Brooklyn Park, MD. How safe is it? (Baltimore, Glen Burnie: apartment complex, lease)

[newermoves]

Hey! I'm newly divorced and living in an apartment complex that is not real safe in Glen Burnie,MD. I've seen some affordable houses in Brooklyn Park, but I've heard there are 'pocket's' that are no safer than where I am now not familiar with the area and need some real help. There are great old homes in Brooklyn Park, but is it smart to invest in the neighborhood? I work nights sometimes and I live with my two sons. I need to make a decision soon, before I have to sign another lease here! Can anybody shed some light for me?

[carolott]

I've been watching Brooklyn Park, because architecturally it reminds me a lot of Takoma Park, a suburb of DC. It seems that it has the potential to be a great neighborhood, but it's never really taken off. You're right about the great old homes -- I'd love to have one! However...it also looks a little sketchy. Which is a lot coming from me, since I live in Pigtown. LOL.

I would look at Westport if you're looking for a cheaper neighborhood that's on the rise. It's scary now, but there's a lot of planned development for the area.

Part of my hesitation stems from not having a car, and I do a lot of walking. Perhaps with a car, Brooklyn would be safer.

[rgk1500]

Are tied to SE Baltimore?

If you are, then the area between belle grove and Rte 2 is pretty safe. I often went running there alone in the evening. I cannot recommend any part of Brooklyn park in "Baltimore City."

If you aren't tied to SE Baltimore, I'm sure people on this forum would have suggestions for some other safe and healthy neighborhoods.

Are you looking to buy or rent? What is your price range?

[newermoves]

Thanks for the input, Carolott. I'll look into Westport, also. Yeah, you hear a lot about Pigtown--mostly from people who don't and never have lived there. How is it, really?

[newermoves]

Brooklyn mainly because of economics. I'm looking to buy, and houses in Brooklyn are in line with the kind of monthly mortgage I can afford--believe me, I've been looking. Apartment living has gotten to me after having a house before. I found that Anne Arundel County is pretty expensive to buy, but I'm more used to it than anyplace else in the area. Don't really want to live in the city. Thanks for giving me an idea--between Belle Grove and Rte. 2 gives me a good visual. Very helpful.

[carolott]

Originally Posted by newermoves

Thanks for the input, Carolott. I'll look into Westport, also. Yeah, you hear a lot about Pigtown--mostly from people who don't and never have lived there. How is it, really?

I love living in Pigtown. I have terrific neighbors (both new and longtime residents) and this is the first place I've lived where I could see staying for many years. I own a business here, and I wouldn't have done that if I didn't think it was a safe community with a lot of potential for growth.

Pigtown is not without its problems, but it's definitely a place I'd recommend, for so many reasons.

[barante]

Two Westport bonuses:
(1) light rail to downtown/Glen Burnie/BWI,
(2) easy access to interstates
Westport minuses:
(1) speculation has driven up prices for totally ratty houses,
(2) if you are renting, you cannot count on staying in a given place.
Yes, Westport will change into yuppieville some time soon. How soon? Depends on the subprime situation. Patrick Turner, the major waterfront developer, recently decided to pull his Silo Point Luxury Condominiums Baltimore Waterfront out of the market until prices improve. I doubt that his pockets are deep enough for him to start in Westport any time soon.

[carolott]

speculation has driven up prices for totally ratty houses

This is what killed the "boom" in my neighborhood -- hopefully the speculators will learn their lesson and move on, so the rest of us can get on with the real work that needs to be done here.

[marcnelsonjr]

Howdy! I grew up on both sides of the city line in Brooklyn and Brooklyn Park. I currently live on the city side, just off of Patapsco Ave.

As far as Brooklyn (in the city) goes, it is absolutely not safe. There have been seven murders this year within walking distance of my house - and not all drug-related, either. Brooklyn is also infested with crack whores and their customers.

On the county side, the part of Brooklyn Park east of Ritchie Highway is not so good, either. There have been four murders in that area this year, concentrated in the area around the public library branch there. Particularly avoid 1st Street, Victory, Ballman, Brookwood, and Southerly.

As poster rgk1500 said, the part of Brooklyn west of Ritchie Highway is pretty decent - lots of big houses and tall old trees. The area around Brooklyn Park Elementary is particularly nice.

Good luck in your search and let me know if you have any more questions!

[myselfdotcom]

Home for Humanity just bought a 40 lots home to rehab..yes..might be upcoming area.