Mom's new apartment? Baltimore city? (Mount Vernon: crime, safe neighborhood, living in)

[WriterLady]

Hi. My mom (85) has been working her way through a waitlist for a senior apartment in Mt Vernon. Is this a safe neighborhood for an elderly (very nice) lady who will be walking a dog alone in the mornings and early evenings?. My brother and I are concerned about all the talk about crime in Baltimore and runaway dirt bikes etc. She is an alumni of MICA and is heart set on living in Baltimore. BTW, she is totally physically and mentally with it but after all,not a track star.
Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks much.

[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.

[Calvert Hall '62]

I feel sorry for mom. Why Baltimore?

[designer_genes]

Originally Posted by WriterLady

Hi. My mom (85) has been working her way through a waitlist for a senior apartment in Mt Vernon. Is this a safe neighborhood for an elderly (very nice) lady who will be walking a dog alone in the mornings and early evenings?. My brother and I are concerned about all the talk about crime in Baltimore and runaway dirt bikes etc. She is an alumni of MICA and is heart set on living in Baltimore. BTW, she is totally physically and mentally with it but after all,not a track star.
Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks much.

Mount Vernon is very safe. I know many people that live there and none of them have ever had a problem. You still need to have some level of common sense, just like any other city, but it is very safe by city standards.

That said, it isn't a very quiet neighborhood. It's sort of in the middle of the hustle and bustle. And like dogpark mentioned, there isn't really a grocery store that is convenient to the neighborhood without driving. So those are factors to consider for a senior living in that neighborhood.

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

I feel sorry for mom. Why Baltimore?

Is being a troll your fulltime job? The only one to pity here is you.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by bufflove

Is being a troll your fulltime job? The only one to pity here is you.

Putting mom in Baltimore is tantamount to elder abuse.

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

Putting mom in Baltimore is tantamount to elder abuse.

Nevermind the fact Mt. Vernon is an architecturally beautiful, vibrant, safe neighborhood with good public transit and walkability along with an entire city's worth of culture and amenities at your doorstep. I just can't imagine why someone would want to live there, especially for their golden years.

Where do you live, grandpa, that's so much better? What's the best part of your neighborhood? An Applebee's? If you're living in some secret area that's better than a National Historic District like Mt. Vernon, feel free to suggest it rather than contributing exactly nothing to every thread you feel compelled to troll.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by bufflove

Nevermind the fact Mt. Vernon is an architecturally beautiful, vibrant, safe neighborhood with good public transit and walkability along with an entire city's worth of culture and amenities at your doorstep. I just can't imagine why someone would want to live there, especially for their golden years.

Where do you live, grandpa, that's so much better? What's the best part of your neighborhood? An Applebee's? If you're living in some secret area that's better than a National Historic District like Mt. Vernon, feel free to suggest it rather than contributing exactly nothing to every thread you feel compelled to troll.

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.

[picardlx]

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.

Well you have your wife for support. This lady may be on her own and may need close neighbors and the close amenities that urban density provides. I'm sure it's great where you live but it may not be appropriate for a really old person living alone.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by picardlx

Well you have your wife for support. This lady may be on her own and may need close neighbors and the close amenities that urban density provides. I'm sure it's great where you live but it may not be appropriate for a really old person living alone.

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