Mom's new apartment? Baltimore city? (Mount Vernon, Barclay: apartment complex, living, prices)

[designer_genes]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

I'd be racked with guilt and worry for having encouraged old mom to live in Baltimore. An opinion that is contrary to yours but sincere isn't trolling. My "neighborhood" is a valley surrounded by farms and woods and while that may not be mom's -- or your-- cup of tea, there must be a better option for the old girl than dumping her in the city which IMO became unlivable in the mid-70s.

I think it's great that you love your neighborhood. Everyone should live where they want in an environment that makes them feel comfortable. But, the OP made it clear that the mom wants to live in Baltimore. So why exactly would you feel guilty for letting your old mom live out the remainder of her years how she wants to? You're making it seem like OP is putting mom in Baltimore against her will or something ("dumping her in the city"), which is obviously not the case.

FYI my "neighborhood" is a 137 acre park. So nature being your cup of tea is totally compatible with living in the city.

[picardlx]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

Actually, my wife lost her 3 1/2-year battle with dementia this past April.

Sorry for your loss and for making assumptions.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by designer_genes

I think it's great that you love your neighborhood. Everyone should live where they want in an environment that makes them feel comfortable. But, the OP made it clear that the mom wants to live in Baltimore. So why exactly would you feel guilty for letting your old mom live out the remainder of her years how she wants to? You're making it seem like OP is putting mom in Baltimore against her will or something ("dumping her in the city"), which is obviously not the case.

FYI my "neighborhood" is a 137 acre park. So nature being your cup of tea is totally compatible with living in the city.

I realize that mom wants the city but I'd be worried sick for her sake and racked with guilt for not trying to dissuade her.

If you're talking about Patterson Park, my mom lived with her parents at 336 S. East Ave when I was born and that's literally a stone's throw away. Lotsa baby pics from that park. Then growing up there was Herring Run Park a few blocks away. CLUE: Urban parks surrounded by wall-to-wall people ain't the same thing as God's country.

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

I realize that mom wants the city but I'd be worried sick for her sake and racked with guilt for not trying to dissuade her.

If you're talking about Patterson Park, my mom lived with her parents at 336 S. East Ave when I was born and that's literally a stone's throw away. Lotsa baby pics from that park. Then growing up there was Herring Run Park a few blocks away. CLUE: Urban parks surrounded by wall-to-wall people ain't the same thing as God's country.

?? The fact you think you're safer living alone in the middle of nowhere and driving everywhere compared to someone living in a safe city neighborhood, next to Hopkins, and walking/taking transit just shows how completely oblivious you are. Maybe visit Mt. Vernon sometime this generation and see how nice a neighborhood it is to assuage your paranoia. Until then, why not stick to commenting about what you know.

[designer_genes]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

I realize that mom wants the city but I'd be worried sick for her sake and racked with guilt for not trying to dissuade her.

If you're talking about Patterson Park, my mom lived with her parents at 336 S. East Ave when I was born and that's literally a stone's throw away. Lotsa baby pics from that park. Then growing up there was Herring Run Park a few blocks away. CLUE: Urban parks surrounded by wall-to-wall people ain't the same thing as God's country.

I know they aren't the same. I'm just saying that the city can be beautiful too. I like having people around. I like having a community of neighbors I know and trust. That actually makes me feel quite safe. I like having impromptu block parties and festivals.

At some point you just have to reconcile your theoretical guilt with the fact that everyone's priorities are not the same as yours. Live and let live.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by bufflove

?? The fact you think you're safer living alone in the middle of nowhere and driving everywhere compared to someone living in a safe city neighborhood, next to Hopkins, and walking/taking transit just shows how completely oblivious you are. Maybe visit Mt. Vernon sometime this generation and see how nice a neighborhood it is to assuage your paranoia. Until then, why not stick to commenting about what you know.

Five yrs. ago, one murder in the nearest town. Not sure about today but probably still in single digits. You're not safe anywhere in today's world but I'll take my chances "in the middle of nowhere" vis-à-vis the Baltimore cesspool. Yes, long distances driving to/from work was a negative but when considering the trade-offs, well worth it. Now I use more gas mowing once every 10 days than I do driving.

And if it's currently safe near JHH, it's only because they relocated the thugs to Belair-Edison and Moravia.

[magpiehere]

I dont know about Mt Vernon for the elderly, as in I dont have an opinion.

I would suggest Roland Park or even Hampden. For nothing else than the main drag in RP has a ton of dog walking that goes on there everyday. Plus a grocer, pharmacy, public library, banks, post office in a clump within the neighborhood. Senior housing in Hampden is near Giant and all the stores opening up at the Rotunda soonish. Lots of dog walking there too.

zip code 21210 and 21211 has senior housing worth checking out. Still fairly close to MICA.

[Professor Griff]

Originally Posted by dogpark

While its true that crime is up in the city (and muggings in Mt Vernon), I'd say your mom will be OK if she is streetsmart - not wearing earbuds or carrying a large purse, not out too late (or go with a friend). If she's got friends/community in Mt Vernon, she'll be fine.

Only thing I see about Mt Vernon is the lack of a close by grocer.

Best of luck and hope you mom enjoys herself.

Safeway on Charles Street isn't too far away. Not walking distance, but its only a 3-5 minute drive.

[dogpark]

Originally Posted by Professor Griff

Safeway on Charles Street isn't too far away. Not walking distance, but its only a 3-5 minute drive.

Ever been in that Safeway? it sucks and it can get sketchy around there at night; remember there are methadone clinics the the low 20s area of Charles St to the south of Safeway (woudl have to walk thru) and another knot at 25th and Greenmount to the west (right past the troubled Barclay neighborhood).

[pwduvall]

Originally Posted by Professor Griff

Safeway on Charles Street isn't too far away. Not walking distance, but its only a 3-5 minute drive.

The Eddies on West Eagar Street is there to provide basic groceries, probably at high prices. Mom would not starve if she moved to Mount Vernon.

My mother expressed some interest in moving to a place like Mount Vernon when she was around 70. I'm not sure how much she would like it now that she is a little older.