Good neighborhood for dog & young lawyer (Baltimore, Towson: rentals, neighborhoods)

[newintown1]

Hi everyone,
I am looking for the right Baltimore neighborhood - I have a dog that needs greenery and parks and I am working downtown. I can spend between $800 - $1100 on rent (one bedroom is fine). I checked out Ridgely's Delight yesterday, and although the people were more than wonderful, it was just too gritty and urban for me and the pooch. People have told me parking in Federal Hill is a nightmare...but maybe it is worth putting up with it. I'm now looking at Federal Hill, Fell's Point, and Canton. Am I missing anything? Any suggestions would be so appreciated!! Thanks

[barante]

How about the Patterson Park neighborhoods? Two big parks, close to downtown, lots of rentals at various price points. Close to Canton, Fells Point. Joggers.

[newintown1]

Thanks so much for the response. I heard that Patterson Park was a little dicey - I am a petite woman and my dog is everything but intimidating! I will check it out, though.

[barante]

I don't live in the Patterson Park area but know it well. We went to several concerts this summer in the park and were greatly impressed. Lots of young couples and families of all ethnic backgrounds. Many medical professionals.
Let me tell you the story of Patterson Park (and I am now referring to the north side of Baltimore Street). Various entities had tried to revitalize it with little success. Then about ten years ago eight Southwest stewardesses moved there and the whole psychology changed. Now you see the park in heavy use. Lots of joggers.
When you visit Patterson Park, talk to residents and ask how they feel. For a person in your position I think it's one of the better choices in Baltimore.

[newintown1]

Great. Thanks again for your thoughtful response.

[geocycler]

The Hampden neighborhood is another good alternative for you to check out. There are a few parks for you dog and it is a good location convenient to both downtown Baltimore and suburban areas such as Towson.

[geocycler]

After reading that you are a woman and thus a little more sensitive to security issues, I would tell you that Hampden is one of the safer neighborhoods in Baltimore City. I have lived in Baltimore for over 30 years and can tell you that, although Patterson Park area is ok, that there are some "unsafe" areas in relatively close proximity to Patterson Park.

[DanB]

Hampden will be really safe and close to wyman park.

Charles Village is a little less safe, but has green access

Mt. Vernon is nice, but doesn't have a whole lot of greenery.

Federal Hill is nice, but like you said parking sucks.

patterson park/canton are nice, but they feel out of the way to me.

[carolott]

Honestly, if you think Ridgely's is too gritty and urban, you might want to consider the suburbs. And I'm not saying that to be snotty -- I'm serious. Ridgely's is a lovely neighborhood -- and ironically, full of dog owners. I own a small cafe on the other side of MLK from Ridgely's, and I live in a neighborhood just around the corner. Between Ridgely's, my neighborhood, and the surrounding area -- you'd be in good company. Tons of dog owners...lots of lawyers, too. :-)

If you'd like to walk the neighborhood together one day, send me a PM. We have lots of parks/greenspace, and I'd venture to say that dog owners outnumber non-dog owners here. I don't own a dog, I have a 7 year old son, so safety is definitely a concern for me -- and I feel very safe here, grittiness notwithstanding.

Oh -- and if you think Federal Hill is dog-friendly...talk to all the folks who got tickets in Riverside Park for having their dogs off-leash. They were actually busted by undercover police because someone complained.

[newintown1]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I am leaving a very green and suburban feeling neighborhood of DC (Glover Park), so I guess I have just been spoiled. I would consider living outside of the city or commuting from Glover Park, but the drive would be painful and parking is $10/day where I will be working. So I will check out Hampden and keep fingers crossed. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts.