Looking to Buy Next Year, Opinions on Neighborhoods, Please (Baltimore: crime, townhouses)

[Miss Crabcakes]

As the title reads, I'm looking to buy my first home next year and am considering the city since I'd liek to lessen my work commute into downtown. Some of the areas I've found nice rehabbed homes, I'm not that familiar with and am seeking any personal experience with them.

Charles Village- supposed to be revitalized but right now looks kinds shabby in areas.

Upper Fells Point, Greektown, Highlandtown, Patterson Park, Washington Village, Ednor, Hamilton, Parkville (cityside) and eastside near Morgan State.

I've been through all areas but haven't spent enough time to really see what its like to live there.

Any thoughts on the communities, schools, crime, people etc?

Thanks!

[Augie]

We bought a rehab in Patterson Park about 6 months ago and we are very happy. Nice street with great neighbors who are friendly and close-knit. Check it out. Direct message me and we'll talk.

[jonjj]

Of course I agree with Augie being in Patterson Park also. But, there are many neighborhoods to choose from. I think Patterson Park is a good choice because you get more bang for your buck but with this market, lots of decent areas are there for the picking.

[barante]

You face choices that many others do as well. You can move to an up-and-coming neighborhood that has turned the corner like Patterson Park (even though you will read many posts saying it is dangerous or this and that) or you can be among the pioneers in a place like Pigtown.
Or you can go to a neighbohood that is in vogue. It's up to you and your financial resources.
Some people are happy pretty much anywhere they end up, others never area.

[Augie]

Have enjoyed your posts over the many months. Do you folks ever get together, like at Jimmys for breakfast? I'd enjoy meeting you all. Even Bawlmore sounds like a fun guy!!! And let's not forget Carolott.

[mlmeloy]

A great deal depends on your budget. When you say, for example, that you're interested in Charles Village, Upper Fells Point, and Pigtown (Washington Village), you're talking about three different price points.

[carolott]

Originally Posted by Augie

Have enjoyed your posts over the many months. Do you folks ever get together, like at Jimmys for breakfast? I'd enjoy meeting you all. Even Bawlmore sounds like a fun guy!!! And let's not forget Carolott.

Jimmy's = pancakes = happiness.

[find u a home]

Federal Hill in my experience seems to be a decent neighborhood. You have quick access to Locust Point which will be getting a brand new Harris Teeter grocery store, a Ledo's Pizza and other amenities coming soon. From Fed Hill is also a short walk to Inner Harbor, Light Rail and close access to I-95 & 295. When it comes to crime, everybody seems to have a different opinion so I encourage you to check out the Baltimore City Police crime map online. It's fairly simple to use and will give you an idea of the types of crime in all neighborhoods of the city. Federal Hill also has a very mixed "people" neighborhood but seems to be attracting many young professionals that often walk to their jobs downtown and live there because of the great nightlife that the neighborhood offers. Federal Hill is definitely worth checking out.

Good Luck & Happy Hunting!

[barante]

We made one of our occasional pilgrimages to Fort McHenry, a great place to get out of the city. There you are enjoying the breezes and watching boats go by. You don't hear the din of the city, but you hear seagulls and ships whistles.
Anyway, Key Highway has been extended all the way to Hull Street, offering an alternative to Fort Avenue. On Fort, towards South Baltimore and past the shopping center, we saw a brand-new development of townhouses. Whether they are selling in this climate is another question. But with new fancy restaurants along Fort in Locust Point the area still seems to be on the upswing.

[barante]

Cheswolde, between Pikesville and Mount Washington, is largely immune to the ups and downs of everday economy. My neighborhood used to be where some pretty well known people lived -- from Mayor Tommy D'Alesandro III to Block figure Julius Salsbury. Despite a magnificent housing stock it then went downhill until it was discovered by highly professional Orthodox Jews, many members of Shomrei Emunah Congregation on Greenspring Avenue, a mega-synagogue that recently expanded.
Walking around today, I was again impressed by the amount of investment going into the community. I passed several houses that are being expanded. On Steuart, a huge new colonial has been built, apparently on speculation. On Strathmore, a lot has been cleared for a brand new home. Just around the corner a 1960s rancher, overlooking a huge stainless steel swimming pool, has was razed and a new two-story residence built instead.
I have no idea what is happening elsewhere, but a generational change is taking place on my street, Berkeley Avenue. We bought our rancher eight years ago from a woman who built it in 1960s with her husband. Now other residents, who have lived on the block, are leaving after four or five decades. Young Orthodox families move in, enlarging the homes. We got in just before the prices went through the roof. Prices have come down some on some properties, but not much.
I have lived in Mount Vernon, Bolton Hill, Cedarcroft, Coldspring and Union Square. No complaints about any of those places. But for a fat and bald guy in his 60s, Cheswolde is terrific. Never any noise or honking car horns. Weekends are totally quiet because the Orthodox walk. Never any loud music, not even klezmer.
In my younger years I might have been bored here, but this now suits me perfectly.