I live in patterson park and have a question (Baltimore: middle-class, lease)

[Savannah9]

Hello,

I moved to Patterson Park last summer and live on the corner of Linwood and E. Baltimore. Since August I've had my car stolen (right in front of my house) and my car windows broken 3 times. Also, I was carrying a bottle of wine last month and about to go into my house when a person demanded the bottle. I could tell it wasn't in my best interest to argue so I handed it over and he ran away.

I've lived in the Canton area since 2006 (on Foster Ave behind Safeway) and never once had an issue. I never leave anything in my car and it is always locked. I love living in the city and I am fully aware that this kind of stuff happens. I can handle something happening once or twice, however, not all of the above within 6 months! Yes, I would rather have my car be stolen or broken into than hurt in any way, but this is becoming expensive and worrisome.

I was wondering if else has experienced any problems living in this area recently or if I just have a black cloud hanging over my head! I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks so much.

[14thandYou]

I'd be very curious to hear from other Patterson residents as well, as that is an area that my wife and I have looked at very strongly. The crime in the area is a bit worrisome to us, though.

[jonjj]

I live on Baltimore Street and haven't had a problem in the three years that I have lived here. I understand that cars are an issue but I never keep anything in my car that can be enticing to folks. I followed that same plan wherever I lived though. There is a neighborhood meeting scheduled for this coming Monday on June 12th at 7PM in the basement of St. Elizabeths. I suggest you try to attend the meeting to talk to and listen to other neighbors. We usually get quite a few people who attend. Many times the police send a rep to address concerns.
As far as crime goes in the neighborhood, if anything, I think it has gotten better since I have been living here. I am concerned because of the economy and the police hours getting cut back to save money.
I also suggest you join the web sites or write to the web sites in the "sticky" at the top of the thread to read or address concerns.

[ByeByeDenver]

We moved to baltimore in July. We are off of highland and leverton which is basically one block south of baltimore st. We have had no issues up to this point. Just like most others we are very careful not to leave ANYTHING in the car that may entice some punks to break in. Although our neighborhood looks a bit trashy we have been fairly happy with the neighborhood. Cops seem to patrol the block fairly regularly, but other then some late night loud music and the broken bottles and trash around the block it hasn't been too bad. Now, with that being said, we would feel much more comfortable over near Safeway, and when our lease is up if we can find a place in Canton for around $1200 we would probably be out. It should also be mentioned that my fiance works overnights sometimes and we only have one car so I have no doubt that that drastically decreases the percentage chances of our car being broken into. But our home and persons have never been messed with.

Sorry that those bad things have been happening to you Savannah9!

[financelife]

Whoa! I live in the south, and there is nothing like this that happens here. I'm just browsing other cities my wife and I mentioned living in, and this would definitely be a culture shock if we had to watch our backs all the time. You still have to be careful here, but not like that!

Do you drive a Mercedez? If I parked a Mercedez there would it get stolen?

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by financelife

Whoa! I live in the south, and there is nothing like this that happens here. I'm just browsing other cities my wife and I mentioned living in, and this would definitely be a culture shock if we had to watch our backs all the time. You still have to be careful here, but not like that!

Certainly you know that the entire city of Baltimore is not like this--we're discussing one person's experience in one particular neighborhood.

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by financelife

Whoa! I live in the south, and there is nothing like this that happens here. I'm just browsing other cities my wife and I mentioned living in, and this would definitely be a culture shock if we had to watch our backs all the time. You still have to be careful here, but not like that!

Do you drive a Mercedez? If I parked a Mercedez there would it get stolen?

Well, if you own a Mercedez, you would probably be looking into other neighborhoods besides Patterson Park. So that part is answered.
Now, the myth---I live here and I don't have to "watch my back" all the time. It is a transitional neighborhood that has made a lot of progress but still has more to make. I can say for sure that my way of life in the neighborhood is not any different than any other area. At night, I do take precautions, but I would do that in any neighborhood in any city. During the day, I walk it to and from downtown and I do that almost daily and have never had an issue with anyone in the three years I have been doing that. Are there safer areas in the city? Yes. But, I would take precaution anywhere, not even just the city. Check out the Wheaton Mall thread in the state for good ol suburban safety.

[financelife]

I just started my research, and thought Patterson Park was an upper middle class neighborhood. lol.

The OP made it sound like he was familiar with the area, and he was surprised that this stuff was happening in the neighborhood. I wondered if the type of car he was driving attracted the thieves.

Thank you for the replies. Baltimore has lots of history and culture to offer!

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by financelife

I just started my research, and thought Patterson Park was an upper middle class neighborhood. lol.

The OP made it sound like he was familiar with the area, and he was surprised that this stuff was happening in the neighborhood. I wondered if the type of car he was driving attracted the thieves.

Thank you for the replies. Baltimore has lots of history and culture to offer!

There are some large homes on Baltimore Street or Linwood that go for quite a bit of money-more than 300 but the majority of the neighborhood is middle-class.

[rmc01]

I'm sorry to hear about your experiences on this side of the park.

My wife and I have lived on Baltimore street for about eight years and haven't had any problems for four years. Before that we had some car break ins and stuff like that. All in all we've found that the advantages of living here outweigh the negatives. I agree with what Jonjj said--the area is transitional but has definitely improved since we've been here.