This Is A Touchy Subject, But I Have To Ask (Baltimore: apartment complex, houses)

[donicaben]

My husband is applying for a job in Baltimore. I visited the city once and loved it. So much to do and the people seemed nice.

My husband and I and our two small children are caucasian. Normally I wouldn't make a deal out of this - but when we lived in Dallas it was an issue. Some of the neighboring kids tried to set our apartment on fire, some threw gravel at my newborn and I overheard one of the neighbors on her patio talking on the phone about how if my husband were to get killed she wouldn't care because it would just be one less "cracker". I had never dealt with such an insane amount of racism in my life. We left Dallas after two years.

I'm really hoping the people are more like the people of Buffalo. Close communities with some problems but you're not constantly fearing for your life (there were frequent gunshots in our apartment complex).

Specifically, I was looking at the Waverly sub. There are some decent houses there for a reasonable price.

Are the people tolerant, or no? I wouldn't care so much if it were just my husband and I, but are my little ones going to get beat up at school for being white? As it stands if we do move there I intend to put them in private schools...but I guess the same could be asked about them playing at a park/in their yard/etc.

Any help would be appreciated, but please - I'm not trying to start a war.

[donicaben]

I checked Google maps at the street level and perused some of the neighborhoods in Waverly. Some houses are pretty, some houses look like they should be condemned, some houses have garbage in their yards and there are liquor stores on the corners. I expected this. It's looks like some of the neighborhoods in DT Buffalo. I just want to know how the people are.

[jonjj]

You would have more options besides Waverly to consider. Check into Lauraville in northeast Baltimore. It is more affordable than other neighborhoods and a good mix of people. Other options would be Arcadia or Beverly Hills but they may be a bit more expensive. I am not going to comment on Waverly as I really don't know it that well. I used to walk up 33rd Street quite a bit and never had any issues. Another option for you could possibly be Ednor Gardens which is right by Waverly to the east.

[janetvj]

In my opinion the biggest obstacle to raising a family in Baltimore is the poor public school system. Since you are considering private schools, you should be okay. I don't think you'll have the type of problems you describe in the family oriented, diverse neighborhoods like the ones that have already been mentioned. Until a few years ago, my sister lived in Oakenshawe, which is very close to Waverly, and she never mentioned any problems with racism or intolerance.

[Michael21214]

I lived many years in Buffalo and have lived in the Lauraville neighborhood since 2003. I don't have kids so I can't speak to that, but I would say that the Lauraville and the adjacent Hamilton neighborhood have a similar housing stock to what you might find in North Buffalo. Lauraville and Hamilton (zip 21214) are more racially mixed than North Buffalo, at least as I remember it back in the 80s and 90s. However Lauraville and Hamilton are generally free of racial tension, nothing like you experienced in Dallas. I would avoid Waverly (except for the great farmer's market on Saturday). It's kind of rough around the edges, and I've heard a few unprovoked "hey white boy" type of comments there. I don't get that in my neighborhood.

Like Buffalo, Baltimore has tight-knit neighborhoods, many with strong community associations, though people here can be maybe a little rude, a little less friendly (but certainly not menacing, like you experienced in Dallas) than a place like Buffalo (get used to hearing a lot of car horns from impatient, aggressive drivers). I guess it's that east coast vibe.

Other neighborhoods you might like: Original Northwood (21218); North Harford (21234); Idlewood (21239); Radnor-Winston (21212); Cedarcroft (also 21212). The zip codes might also include some less desirable areas, don't go just by the zip. 21206 & 21213 also have some nice neighborhoods (can't think of the names right off.) Hope this helps.

[barante]

I second the Lauraville recommendations. My reason: It's a mixed neighborhood working together. There is an operational community organization. Your neighbors would include lots of doers -- planners, college instructors, etc. Kind of afrordable Takoma Park in Baltimore. (I'm staring at a May Day invitation: party to be held in Lauraville).
You might be perfectly happy with Waverly, but it's a divided neighborhood, i.e. the area east of Greenmout Avenue would be tough to live in regadless of your race. And on the west side there are too many Johns Hopkins types. Nothing wrong with them, except that they are here today and moving to Buffalo and other places tomorrow. Maintaining a livable neighborhood can be a struggle, so you need people who have a stake in their community.

[lovecityliving]

I must agree on Lauraville as well. It is a wonderful neighboorhood I have lived their my entire life and have raised 2 children there now 14 and 8. The only down side are the Public Schools which we choose to send them to Catholic school. There are quite a few in the area that are great. Lauraville has a great community association which helps keep the neighboorhood looking great. The people are friendly... we have never had any problems and our children play outside all summer long with no problems.

[JMadison]

I'd reccomend white flight if it's an option for you.

[ToneGrail]

The real answer she is looking for: Avoid Waverly at all costs unless you feel comfortable living in the gang-infested hood with drug dealers on every corner.

[ghart]

Stay on the east side, out of the city.