Anchors of Hope (Baltimore: crime, houses, neighborhood)

[RaisedWell]

I looked at some renovated houses in an area south of Charles Village but within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The two block area was called Anchors of Hope. I liked the location, design of the houses but was concerned about the area. I was considering moving to Baltimore for the low cost of housing. I was looking at this neighborhood simply because of the Baltimore Lab school where I was interested in placing my son.

I was born and raised in DC and Prince Georges County. I do not know much about Baltimore or have any relatives or friends there. I can count the times I've been there in my life. I was curious about the city after I read an article last year in the Washington Post.

Can someone here tell me more about the neighborhood and surrounding area?

[jonjj]

What street was Anchors of Hope located?

[RaisedWell]

Originally Posted by jonjj

What street was Anchors of Hope located?

I believe I was on 33rd Street. I'm street smart and just had a feeling to walk very fast during my visit there. The people on that block at one particular house didn't look threatening but my senses told me that they were. I actually saw a former student of mine who told me not to move there because of gangs.

Here is a link:

Anchors of Hope

[rudy_d]

33rd St. is in the northern part of Charles Village and Waverly, generally a nice area. I think you were probably around 22nd St. and North Ave., which is more transitional and does have some nearby gang activity. I'm not familiar with Anchors of Hope, but I've heard about plans to extensively rehab the area. Here's an article from a few weeks back that mentions that crime has fallen in the area this year:

Killing pace slows in city -- baltimoresun.com

[RaisedWell]

Originally Posted by rudy_d

33rd St. is in the northern part of Charles Village and Waverly, generally a nice area. I think you were probably around 22nd St. and North Ave., which is more transitional and does have some nearby gang activity. I'm not familiar with Anchors of Hope, but I've heard about plans to extensively rehab the area. Here's an article from a few weeks back that mentions that crime has fallen in the area this year:

Killing pace slows in city -- baltimoresun.com

Thanks so much. Yes I did mean 22nd Street, down the street from the Baltimore Lab School. Thanks for the link also. It was very helpful.

I was only interested in relocating because I wanted to be able to afford a 4 bedroom house and felt like the market here had nothing a school teacher and single mom could afford. I went to the housing fairs and tours in Baltimore and everything but I was struggling with calling Baltimore home. Thanks again.

[barante]

It all depends.
Depends on whether the houses are west of Greenmount or east.
Depends on what the future will hold.
Let me explain: This was an okl Irish neighborhood (where Cardinal Shehan grew up). It went to dog after the 1968 riots, but is on a comeback trail. It won't be easy, but I, for one, think this neighborhood holds potential.
Driving up Greenmount this morning from the farmers' market I again looked at Station North, a neighborhood that has lots of problems but is on the cusp of turnaround. The Anchors of Hope neighborhood is on the other side of North Avenue.
Over the next five-ten years you will see this whole area improve. Whether that fits your time horizon or satisfies your own comfort level, you must decide. But I would not reject any good offer.
Spme 15 years ago ago, St. Ambrose's Housing Center rehabbed several rowhouses right across from the school headquarters site. Except for unsightly bars on the windows, they were wonderful jobs. As I recall they were offered at $14,000 each and had no takers because everyone was afraid of the neighborhood.
The Anchors of Hope area has been the target of lots of police action to drive away the bad element. The housing department also has cracked down, conducting selective demolition.
It all depends on the risk you want to take.

[RaisedWell]

Originally Posted by barante

It all depends.
Depends on whether the houses are west of Greenmount or east.
Depends on what the future will hold.
Let me explain: This was an okl Irish neighborhood (where Cardinal Shehan grew up). It went to dog after the 1968 riots, but is on a comeback trail. It won't be easy, but I, for one, think this neighborhood holds potential.
Driving up Greenmount this morning from the farmers' market I again looked at Station North, a neighborhood that has lots of problems but is on the cusp of turnaround. The Anchors of Hope neighborhood is on the other side of North Avenue.
Over the next five-ten years you will see this whole area improve. Whether that fits your time horizon or satisfies your own comfort level, you must decide. But I would not reject any good offer.
Spme 15 years ago ago, St. Ambrose's Housing Center rehabbed several rowhouses right across from the school headquarters site. Except for unsightly bars on the windows, they were wonderful jobs. As I recall they were offered at $14,000 each and had no takers because everyone was afraid of the neighborhood.
The Anchors of Hope area has been the target of lots of police action to drive away the bad element. The housing department also has cracked down, conducting selective demolition.
It all depends on the risk you want to take.

Thanks. You have no idea how helpful this has been.