Baltimore from Atlanta (crime, neighborhoods, calculator)

[esKIMo]

I am considering a job in Baltimore; I'm in my mid-30s and currently live in Atlanta. I'm a MWF living in a "transitional" neighborhood in the city limits, and "urban pioneer" if you will. So I understand the idea of crime being more of a factor in the city, any city, etc. However if I do make this move I will live by myself for a while until my husband relocates (6 months) so I want to feel safe. Also would like a neighborhood that is dog-friendly and with some good grocery stores, coffeeshops, restaurants nearby. What I don't like about my current neighborhood in ATL is that I can't walk anywhere; I really miss that.

What attracts me to Baltimore is the idea of living near the water again; I used to live in Wilmington, NC which is a beautiful port city. So neighborhoods close to the water are also a plus.

Wondering also about how the cost of living in Baltimore compares to Atlanta? From the little I've seen it's lower, but I'm not sure I believe that. The position I'm considering pays WAY more than I make currently ($almost 40K more), so if the cost of living is comparable I feel it's at least worth considering.

Would appreciate any insight from you locals, thanks!

[rudy_d]

I think you'll find that the cost of living in Baltimore is higher than Atlanta, but reasonable compared to a lot of other coastal cities. I think a $40k raise would more than make up for the difference.

There are plenty of cost-of-living calculators on the Web:

Cost of living: Compare prices in two cities - CNNMoney.com

[eamjr86]

Baltimore is significantly more expensive then Atlanta but still a bargain compared to most other major northeastern cities (DC, Philly, NYC, Boston). According to bankrate.com (a cost of living calculator), Baltimore's cost of living is 23.64% higher then Atlanta's. But assuming that you will be making 40k more, you will definitely be able to afford Baltimore. If you are looking to be close to downtown, then based on what your looking for in a neighborhood, I would recommend for you to check out Federal Hill as well as Fells Point. Both have all the amenities you require. If your looking for a neighborhood outside of downtown let me know and I will recommend some. Either way, I say you take the job!