Relocating to Baltimore and scared as hell!!!! (Clinton: for rent, condo)

[beachrose]

I am soooo glad I checked into this forum. I am 76, a writer and an alumni of Md Inst and American U in Washington, DC. I live in a safe Texas town and hey, gang, I'm a Yankee who misses all the cultoor, my family and freinds who live in Annapolis and DC. I'm out priced in both places now.

I just started looking at apartments for the elderly in Baltimore City and started feeling "Iffy" when I tried to check with the police about safety in BC. The apartment I came up with is Bolton North for the elderly and I had this dream of art, music, and theater plus taking classes again at MICA. (I am also a wheel-kicking wild woman Potter) However, I am concerned because Bolton North, the apartment complex, is said to be about a quarter of a mile near "a bad neighborhood." How near is near? How bad is bad? Can anyone tell me about the neighborhood at North Avenue bounding Bolton Hill? I would appreciate the straight scoop. My idea of living is not being forced to hole up every day to avoid getting mugged or worse.
Any information about this area and apartment complex will be greatly greatly appreciated. Thanks. Beachrose

[Streetchie]

How bad is bad? Well, I wouldn't walk north of North Ave. after dark. In fact, Bolton Hill, though a beautiful neighborhood, has its share of crime. Most of it is stupid, opportunity style crime. (things disappearing off the front porch, open windows climbed through) Other stuff is serious. There have been several robberies by gun point in Bolton Hill this year. Not sure about murders, but I'm sure there have been some within a few blocks of here.

[carolott]

Originally Posted by NYMTman

Don't even move to the suburbs; they're too close. Try southern Pennsylvania. New Freedom, York, etc. Pennsylvania is generally both cheaper and safer than Maryland, even the rural areas of Maryland. Plus it's beautiful. Just move as far away from Baltimore as you can, while remaining within commuting distance. The ghettos spread like wildfire, and the suburbs close to the city are falling like dominos.

Yes, and guess where so many are moving to? That would be...southern PA. Because it's cheaper to live in PA than here in Baltimore. Enjoy!

[charmciti]

Originally Posted by carolott

Yes, and guess where so many are moving to? That would be...southern PA. Because it's cheaper to live in PA than here in Baltimore. Enjoy!

Why not look for another job in Houston and be "safe"?

[Jennrn10]

Towson has plenty of apartments and places to go out for a drink. Taxi's are easy to call for if you can not drive home. The area is relatively safe and it is usually not hard to run into someone you know (say through work). The area is close to everything-restaurants, movies, bars and shopping.For your price range you should be able to find something - even a rental townhome in Rodgers Forge (maybe about $1500) Most locals go downtown during the day if at all and at night to Fells Point area with friends.
It is tricky to find which block it safe in the city. Definately alot of crime, and altered people on the streets. Good luck!!

[Jennrn10]

Also I heard on the news this morning the murder rate for the year so far (only 4 months) keep in mind is already 101 people in Baltimore City.

Yikes!!!

[Jennrn10]

Mississippienne;151512]Baltimore blegh! Baltimore is one of my top two least favorite cities, the other being Jackson MS. I can never choose between them as to which is the worst. I don't think there's an area of Baltimore that is not a) the ghetto or b) within ten feet of the ghetto. Depressed, dirty, unsafe, unfriendly, you name it, B'more's got it. Because of all the abandoned and boarded-up rowhouses, you'll be in constant danger of a fire sweeping through your neighborhood -- sleep tight!

Also, everyone in Baltimore limps. WTF is with that? Drive down any street in B'more, you'll see at least 70% of passerby limping along.[/quote]

SO TRUE- what is up with the limp? This reply really captures the true spirit of Baltimore living!

[summerlozon]

i lived in catonsville and one day i watched the trash company not pick up my trash..so i went outside and ran up to the truck and asked why they did not get it. i was told it was too heavy. well i'm not one to just be quiet. so i called the city. you have to find out what dept to call. and told them what happened. well i was told they would be back to get it. and the same day or it may have been the next morning...they were out side picking it up..they had to come back to our street just to pick up my one trash can. i'm sure they did not like going back. don't worry they didn't do anything bad. they just never left anything again. they knew i wasn't going to let it go. you need to report it that day with the trash company dept. with a head supervisior. don't give up and keep calling around until you get a hold of someone who will take care of it. i am now living in Westminster Maryland and is very nice here. i am originally from long beach california...so i am used to having to speak up and having a voice.

Originally Posted by Emilyy

Hey Oceanguy, I agree with you on a lot of this stuff. I live in Hampden too, and am disgusted by the used needles and condoms left all over. Its amazing that prostitutes have such free range, especially on Falls Road near Union Ave. I see them leaning into the police cars and talking and laughing with the cops all the time, so its obvious the police are not interested in stopping this.

In spite of all this going on, you're right that the city is out to get property owners. We've gotten several tickets for the plants in our yard, for having trash in our yard (a dining room table that was set out for the city to pick up on bulk trash collection day, which the city did not pick up for some reason), and for animal waste (we clean our yard DAILY...it is the first thing we do when we get home from work. Apparently if you let your pets into your own yard, you are expected to clean up after them immediately) We went to court on several of these and lost.

Also, if you buy a home, and there are cracks in the sidewalk in front of your home, you are required to pay the city directly to fix them. We got a letter about this a few months ago.

Great to know that prostitutes can operate freely but I can't choose my own plants for my backyard.

[mekka]

City of Baltimore, Maryland Police Department - Interactive Geographic Display of Crimes

[kimbo123]

Everybody is right about Baltimore. How can you move to a city where you can't trust the police? As far as racism goes it's no different then any place else. I am a Baltimore city home owner and I suggest Catonsville, Ellicott city or Arbutus. They are all about 10 -15 minutes from downtown Baltimore.