It is interesting to read all of these threads about Baltimore. Many are pretty negative. What you may find even more interesting is that if you read forums about any other major metropolitan area in the US, you will hear many of the same sentiments: crime, corruption, drugs, prostitution, etc.
I've lived in the Baltimore area now for 19 years. I've lived both in the suburbs and the city. Currently I live in the suburbs and they are
not for me. My husband and I are planning on moving back to the city because we miss it
so much.
If you are not an urban person, then I don't suggest moving to the city.
Baltimore is a city which I like to call the big little city. For years Baltimore has suffered from corruption and poor management - I'll give you this. But there are many areas of Baltimore that are becoming truly urban - much like areas of DC and Manhattan. Recently the Baltimore Sun had a wonderful article about the growing east downtown. In fact, this area is becoming so popular that Legg Mason is moving to a building in the area. Additionally, we have a growing Latino population in the east baltimore/Fells Point area.
I lived in Hampden, one of the neighborhoods that has taken so much abuse here, for 6 years. Hampden is what it is. It is a mix of urban, liberal folks and old-school blue-collar locals. If you didn't know this before you moved to the neighborhood, then you didn't do your homework. Hampden has it's charm, like any other neighborhood, but it can also have it's faults, like any other neighborhood. In Hampden I had some of the nicest neighbors I've ever had in my life. I also had a couple of neighbors who I would have been happy to never see again. The locals: Well, I think it may not be so much that they are racist, but more so I think they are beginning to resent we the type of people who they may see as "invading" their neighborhood. I'm not sure. I've met racists all over the place. Remember, don't assume just because a neighborhood is "well to do" that it is not racist. I've met some of the worst right-wing Republicans in many areas -
especially in the suburbs of Baltimore.
If you are moving to Baltimore, you have to consider some factors:
1. Do you want to live in a truly urban neighborhood? One that is popular? Then you may want to choose the Federal Hill, Fells Point, or Canton areas. However, keep in mind that these areas have become expensive and parking can be at a premium - it's all about location, location, location. Other urban neighborhoods mid-town include Mt. Vernon. I've never lived here, but many folks love this area.
2. Do you want to live in a slightly less urban, slightly less popular, perhaps slightly less expensive neighborhood? Then you may want to choose a neighborhood like Hampden or Woodberry.
There are many other neighborhoods that can be great! You simply
must do your homework.
Someone mentioned Roland Park. Roland Park is a wonderful neighborhood, but one of the most expensive around. It gives you a slightly suburban setting, far from downtown, but one that is a nice walking neighborhood.
Taxes - the property taxes in Baltimore can be high - it depends on the area - once again - location, location, location.
Now, this said, you can choose the suburbs. I don't consider the suburbs to be Baltimore though. Towson is NOT Baltimore. Towson tends to be its own entity. There are affordable houses. However, be warned, that no area is completely safe. Home invasions, robberies, drugs, etc. happen in the suburbs too.
Columbia, is well, even less "Baltimore" than Towson, for sure. Columbia is a "planned community" which began in the early 1960's. Personally, I prefer a more "organic" feel whereever I live. Columbia has always seemed "stepford-like" to me. Additionally, Columbia has now run its course and now has its share of "bad" neighborhoods. Ask any Howard County police officer.
My suggestion would be to do your homework. I would also like to suggest that any advice you see here should be taken with a grain of salt - hey, maybe even mine!
Do some research. Determine what kind of neighborhood in which you would like to live. Determine how much you can afford. It can be scary, I understand. But you might also find a great place to live!
Good luck. You're welcome to post any other questions you have of me here.
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Just an idea
Baltimore - not that bad.
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