If you are looking specifically for a “kids everywhere” vibe—where neighbors are out, bikes are on the sidewalks, and the social calendar revolves around the children—there is one neighborhood in Severna Park that stands above the rest, followed by a few strong alternatives.
The “Kid Capital”: Shipley’s Choice
If you want a community where your kids can walk to school and the pool is the center of the universe, this is it. It is widely considered the most family-centric neighborhood in the area.
- The Vibe: It feels like a self-contained town. The neighborhood is massive (over 1,000 homes) and has its own elementary school (Shipley’s Choice Elementary) right inside the community.
- For the Kids:
- The Swim Team: The “Sharks” swim team is huge here. Summer evenings revolve around swim meets.
- Kinder Farm Park: The neighborhood backs directly up to this massive park. Kids can ride bikes to see farm animals (cows, pigs, goats) or play on the massive “Big Kinder” playground without getting in a car.
- The Trade-off: It is very insular. You might never leave the “Shipley’s Bubble,” and the houses are very similar in style (mostly 1980s colonials).
The “Waterfront Summer Camp”: Linstead on the Severn
If you want your kids to grow up learning to boat, crab, and swim in the river rather than a pool, look here.
- The Vibe: Relaxed and outdoorsy. It’s less “manicured” than Shipley’s or Chartwell but has a very strong community spirit.
- For the Kids:
- The Beach: The community beach is the hang-out spot. Families grill down there while kids play in the water.
- Traditions: They are famous for their Fourth of July parade and community campouts.
The “Resort” Option (Howard County): Maple Lawn
If you are open to the Howard County side (about 20 mins from Severna Park), Maple Lawn is the modern answer to the “perfect family neighborhood.”
- The Vibe: It looks like a movie set. It’s a “New Urbanist” community where houses are close to the sidewalk to encourage interaction.
- For the Kids:
- Walkability: Kids can walk to the candy store, ice cream shop, and community center safely.
- Amenities: It has a massive community center with a pool that rivals a hotel resort, plus acres of open green space specifically designed for pick-up soccer or tag.
- Schools: Fulton Elementary is often walkable for many residents.
Comparison for Families
| Feature | Shipley’s Choice (Severna Park) | Maple Lawn (Howard Co.) | Chartwell (Severna Park) |
| Best For… | The classic “suburban childhood” (swim team, bikes). | Modern, walkable convenience & luxury amenities. | Golf course living & country club social scene. |
| School Access | Walkable (School inside neighborhood). | Walkable (School adjacent). | Short drive (mostly bus). |
| Walkability | High (sidewalks everywhere). | Very High (shops/restaurants inside). | Medium (hilly, no shops). |
| Housing Style | 80s/90s Brick Colonials. | Modern Craftsman / Townhomes. | Large Custom Estates & Ranchers. |
My Recommendation:
- Choose Shipley’s Choice if you want the classic experience where the elementary school and the swim club are the anchors of your life.
- Choose Maple Lawn if you hate yard work and want to walk to dinner while your kids play in the village green.