safe neighborhoods (Baltimore, Catonsville, Mount Vernon: middle-class, real estate, renters)

[thecreepingkid]

I'm l thinking of relocating to Baltimore in the next year. As I've read up on the city, I understand that it's really a mixed bag as far as where the decent neighborhoods are. I'm not looking for a suburban house in the outskirts; for one thing I couldn't afford it, but I also enjoy urban life and accept the basic level of danger that comes from that. But I do like to assume that if I park my car on the street, it will still be there when I get back.

I can tell from basic reading what the popular neighborhoods are, like Canton, Federal Hill, etc, but I'd like to know if there are any reasonably safe, or "safe enough" neighborhoods, where housing costs may be lower but it's still an OK place to live. Are there any good or bad signs I could use as a litmus test as I keep researching? For instance, is an Empowerment Zone a place to avoid at all costs or are they on the upswing?

Thanks for your guidance and advice.

[pkoons]

"Reasonably safe"...

Bolton Hill
Locust Point
Hampden
Charles Village (I think this is what they call it...)

All are considered "up-and-coming" but have a growing number of young professionals while still retaining at least a little bit of identity (similar to U Street area in DC). You can get a nice condo for under $200K and a nice row house for under $300K. Rents are affordable compared to the rest of MD.

[djashburnmn]

what about a slightly less expensive neighborhood. im looking at attending Morgan State university. My plan is to live on campus but it would be nice to get an appartment as i am going for a masters degree and will be there for some time. just in case you dont know, its located on the north eastern side of the city by e. coldsprings lane and perring parkway. i'd think it'd be pretty safe, there are two other colleges within a couple miles (johns hopkins and college of notre dame of maryland) as well as two large parks and a golf course.

[Brillig]

After being completely disapponted with life here in DC, my wife and I are seriously looking at living in Baltimore. House pricing is absolutely amazing, but I'm still looking for an insider's view of a good neighborhood to raise kids (we have two, seven and nine y.o.s). If prices are indicative of an area, it seems that about 250k is a median middle-class home. Anybody have any input?

Thanks in advance!

B

[johnfrancis7763]

Originally Posted by Brillig

After being completely disapponted with life here in DC, my wife and I are seriously looking at living in Baltimore. House pricing is absolutely amazing, but I'm still looking for an insider's view of a good neighborhood to raise kids (we have two, seven and nine y.o.s). If prices are indicative of an area, it seems that about 250k is a median middle-class home. Anybody have any input?

Thanks in advance!

B

My wife and I have lived in Baltimore City for about 15 years and are raising our 4 kids in the Ten Hills Neighborhood of the city (west side, near the county line at Catonsville). I can't say enough good things about this area, its convenience, and the people here. Average home prices hover around $450K to $485 (these are accurate numbers...I'm a real estate broker). You may also want to check out Roland Park, Homewood, Guilford, Original Northwood, Westgate, Hamilton.
Glad to have another Washingtonian make the move.

[Joshua2]

Any concerns about moving near the Ft. Detrick/USAMRIID research facility. They do some cutting bio-related research for the government. Pretty secretive stuff. I am considering personal and community health concerns and the like.

[Zachariah]

Originally Posted by Brillig

After being completely disapponted with life here in DC, my wife and I are seriously looking at living in Baltimore. House pricing is absolutely amazing, but I'm still looking for an insider's view of a good neighborhood to raise kids (we have two, seven and nine y.o.s). If prices are indicative of an area, it seems that about 250k is a median middle-class home. Anybody have any input?

Thanks in advance!

B

Look at the greater Lauraville neighborhoods in the 21214 area code. You should be able to find a nice home at around that price, and these neighborhoods are nice. You'll have a yard and trees, vs. a city scape. My neighbors just sold their brick 4bedroom 2bath house for 260K.

[familysearcher]

is a place with the highest priced homes. That is a pretty good indication.

Also, watch "The Wire" on HBO and don't move to THAT neighborhood!

Although I have close relatives who DO live in that area and have done so for years. But let me just tell you that they have a "carry" permit and never go out unarmed.

[Zachariah]

You may want to check out the Mount Vernon area. It seems more hip, and attracts renters that are young and urban.

[temgejr]

speaking of safe..... how's camden crossing..... I was told not to cross MLK, and this is just west of it. Thanks.