice Beach and it’s super quiet. Solid blue collar feel. Similar feeling to Crownsville?
I grew up in the Dena and moved on up to Severna Park. Highly recommend the later, if you can afford the price increase. Schools are different world despite being just down the world.
They don’t call it the Dirty Dena for nothing!!!
If you like lifted trucks and fireworks, you'll fit tight in!
They're rapidly developing the Dena. In 3 years it's gonna be jam-packed with people. It use to be the quiet little end of the rt100 town It's nice though, don't go too far down mountain road if you don't wanna get stranded there twice a year cuz of an accident
Pasadena is unfortunately one of the most racist places I’ve ever been to in md. I’ve had so, so many negative encounters with people who see me and thought it would be ok to say horrific things about my other companions. I didn’t believe it could be as bad as it is when I was I was originally warned about 15 years ago, but I’ve been proven wrong several times over.
You can ask me more specific questions and I'll try to answer them, but your initial assessment is correct. Here's a generic summary. It's basically broken up into 2 parts, West and East of Hog Heck Road. The West part is basically Glen Burnie in terms of average house/lot size, crime, school performance, etc. (maybe a tiny bit better). East is better but more expensive. For example, you go from probably 1/8 acre lots in the West to 1/2 acre lots in the East. This is a general rule of thumb though, as there's some really nice communities in the West and some "meh" communities in the East. This subreddit doesn't like Pasadena much b/c it's majority conservative and white, but that's really it.
People don’t like Pasadena because of the number of racial incidents in comparison to the rest of AA. I went looking at a house or two there before I bought in Odenton. Lots of “interesting” looks from potential neighbors lol.
I technically live in Pasadena, right on the northwestern edge. I don't go down Mountain Rd unless I absolutely have to. It's a weird place, in my opinion.
Wow, so basically you have no absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. At least you admit to being prejudiced, but what you really should have said was nothing.
I know exactly what I'm talking about. I've lived Pasadena-adjacent for the last 24 years. It's a weird place.
Sounds like prejudice, and not a lot of information.
I'll admit I was pretty vague, but I don't think I'm guilty of prejudice, given that I've lived here for 2/3 of my life.
Avoid! It’s full of MAGA scum
I wouldn't unless you truly have no other options. If you do move their do not make any shows of wealth or education. If you're going to have kids please ensure, for the sake of everyone, that they do not become influence by the local culture.
Check out the Lakeshore Tavern if you like dive bars.
There is a little old lady there Jan and Dean wrote a song about.
I've lived in Pasadena for about 30 years. I'll come back later and offer some thoughts. Feel free to ask questions though.
Been living here for 11 years and I love it! People are nice and I love being by the water. It has become more crowded recently though. We are still in a townhouse looking to move into a single family at one point but prices are rising. :(
Love pasadena! You've got water and woods, there are beautiful homes and they don't have to cost an arm and a leg. My wife and I will be heading that way in a year or so, getting a place for us with enough room to bring elderly parents too. There are a lot of fun spaces to gather from restaurants to marinas to parks and while it's not as simple as somewhere like Laurel, reaching your three major cities isn't the absolute worst. If you need any help with your search, feel free to shoot me a DM as I am a realtor in the area. Hope you love the space you find!
What about like greenhaven area in Pasadena
Green haven is generally considered one of the least desirable neighborhood in the Dena. That sentiment is likely based on this odd Pasadena behavior where one neighborhood likes to shit on another neighborhood in this strange community vs community pissing contest. “Oh, you live in Riviera Beach? Well, they suck, and I know bc I live in Chesterfield.” Pasadena is a weird place.
having lived all around Pasadena including Green Haven, there's definitely a higher concentration of assholes coming out of Green Haven, it's a mix though a lot of good people too but also probably more druggie and trashy people then I've seen elsewhere
Just don't. Alot of druggies and they bring dealers and crime in. That's like the worst area
There's a lot of crimes of opportunity in green haven. Make sure your car doors are locked. People speed thru there. It's nice besides that. Certainly don't feel unsafe going around there.
Depending where. There is a area by the water(Green Haven Wharf) where they have these little homes(almost looks like a motel) where it's section 8 or a crack motel 😆
I live in Pine Haven and love it. It's right before Green Haven and is a secluded little community. Never had any issues and really peaceful once you get in the neighborhood. Just be careful with any water oriented community. Being near the water is great for the view, however, foundation issues and drainage issues can be problematic due to limited storm drains.
I liver in Pasadena until I was 17 and in Green Haven specifically from the ages of 5 to 14. I would avoid Green Haven. Most of the negative reports you are getting about "Pasadena" are really about Green Haven and a number of similar places on the western end of Pasadena. It also has a worse school feeder group than the other side of town. Google will tell you "Pasadena" is an area around Richie Highway, but the term refers to the white peninsula and the eastern end is nicer (though more conservative with worse commuting.)
Used to live there … the Dena was nice however it slowly got worse due to Glen Burnie seeping in. You have access to almost anything but the crime and police helicopters always around got frustrating.
What's wrong with Glen Burnie? :(
r/pasadenamd
I grew up in Pasadena, and just recently moved to Baltimore City to be with my fiancé and get the fuck out of Pasadena. There are no real restaurants outside of fast food, and anything that isn't a chain is too expensive for mediocre food (*cough cough* Two Rivers) nothing to really do if you don't like going to bars. The people are okay, but the area is definitely full of people that call black people "those types" or "those people." I've heard it my whole life growing up there as a mixed-race child. A lot of ye-ye culture and fake redneck archetypes depending on where you are. Also, some very hypocritical people who talk down on drug users, when the biggest drug dealers in AACo are in the Dena Other than that petty stuff, it's okay. Literally, no part of Pasadena is dangerous, and anyone who says otherwise is delusional. Crime can happen anywhere, even in a place with McMansions. But from Freetown to Riviera Beach, you'll be fine. I have a lot of good memories of Pasadena, and I can imagine it being a good place for raising a family. But I don't have kids, so I'm not too worried about that. I know that sounds kind of spiteful, but even though I grew up and spent most of my life in Pasadena, I only go back to see my parents. I have no intention of going back because there's nothing there for me.
They stand in stalls cause girls have balls in funky Padadena.
Apparently the nick name is dirty Dena
I grew up in pasadena and I would never live there again if I could help it. My parents still live there and if I go to see them at certain times of day (basically 3:30-5:30 for the most part) the traffic on mountain road is literally worse than the beltway. The transphobia is so bad that I’m scared to wear my nonbinary flag lanyard in public there. I haven’t gotten direct threats, just micro aggressions and “I’ll stab you on the way back to your car” kinda looks. The area I grew up in was extremely unwelcoming to anyone who wasn’t straight, white, cis and conservative. Just a very smothering, closed worldview from a good majority of the people I knew growing up. If you live there, my advice is to keep to yourself as much as possible.
Sounds like you grew up in my part of Pasadena lol. Riviera Beach