Moving to MD, city or suburbs?

[Shoosh]

barante:

Thank you for the historic review, I found it interesting.
I've picked Seton Hill because I was going by the map on this website, as I thought it is in close proximity to the Medical Centre of UMD City of Baltimore, Maryland.

I'm looking to live in a artsy, cultural and vibrant place. Something like Mt Vernon. However, I'm not sure if it is within walking distance to the West Baltimore St. I'm considering walking to work rather than driving as I love using my feet to get to places. In addition, I enjoy night-life and would like to be near areas of bars, restaurants and night-clubs.

My better-half insists on living in a high-rise building which is secure at least for the first year til I figure the where-abouts of Baltimore. I realized from all the reading that I did, and that is the 22 pages of this forum, that living in high-rise meaning spending around 1600/month on the apartment. I also felt that having a car is a necessity in Baltimore, hence extra expense for insurance and parking. I'm not sure how I will manage financially...hmmm.

So far, I think living close to work, hence walk to there everyday. Possibly rent a car over the weekend so I get shopping done is probably a more feasible idea.

I'm welcome to suggestions....

[jonjj]

Sounds like you can handle Baltimore. Why not try Fells Point? I think you would like that area from what you are saying. In terms of getting to work from there, walking to downtown is a breeze. It would take about 15 minutes. From downtown, there are buses running over to your destination or just walk it.

[barante]

How about Union Square, with a walking distance from the University of Maryland downtown campus? We used to live on the square for eleven years and were happy. Lots of artsy types in the neighborhood. And Hollins Market, midway toward the university, seems to be coming back, sort of.
Dogs are welcome. As a matter of fact, one of our former neighbors rescues Great Danes.
Union Square Online | Sowebo | Historic Baltimore Neighborhood

[Shoosh]

Hello again,
I have been doing a lot of reading. I'd love some advice on the following places:
1. Townson - safety and what is it like to commute to (distance and time ) UMB Medical center?
2. Owning Mills - afety and what is it like to commute (distance and time ) to UMB Medical center?
3. Columbia - safety and what is it like to commute (distance and time )to UMB Medical center?
4. Ellicot City - safety and what is it like to commute (distance and time )to UMB Medical center?

I'm trying to narrow down my search to areas within Baltimore and areas within reasonable commutable distance/time to Baltimore. I will then have to go around and decided based on certain parameters.

I know a lot of you have helped out a great deal, I hope I am not asking too much.
Thanks again..

[carolott]

Originally Posted by Shoosh

Hello again,
I have been doing a lot of reading. I'd love some advice on the following places:
1. Townson - safety and what is it like to commute to (distance and time ) UMB Medical center?
2. Owning Mills - afety and what is it like to commute (distance and time ) to UMB Medical center?
3. Columbia - safety and what is it like to commute (distance and time )to UMB Medical center?
4. Ellicot City - safety and what is it like to commute (distance and time )to UMB Medical center?

I'm trying to narrow down my search to areas within Baltimore and areas within reasonable commutable distance/time to Baltimore. I will then have to go around and decided based on certain parameters.

I know a lot of you have helped out a great deal, I hope I am not asking too much.
Thanks again..

None of the places you listed are in the city -- they are all suburbs. I would imagine each would be about a half-hour drive in and out, if traffic isnt bad that day. All have their "good" areas and "bad" areas -- your best bet would be to visit them and see what you like and dislike about each.

[Shoosh]

I have looked all over the city and narrowed it down to certain places that I will have to check out myself once I am in the area.

I am aware that these places are in the suburbs. I thought I also have to consider them just in case I don't like the city. At the moment, I have the time to browse online and do extensive reading. So, I am preparing for city and suburbs until I go there and see for myself.

30 mins drive during rush hour is okay, but if traffic is bad, how long do you think it will take? on estimates on mapquest are not a true reflection, so people's feed back is useful.

[carolott]

Originally Posted by Shoosh

I have looked all over the city and narrowed it down to certain places that I will have to check out myself once I am in the area.

I am aware that these places are in the suburbs. I thought I also have to consider them just in case I don't like the city. At the moment, I have the time to browse online and do extensive reading. So, I am preparing for city and suburbs until I go there and see for myself.

30 mins drive during rush hour is okay, but if traffic is bad, how long do you think it will take? on estimates on mapquest are not a true reflection, so people's feed back is useful.

It really depends on a few variables: weather, construction, and accidents. I've sat on the beltway for over an hour trying to get to Towson at 10 AM on a random weekday, I've had to get off the beltway because it was closed (accident), and other days I've gotten there in 20 minutes. I think a safe estimate would be 30-40 minutes each way on a weekday morning/evening. The day the beltway was closed, I gave up and went somewhere else -- I think I was on my way to the mall, and went down to Columbia instead.

The traffic between here and Columbia seems to be easier to navigate, perhaps due to the fact that you have more exits and routes to take, but I would still take 30 minutes as a rough estimate on a decent day, and 45 on a bad one. I had to take a three-day class in Columbia, and it started at 9 AM. From where I live (right by 95 and 295 South), it was about 40 minutes door-to-door.