Help...is this safe? (Baltimore, Fairmount: renting, crime, homes)

[Moving family]

Hi-
My husband, 2 1/2yr old and I will be moving to Baltimore soon for my job at Union Mem. We are not city people but wanted to experience something different for our 1 yr adventure. We are looking at a property in the area of N. Washington, between Fairmount and Baltimore...is this area safe? I am hearing so many bad things about the area around Hopkins....Should we look to south in canton? Please help...

[jonjj]

That area is fine. There is a lot of development and gentrification going on around there. The general rule of thumb at this time is to stay south of Fayette. I live on Baltimore in the same general area. If you don't want to deal with a transitional neighborhood, then go south to Canton but I really think you will be fine there. Check out the Butchers Hill Neighborhood Association for more information.

[baltimore's best]

Originally Posted by Moving family

Hi-
My husband, 2 1/2yr old and I will be moving to Baltimore soon for my job at Union Mem. We are not city people but wanted to experience something different for our 1 yr adventure. We are looking at a property in the area of N. Washington, between Fairmount and Baltimore...is this area safe? I am hearing so many bad things about the area around Hopkins....Should we look to south in canton? Please help...

Yes, definately look at Canton before you settle for an area in transition. You'll be much more comfortable in Canton. The area you are talking about is fairly active crime-wise and the surrounding areas to the north, east and west are much worse. If you are hearing bad things from people you know they are probably trying give you good advice. You'll enjoy Canton. It has a great neighborhood feel. Check the crime maps. City of Baltimore, Maryland Police Department - Interactive Geographic Display of Crimes

[rudy_d]

I don't like there, but that area seems pretty decent to me and not really "transitional." However, if you'll be working at Union Memorial and are unsure about the neighborhoods, why not look at something closer like Charles Village, Oakenshawe, or Hampden? You could walk to work.

[southbalto]

Oakenshawe is a fab neighborhood for famlies.

[northeastbeachbum]

Originally Posted by Moving family

Hi-
My husband, 2 1/2yr old and I will be moving to Baltimore soon for my job at Union Mem. We are not city people but wanted to experience something different for our 1 yr adventure. We are looking at a property in the area of N. Washington, between Fairmount and Baltimore...is this area safe? I am hearing so many bad things about the area around Hopkins....Should we look to south in canton? Please help...

If you are used to small town living then you are in for a culture shock!! I live in MD. only a very small town with lots of visitors from Pa. The price's of homes in that area used to be outragous I havent been keeping tracking I like my small town an my hubby commutes.

[ltong1009]

I live right around the corner at Lombard and Washington St. We really like the area.

[chippeebobippee]

If working at Union and only planning to stay for a year as you mentioned "our 1 year adventure" you may want to consider renting and being closer to work, which opens up a host of other alternate living choices where you could walk or bike to work if you wanted to.