moving to work in Baltimore - housing? (Towson, Glen Burnie: relocating, gated)

[jenfrog]

Hi! I'm a young female professional who just got a job in downtown Baltimore & am looking for a place to live, temporary or permanent. Would love some advice. Here are my major issues:

Car: I own one, so want a safe area that's not especially prone to smash-and-run car incidents (been there, experienced that). Parking lot or garage necessary? (I'm a horrible parallel parker).
Allergies: no pets, no kids, no drugs/smoking (mostly in case of roommate).
Roommate: Open to the idea -- especially with young 20s professional females like me -- but don't know anyone in the area & would prefer living alone, if I can afford it. Also...
Time line: Relocating all the way from the midwest, so I need to view & move in two weeks. Thinking about getting a temporary stay place...
Lifestyle: I'm early 20s, liberal, lesbian, & into the arts scene. Will go out to socialize on weekends.
Price: $1000/mo. is a little pricey for me... Everyone says Baltimore is kinda dangerous, though, so I'm willing to pay extra for safety's sake. Hoping to stay under $850/mo. Thoughts?

Areas: I love the Mount Vernon websites so far. Am open to the suburbs, but don't know any, & wonder if gas prices would make up the difference of an in-city apartment. Also I enjoy going out on the weekends.

Thanks!! I'll be checking in every day

[jonjj]

Some places in Charles Village offer off-street parking. It sounds like you may want to get an apartment which allows parking. That can start to be a bit more expensive. My suggestion: don't make a decision until after you have moved here. There are lots of great neighborhoods but you should check them out first. Go to baltimoreliving.com for some possible answers. Don't assume that city=crime and suburbs=safety. Both have their nice and not-so-nice areas.

[bawlmer]

Glen Burnie, just outsde the city has some very affordable apts and is fairly close to the light rail into downtown. Take a look. I wouldn't call it a progressive area, definately not artsy, but safe, car friendly and affordable. I think I read another poster just settled on that area and likes it.

[amelluz]

i used to live in cheswolde near mt. washington. very close to the county (i could walk there) quiet, orthodox jewish neighborhood. the apartment complex was more so younger people (at least our building) and not so strictly religious as the surrounding neigborhood. the area is very safe; we were gated and their was a neighborhood watch car that would drive around and we would see occasionally. and mt. washington has a little town center type place, cute with a light rail station to take you to mt. vernon, downtown, etc. we used to take it to ball games. if you're out late you might have to take a cab. we would drive if were out late. definitely more suburban, but we had a one bedroom for 630 a month (a couple years ago) with washer and dryer in unit. i think the one bedroom is closer to 790 a month now, but there are a bunch of complexes around there to choose from. one downfall, we could hear our neighbors. if you have quiet neighbors, no prob. if you have neighbors with lead feet like the guy who lived above us, it can be annoying. oh yeah, ample, free parking in the lot.

[Funkypirate8]

Stay on top of the postings on Craigslist and in the City Paper. I think you will find something in there. I'd suggest looking for a condo or apartment in a house. I think you'll like it better than some of the large apartment type places. I think it feels more like home than the latter. You may find something good in your price range but if it's in a good neighborhood, it will go fast. I suggest Hampden. How big do you need? 1 or 2 bedrooms? If you stay with one or efficiency, I think you will find something satisfactory for under 1000. And I recommend you stay in the (SAFER SECTIONS) City-- commuting in just to play on the weekends isn't worth the risk of a dui.

[jenfrog]

Studio or 1-bed. I don't care if it's tiny, as long as it's safe.

Thanks for all the great advice so far, everyone!

[jenfrog]

What's a rowhouse, btw?

[jonjj]

A rowhome is the olden-day version of a townhome. It will be attached to the homes on either side unless situated on a corner. I walked by that corner today. Did you get the dimensions of the space you are renting? The homes are nice but not very large.

[jenfrog]

Thanks for explaining!

Okay, I'm finding some things in Towson... any word on that neighborhood? I haven't heard anything particularly good about it, but not bad either...

[jenfrog]

"The Stafford" (apartment complex)
....any word??

It's in Mt. Vernon & my price range, but can't find any reviews whatsoever!