Relocating to Baltimore and scared as hell!!!!

[Billiam]

Originally Posted by piscesjoey

And East Bmore is still bad! My old neighborhood led the city in murders in '08. I moved away from here 6 years ago and I'm never coming back! To all who considering moving here, trust me, you can do much better!

well yea, but Hopkins brings a lot of good to the neighborhood. Although E Bmore is definently one of the least desirable areas of the city (specifically to the north of hopkins and around bmore cemetary, greenmount cemetery, clifton park area), It is also in my opinion, very beautiful, architecturally, although much of it is abandoned.

[Billiam]

Originally Posted by jonjj

Arcadia is actually a very nice neighborhood. I moved from there only because I wanted to go solo--without the car. I still have a car but seldom use it.
Anyway, it's a tight community with a variety of homes. The spring is the best time for photography because of it's huge selection of azaleas blooming. Lots of character there and good neighbors. I never had a home-alarm (do now) nor did I even worry about locking my doors to much (have three dogs). Used to leave on business for 3 weeks or more and the home was fine upon return.
They also have this huge yard sale once a year with many participating and block parties, etc.
I would still be there if it was a bit more convenient for me. Baltimore really needs better transit options. Thanks for asking by the way and I do enjoy all of your Frederick photography.

Thanks! that neighborhood sounds amazing! seems very livable. i will have to check it out, most definently.

And thanks for the compliment!

[Elapidae]

Ok, I've been looking to relocate to Baltimore as an urban school teacher and I've read a lot of negative posts about the local government, crime, and blight. I've read some very positive posts, too. My question is why are people waiting for something to change rather than changing it themselves? If you look at NYC's Lower East Side, one woman was walking home in the '70s when her neighborhood was at it's worst; she passed some children playing in rusted out junk in an abandonded lot and decided it was time to do something about it. She came back the next day with some friends and started cleaning up the lot. It took 6 months to turn a dump into a community garden. In the '80s community gardens started springing up all over the Lower East Side.

[Bosque]

Originally Posted by 1coolgyrl

My job is relocating me from Houston to Baltimore and sent me out there last week to check out the area and find a place to live. I am now more lost than I was before I went there! The area is soooo sketchy. One block would look awesome and two blocks across was a ghetto scene. I'm looking to rent and it seemed like every unit i saw was either in a bad area or missing amenities that i consider basic like a dishwasher, or a bathtub. I dont think my budget of $1100 for a 1 bdrm is too bad. I'm a single 26yr old with no kids and want to be close to all the action (i.e. restaurants, theaters, night spots)
Please, someone tell me where I should live or if I should avoid Baltimore all together and choose suburban living (which would kinda sucks cause i'm single )

ANY advice you have would be DEEPLY appreciated!!!

I highly recommend Catonsville. Its close to everything plus quite safe and neighborly. If you wish to live in the City, I recommend South Baltimore (not Federal Hill) and Locust Point.

[carolott]

Originally Posted by Elapidae

Ok, I've been looking to relocate to Baltimore as an urban school teacher and I've read a lot of negative posts about the local government, crime, and blight. I've read some very positive posts, too. My question is why are people waiting for something to change rather than changing it themselves? If you look at NYC's Lower East Side, one woman was walking home in the '70s when her neighborhood was at it's worst; she passed some children playing in rusted out junk in an abandonded lot and decided it was time to do something about it. She came back the next day with some friends and started cleaning up the lot. It took 6 months to turn a dump into a community garden. In the '80s community gardens started springing up all over the Lower East Side.

If I waited for this city to change on its own, I'd drop dead before it ever happened. I agree with you -- if anything is going to change, it has to start with individuals...and I don't mean "community groups". People simply have to take charge of the community around them -- if you don't like something, what can YOU do to make it better?