Richmond VA to Baltimore (Chester: crime, credit card, how much)

[barley]

I plan on moving to Balt. shortly due to a job offering. i will start out at 31k. can i live decent off this amount? I plan on searching craigslist for roomates, so I dont plan on having to spend too much for housing. i hear it is pretty dangerous there but i hear the same about Richmond. i feel very comfortable here, im not sure how much more dangerous it is there though....
anyway, i was just wondering if that is enough money to be comfortable.

[rudy_d]

You won't be living like a king, but with a roommate you should be fine. Baltimore's low cost of living is becoming a thing of the past in certain areas as they become "gentrified." It's still a lot cheaper than NY or DC, though.

[bawlmer]

It would be enough to live comfortably if you didn't have to replace you car window(s) occasionally, buy an alarm system for anyplace you intend to live, replace credit cards, driver's license, socsec card and any other items taken when you get robbed, oh and don't forget the money put aside for that bullet proof vest you'll need.

[Be More]

Originally Posted by bawlmer

It would be enough to live comfortably if you didn't have to replace you car window(s) occasionally, buy an alarm system for anyplace you intend to live, replace credit cards, driver's license, socsec card and any other items taken when you get robbed, oh and don't forget the money put aside for that bullet proof vest you'll need.

bawlmer (like the bawl part) Do you walk around with a target on your back and forehead?

[bawlmer]

Walk around with my eyes open and my head down. I am out a lot, not locked in my house, walking our dog, shopping, visiting local pubs, etc. Nothing I'm stating in my posts is opinion. Just facts. I live west of Pat Park between Upper Fells and Butcher's Hill. Because someone says: "I don't see any prostitutes." or "I didn't hear about that." doesn't mean it's not happening. I go to community assoc. meetings and crime prevention meetings at the SED. I think I'm more aware than most. I believe in calling a duck a duck.

[Be More]

Its great that you are aware..as we all need to be. I guess I am a glass half full type of guy when it comes the city. I see so many improvements and people working hard to turn it around. People that are blind to any problems the city has..or worse, don't do anything about it or a huge problem in my eyes, too.

If you ever see a group of students walking by your house wearing light blue shirts step out and say hi. I like to walk our students through the neighborhoods on most of our field trips. Look for the short white guy. LOL

[jonjj]

Be More--I live in the exact same neighborhood as the above poster and have a totally different perspective. In fact, I attended a party of about 50 guests in Butchers Hill for Upper Fells and Patterson Park on the 26th of December and asked about these above allegations. No one seemed to know what that was about and everyone was very satified with the area. So I guess this ONE person who feels the area is no good should do himself a favor and leave as soon as possible. It is just so sad to see someone so unhappy.

[bawlmer]

Jonjj, don't talk to neighbors, talk to the cops who work the area. Not sure why your neighbors don't know about the male police officer shot in Pat. Park or the two female officers shot just north of the park last summer. Not sure why they don't know the Burger King at Chester and Eastern was robbed 2 weeks ago and the police shot it out with the robber. Not sure why they don't know about the citizen shot in robbery at Eastern and Duncan the night of June 29. Not sure why they don't know about the 88 year old lady who was raped in her home in SE last summer. Not sure why they don't know about the Sowers case where the victim was beaten and still lies in a coma in SE. I could go on. All I can say is we owe it to people to be honest. If you have 50 friends who have no idea what's going on-God bless you.

[barley]

you talk like its Detroit or Cleveland....

but then again i dont live there

[jonjj]

Oh--that helps. You have clarified some of these issues. Yes in fact, I do know about the man who was beaten up while walking home at night. That was a horrible situation and my prayers go out to him.Yes, he is still in a coma. There was also a man killed up on Baltimore Street near the empty lots. I am aware that there are crimes in Baltimore. But, I am also aware that the vast majority of time, it is a non-issue (at least in this neighborhood). I am also aware of a good friend of mine that was murdered in DC last year. I am aware that crimes occur all over this earth.
Look, Baltimore is no "Heaven on Earth" but please tell me a place that is? And if that is your qualification for a place to live, good luck to you.
(By the way, thank you for the info on Burger King. I never did hear that one.)