Relocating to Baltimore (Mount Vernon: apartment, renting, homes)

[msritajd]

Hello. I plan to relocate to Baltimore in the next couple of months. I am making the move from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Of course, I have several questions but at the top of my list of concerns is choosing the right neighborhood for me. I am a 30 year old single female and a recent law school graduate. Although I am familiar with the DC area, I just recently found out that my job is moving my division to Baltimore ( a city I am only vaguely familiar with ie: The Harbor) Can anyone suggest a safe, trendy, area of town? One that is a haven for young professionas. I guess it would help to know I love to shop and eat out and would love to be in walking distance from area eateries and stores. Thanks!

[jonjj]

Canton, Federal Hill would be great for a single person.

[barante]

Don't overlook the Mount Vernon district. It's in the middle of quite a bit of construction that will further strengthen it.

[msritajd]

Also, I have been in talks with a lady who is renting a home in the "Pigtown" area? Is this area safe? I spoke with her today and judging from the pictures, it seems to be more than phenominal on the inside (granite and stainless steel everywhere!) but it's the surrounding area that I am even more concerned with. Can someone provide any info regarding Pigtown?

[jonjj]

Pigtown ( I think some have a new name for it now--Washington Village? ) has a good share of gentrification occuring but it also has some rough spots. If you are familiar with the area and urban-sauvy, I don't think you would have a problem with it at all. I originally suggested Canton and Federal Hill or the other areas along the waterfront because you are new to town and a single female. (Kind of like getting your toes wet in the pool before you dive).

[DanB]

I work(severn & bayard st) right around the corner from Pigtown/washington village. And will sometimes make my way to Washington village for lunch. My experience is you have the nice town homes of camden crossing, and lots of the row-homes being rehabbed, but right now it does not feel "nice" yet. Washington blvd doesn't look like it has successful businesses the way light st in federal hill does. Maybe this is what federal hill looked like 10 years ago? I don't quite remember in that way, but I wasn't down there much anyway.

It's not a warzone either, you could drive through there and get a pretty good idea what that area is like.

[carolott]

Please don't call my neighborhood "Washington Village". It's Pigtown. Always has been and always will be.

It's a great community -- I'm raising my son here and I own a cafe here. Never had any real problems with crime.

[msritajd]

Thanks to all those who have replied. VERY HELPFUL

[msritajd]

Craig, I am looking for an apartment 1 or 2 bedrooms for about $1,200 or less. I strongly prefer Canton area. I know you're a realtor, but I wont be looking to buy for about a year. Can you help?

[Streetchie]

I lived Pigtown for a number of years and liked it. Having said that, if you are looking for a trendy neighborhood with shopping and bars, go to Canton or Federal Hill. I personally prefer Fed Hill. Pigtown will be there someday, but not yet. Not for a while probably.