Looking for advice on neighborhoods (Baltimore: real estate market, houses, transfer to)

[DivineMsK]

Like most of the folks posting new threads here, I am considering a move to Baltimore (I currently live in Northern VA, but the real estate market is still unreachable... plus I'd like to move somewhere where folks are not quite as uptight/married to their jobs as they are in DC).

I've read a lot of other threads with people looking for input on where to live. I've met with a realtor and looked at some houses. I've heard the negative comments and the positive comments.

I have lived in NYC, so I understand what it's like to live in a city. Still, it is easy to get turned off by the folks who have nothing but negative things to say. And as someone who knows very little about Baltimore, I'm finding it hard to understand the slight variations between certain areas.

For example: Hampden and Medfield. Rowhouses in Medfield seem to be larger than rowhouses in Hampden, yet are generally cheaper, sometimes significantly. Is that due to Medfield being farther from The Avenue, or is it significantly less safe? Is there a lot of drug activity?

I've seen a rowhouse on Morling Road that I really like, also one at Keswick and 33rd. Bad areas?

Also: Cedarcroft. What's the deal with Cedarcroft? I like the idea of being within walking distance to that Belvedere market area, and I like the look of some of the homes around there (both rowhouses and detached homes), but I can't find much info about the neighborhood.

Anyone have any thoughts about Hamilton/Lauraville? I like the houses over there (darling bungalows/cottages with yards, etc) but there doesn't seem to be much within walking distance and I do like to be able to walk to things.

Lastly, are there any websites that have information about longer-term development plans for the city? If I do buy a place I am anticipating living there for at least 5-7 years, but I'd like to make sure (as much as I can anyway) that I'm making a good investment.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by DivineMsK

Like most of the folks posting new threads here, I am considering a move to Baltimore (I currently live in Northern VA, but the real estate market is still unreachable... plus I'd like to move somewhere where folks are not quite as uptight/married to their jobs as they are in DC).

I've read a lot of other threads with people looking for input on where to live. I've met with a realtor and looked at some houses. I've heard the negative comments and the positive comments.

I have lived in NYC, so I understand what it's like to live in a city. Still, it is easy to get turned off by the folks who have nothing but negative things to say. And as someone who knows very little about Baltimore, I'm finding it hard to understand the slight variations between certain areas.

For example: Hampden and Medfield. Rowhouses in Medfield seem to be larger than rowhouses in Hampden, yet are generally cheaper, sometimes significantly. Is that due to Medfield being farther from The Avenue, or is it significantly less safe? Is there a lot of drug activity?

I've seen a rowhouse on Morling Road that I really like, also one at Keswick and 33rd. Bad areas?

Also: Cedarcroft. What's the deal with Cedarcroft? I like the idea of being within walking distance to that Belvedere market area, and I like the look of some of the homes around there (both rowhouses and detached homes), but I can't find much info about the neighborhood.

Anyone have any thoughts about Hamilton/Lauraville? I like the houses over there (darling bungalows/cottages with yards, etc) but there doesn't seem to be much within walking distance and I do like to be able to walk to things.

Lastly, are there any websites that have information about longer-term development plans for the city? If I do buy a place I am anticipating living there for at least 5-7 years, but I'd like to make sure (as much as I can anyway) that I'm making a good investment.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

I am not sure why homes in Medfield are less priced, but it is a very safe area and also close to the light rail.

A good friend of mine just recently moved to the Belvedere Square area and loves it.

For the Hamilton area, a very nice section is called Arcadia and another is Beverly Hills. Both are off of Walther Blvd. It is true that you would probably need a car to go places if you chose those locations. But parking is a breeze there.

IN terms of city development, there are a ton of plans and projects. But with this market, I imagine many of them may be on hold until the economy improves. One interesting site for plans is:
Baltimore Grows

Not sure where Morling Road is but Keswick and 33rd is fine.

[GirlNextDoor]

I currently live in Lauraville and we moved here almost a year ago now. We really love it. The best part is our neighbors.

You'd definitely need a car but over the next couple years there will def. be more within walking distance. Currently, a vacant lot less than a mile from us is going to be developed into a small shopping area. People in the neighborhood want it to remain small, unique, and family owned. They are considerably against chains. Across from this area there is a small child's boutique, cafe's, a Candy Store. Also, Harford Ave in Lauraville/Hamilton has been designated to be developed into one of Baltimore's Main Streets. New resturants are also popping up.

http://www.baltimoremainstreets.com/...in_Streets.pdf

I think it would def. be worth a look. Only you can decide what you really want but I think Lauraville has a lot of potential. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.

Hope this helps!! Good Luck!!

[trickymost]

I can't speak to all the neighborhoods, but I used to own a home in the Hamilton area...long term it's probably going to be a really great place to live given it's location and accessibility to the city/695/county. But for now, there's not much to do, it's quite blue collar (except for a short stretch where the Chameleon Cafe is located) and parts can be very dodgy after dark, particularly on Harford Rd and along Northern Parkway.

[Woodlands]

It may be worth the effort to visit the Live Baltimore Home Center located at 343 N. Charles Street. They have a wealth of information on neighborhoods throughout the City.

Good Luck

Live in Baltimore - Home

[DivineMsK]

Thanks again, all.

I have been checking out the Live Baltimore site, but an in-person visit would probably be a good plan. The realtor I've met with has also been helpful, though of course they are limited as to what they can discuss.

From the Lauraville/Hamilton area, would I need to drive to work if I worked downtown? What's the parking situation like downtown? Do any employers pay for parking?

How safe is public transportation? Bus, subway, etc?

Could I possibly ask any more questions in one post? ;-)

[GirlNextDoor]

Mrs. K -- My husband's office is on the inner harbor. Although its only 4 miles away it takes him about 20 minutes with all the lights. You do drive though some sketchyish areas. They used to bother me but now I'm not phased. So yes you'd have to drive. I don't know much about public transportation b/c we both had cars when we moved. I'm sure someone else can answer that.

[DivineMsK]

Thanks GirlNextDoor -- I do have a car, but I'm hoping to not have to use it all the time! And my boyfriend may end up moving in with me, so that's two cars to contend with.

Some of the rowhouses I'm looking at in the Hampden/Medfield area have parking pads, but Lauraville/Hamilton would certainly have easier parking!

[rudy_d]

If you're worried about parking downtown, Medfield would be very convenient because of the light rail. I think it's lower priced than Hampden mainly because it's farther away from the trendy Avenue. I don't think it's any less safe, although it may be less gentrified.

As for parking downtown, I think it depends on your employer. Some pay for some or all of a garage, others don't. Quite a few also provide MTA passes, so you can essentially get to work for free if transit is an option.

There is at least one bus line that I know of that goes from Harford Rd. to downtown, so driving from that area to downtown isn't a necessity, but most people probably do it out of convenience.

[trickymost]

If you want to be able to live somewhere interesting, near or in the City proper, and have access to better transportation you may want to look at places near to the light rail, like Mt. Washington/other areas off Falls road. It will take you downtown probably close enough to your work that you can transfer to a bus or walk, and the ride itself it pleasant. Likewise, if you prefer driving you'd be able to get right on 83 and it's not a terrible ride compared to 95 or some of the parts of the beltway.