moving to Baltimore (advice) (Parkville: new home, neighborhoods, movie theater)

[bmama7]

Hi, I am moving with my family to Baltimore this summer and need some advice picking an area. We are moving from NC but have lived in many cities (Indianapolis, Chicago etc). We have two young children, and are looking for a very safe family friendly area that is also diverse. We are working on a nonprofit salary, so not expensive area, but safety is key.
Any ideas of unique and great neighborhoods? We are a multiracial family, love quirky unique areas with character, love growing our own foods, and green areas.
Any tips would be great! Husband is working downtown, so hoping to find a home in the city

[BMoreJuice]

We need a little more information. Do you want a detached house with a lot or a row house (several connected homes). Public schools or private school? Budget range that you are comfortable with. Baltimore is very block by block so this can help us help you a little better.

[bmama7]

Ok, thanks. We would love a detached house with at least a small yard, but open to a row home if near a park. We will probably home school the first year, but will probably end up doing a charter or private school after, as I hear the public schools aren't great (but also know I'm only hearing this and doesn't mean true and will look at them all once we move). We love being outdoors, walking to shops/restaurants, walking. We're looking for a home under 200k. Sadly, from out of state, all I hear is negative about the city, but we're so excited to make it our new home and raise our children here.

[Alex1484]

I would look towards the catonsville area as I know the price point still makes it a bit tough but you could find a fixer upper. The area has relatively good schools and is safe. Its not too far from the city as well so the commute won't be too bad.

[Brooklynite1114]

Frankford/Cedonia is okay... same with Northwood. Just don't estimate the saftey wrong. Watch out. Buses from the horrible areas (listed in last paragraph) of B-More go to Frankford and Northwood and Cedonia and they spread negativity around there (drugs, theives, etc).

Canton and Hampden are good, but the houses there are WAYYY more than $200k around there, last time I checked. Roland Park is out of the question... those houses are overpriced for the area.

STAY AWAY from Harlem Park, Park Heights, Pen Lucy, and Broadway East. Those neighborhoods are definite no-no's for your family.

[HoCoMom]

I would recommend looking in neighborhoods in the Loch Raven Blvd corridor - anywhere from Northwood out to and including The Baltimore County portion. Mostly row homes but some single family.

[seanlax]

Really anything along Harford Road, Echodale, Walther, Old Harford Road; those areas are well kept, generally nice, affordable and have little yards and wooded parklands nearby. Quite scenic and will give you a good spot imo to judge the schools. If you are struggling with budget check out Windemere av area or something right near Cross Country Blvd up near Mt Washington, it might be cheaper.

[bmama7]

thanks so much !

[BMoreJuice]

Original Northwood is a beautiful neighborhood that has won some press in magazines as a historic neighborhood. I would check out Belvedere-Chinquapin Park which is a great neighborhood with small yards, a playground park, tree lines and somewhat historic. There is a food market and a movie theater that you can literally walk too in the neighborhood. Northwood towards Parkville is a good suggest as well, more Parkville however. Mount Washington is ideal but expensive ( But do check it out). Lauraville, Arcadia, Hollywood, Hamilton, Mayfield are all also good area's, safe and quite. Close to shopping, Lake Montebello and a college.

[bmama7]

thanks! We've been looking in Lauraville/ Hamilton area and looks pretty nice