Bolton Hill versus Charles Village

[moe2fr]

Charles Village is also known for late night prostitution, mainly gay men dressed as women. They are not bothersome but is a tremendous eye soar. I have personnally seen them late late night "after hours" 2-5 am. Its also rumored that there is tension between these cross dressors and female prostitutes both of whom suppose to have there own territory.

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by moe2fr

Charles Village is also known for late night prostitution, mainly gay men dressed as women. They are not bothersome but is a tremendous eye soar. I have personnally seen them late late night "after hours" 2-5 am. Its also rumored that there is tension between these cross dressors and female prostitutes both of whom suppose to have there own territory.

Ah--no----The cross dressers used to hang out on lower Calvert Street by the Sun building practically downtown. This doesn't happen in Charles Village. Geeze--they have their own privately hired security force; plus the Hopkins police; plus the City police.

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by jonjj

Ah--no----The cross dressers used to hang out on lower Calvert Street by the Sun building practically downtown. This doesn't happen in Charles Village. Geeze--they have their own privately hired security force; plus the Hopkins police; plus the City police.

Yes it does. They moved north after being pushed out of Mt. Vernon. Police cameras have recently been put up on St. Paul St.

Baltimore Crime Beat: Prostitutes in Charles Village - Baltimore, Maryland crime news, blogs and video - baltimoresun.com

[barante]

Charles Village is a full service neighborhood.

[jonjj]

I guess they moved up a bit. The article seems to point at 21st near Charles and St Paul as the epicenter. I am confused as I thought Charles Village started at 25th. Either way, I stand corrected. I guess I got to get out more at night!

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by jonjj

I guess they moved up a bit. The article seems to point at 21st near Charles and St Paul as the epicenter. I am confused as I thought Charles Village started at 25th. Either way, I stand corrected. I guess I got to get out more at night!

You're sort of right about 25th St. The problem is Charles Village isn't a rectangle--it starts at 25th St. on its eastern side but extends down to 20th St. on the major north/south streets on the west (Howard to Calvert).

You're probably better off staying at home!

[J-CityRelo]

I love Charles Village!! My favorites are the Baltimore Museum of Art, Eddie's Market, Wyman Park, Normal's Bookstore, Farmer's Market, Paper Moon Diner (although I haven't been recently and have heard not-so-good stuff). Enjoy your new neighborhood!

[ToneGrail]

Originally Posted by lindsay03

Also, can anyone tell me what is actually considered "Charles Village?" When looking at apartments on craigslist, I'm not sure if it's in a fringe area or actual Charles Village. (For example: N Calvert St & E 30th St?) Are there are street boundaries to give me an idea of where I should look?

If you go to www.yahoo.com/maps and zoom into a certain level, the neighborhoods are color coded. It's very helpful.

[eatyourmakeup]

I am familiar with both neighborhoods. CV and Bolton Hill are relatively similar - high student population, liberal population, safer than most places in Baltimore (due to the presence of both Baltimore and campus polices), beautiful & spacious houses, relatively inexpensive etc.

Charles Village (where I live), although for the most part residential, contains more city living - there are affordable restaurants, book stores, a great indie video store, bars, non-profits, a starbucks, two grocery stores (eddies and safeway) along with more cars/buses/sirens at night etc. The houses are spacious and have been beautifully restored and painted in a variety of fun colors. Some call them Baltimore's own "painted ladies." In terms of safety - Harwood and Barclay (on the east) are not exactly nice areas. Waverly (north east) has great discount stores and a wonderful farmers market. To the west is Hampden which is becoming an increasingly hip place to be. Guilford (up north) is beautiful. Once you go north, it only starts getting nicer.

Bolton Hill is quieter. There are more families/professionals who have settled down. Less frats, more art students. Closer to artscape (an amazing arts festival that happens every summer). The houses are beautiful, large and historic - it still has the feeling of picturesque old wealthy Baltimore of the early 20th century. Bolton Hill is closer to downtown where there are nicer/more expensive restaurants, bars etc. Although this neighborhood is pretty safe, to the west is Sandtown, which is one of Baltimore's worst neighborhoods.

I personally adore both neighborhoods. I'd suggest that you let the individual houses you look at sell you.

[barante]

While the OP has presumably found love and happiness in Charles Village by now, a few observations.
Years ago I lived in Bolton Hill at two different locations. It was fine. The neighborhood has greatly improved since. Consult boltonhill.org. I have never lived in Charles Village, I have friends who are very happy there.
Back to Bolton Hill. Walking back from the Greek festival on this glorious Sunday, I passed by the new University of Baltimore complex next to the light-rail stop along Mount Royal Avenue. The addition will be ready in another six months or so. That adds a Barnes and Noble (CV has one) plus restaurants, further improving BH livability.
Either neighborhood is fine. If one is buying and can get a good price in BH, I personally would prefer that because of the light rail and proximity to Penn Station. It's really a toss-up that depends on your preference and budget.