Baltimore vs. Portland, OR (real estate, home, unemployment rate)

[Streetchie]

As far as housing goes, you will get more for your money in Baltimore. As for lifestyle, it depends on what you are into. Outdoorsy stuff is better and more accessable in Portland. Baltimore may win out with the arts crowd. Better beer in Portland! The food scene is a toss up, both cities have great restaurants and cafes. Better public trans in Portland. Better crabs in Baltimore.

[jonjj]

Better beer in Portland!------I seriously doubt that, not with Yuengling around the corner! It is my favorite domestic beer and not available everywhere.
Official Yuengling Web Site: America's Oldest Brewery

[Streetchie]

Yeah, I like Yuengling too, but Portland has a ton of wonderful microbreweries.

[carolott]

I really like Clipper City beer and Brewer's Art has some fantastic beer.

[GucciLittlePiggie]

Thanks very much for all the thoughts. We decided to look at several cities now besides Portland, just so whatever decision we finally make, it's not made in isolation. And we had Yuengling in NY, and it's always a treat to go visit my family there! Thanks again!

[movingonout]

Well Baltimore,has some cold months.But it does get warm.Oregon has some down right freezing months.It gets semi warm.Move on down to Baltimore

[Jbiz]

Just had to give a quick response. Baltimore is NOT cheaper than Portland. Sure, if you want to live next to the ghetto. But, if you want to live in a nice part of the city, or a nice suburb; Baltimore is pricey.
My friend has an large rowhouse near Hopkins that is valued at well over 500k. My parents have an old 1000 sq. ft. rancher in an older suburb that is valued at over 300k.

You CAN get a a rehabbed rowhouse for about 150k in the city. But, that is in an area that you would have to bars on your window, never leave ANYTHING visible in your car, and ALWAYS watch your back.

Finally, I live in Boston currently. I was in Bmore last week. The city is on fire! The streets were PACKED. The nightlife is very much better than Boston, and definitely Portland. Baltimore has a TON of potential, and it's growing like gang-busters now.

[movingonout]

Originally Posted by Jbiz

Just had to give a quick response. Baltimore is NOT cheaper than Portland. Sure, if you want to live next to the ghetto. But, if you want to live in a nice part of the city, or a nice suburb; Baltimore is pricey.
My friend has an large rowhouse near Hopkins that is valued at well over 500k. My parents have an old 1000 sq. ft. rancher in an older suburb that is valued at over 300k.

You CAN get a a rehabbed rowhouse for about 150k in the city. But, that is in an area that you would have to bars on your window, never leave ANYTHING visible in your car, and ALWAYS watch your back.

Finally, I live in Boston currently. I was in Bmore last week. The city is on fire! The streets were PACKED. The nightlife is very much better than Boston, and definitely Portland. Baltimore has a TON of potential, and it's growing like gang-busters now.

Who cares. You can move down past Federal Hill for your first house. I know a guy who got one for 115 K. Or you could live close to Hamden but still in Roland park. There are more options then you think there are.

[shades of gray]

Unless you have already lined up employment, do not move to Portland. There are no jobs here. And that bookstore job you alluded to in your post--forget it (unless you know someone on the inside who can get you in). I am a native Oregonian living in Portland with a graduate degree, and I have yet to find employment in Portland (after six years of looking), that provides an adequate wage. So, I am moving to Baltimore! I was offered a job there, and the wage is adequate--so, I am going to find a way to skirt around the horrible crime I hear goes on there for the sake of a job. I will always love Portland, but I just can't live here underemployed anymore.

[Jbiz]

Originally Posted by movingonout

Who cares. You can move down past Federal Hill for your first house. I know a guy who got one for 115 K. Or you could live close to Hamden but still in Roland park. There are more options then you think there are.

Wow 115k! hmmmm...

The only area "down past federal hill" where a house can be had for 115k is pretty hillbilly/White slum. At least when I lived in Baltimore.

But, probably not for long. Gentrification, like in Canton, will eventually displace them as well, and the area will become "East Federal Hill" or something.

If they're moving from Boston I doubt they want to live in an area like that.

To OP: think Chelsea...

Hamden is pretty far from 115k now.