Where is the best place to live between Annapolis and Baltimore, MD?

Looking for a safe place for a 26 year-old couple. I will be working in Pikesville, MD, (a little NW of Baltimore) and she in Annapolis. We'd like to make both of our commutes as close to equal as possible (including traffic as a factor, against the grain, etc.) We would like to have some restaurant/night-life options...somewhere where we can easily go "downtown" to grab a beer and watch a football game. Columbia and Ellicott City seem like viable options, but just wondering if those are "city-like" enough for us to have a little fun when we want to. Rent between 1200-1600 for a nice one-bedroom would be preferred. Thanks!