Baltimore or Philly (real estate market, crime rate, job)

[themovers]

My fiance and I are moving and have narrowed our search down to either Baltimore or Philadelphia. We are looking for a big city, mass transit, culture and plenty of things to do location. We think that both of these places contain that however, we are still unclear of which location would be best. We are both mid 20s college grads that just want to give the big city a try as we both have lived in Florida all our life. Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.

[Georgia]

Both equal to me. Philadelphia is much bigger. Both have history, both are fun, both are dangerous, both are unique. Philadelphia does have the Eagles though, so I would have to give props to Philly. Then again, I love those crabs at Gunnings, so Bawlmore may win. Oh crap! back to being equal.

[Fissure226]

I cant speak for Philly, but I know that the Baltimore region has a very solid job and real estate market.

[beeebop]

could you do a visit of both cities by train? nice thing about philly is being close to NYC ... baltimore is close to DC (i know i am stating the obvious!) both have great neighborhoods, yummy food, and good nightlife & both have crime. i'd suggest checking out the job markets in both cities and comparing the rate of pay. good luck!

[ajacksb]

Come to Baltimore. I moved here almost 2 years ago - hesitantly, I might add. Something clicked though and I think I found the right place. True, transit is probably better in Philly, and you have more of a big city feel in their downtown, but Baltimore has some equally great neighborhoods with a more laid back, down to earth vibe. Baltimore also has some big plans for new transit systems and a future car sharing service, so if you really wanted to live without a car it's still a possibility here.

[computerblue20]

Philly all the way. I lived there for awhile and there really is no comparison. There's more to do in Philly, the city is easier to get around, mass transit and car sharing services are already pretty developed, per capita crime is lower, more diverse people, a larger job market, and it's MUCH better run. One of the big differences is that a lot of Baltimore people have grown up in the area, while Philly has a lot of people from elsewhere. Also, I would prefer the Main Line suburbs to Baltimore County.

[jonjj]

No doubt about it, transit is better in Philly although they have the same type of transit issues we have. My niece graduated from Hopkins and took a position in Philly. She loves it there but still prefers Baltimore because she thinks it is easier to get around without a car. She lived here and lives there without one. Both have great access to other cities along the Amtrak northeast corridor.
Both cities have some great neighborhoods to choose from. Both cities also have some tough areas.
The cost of living is cheaper in Baltimore although not by much. The crime rate is worse in Baltimore but again, not by a whole lot.
Those Eagle fans are tough.
Personally, both of you being very young and ready to explore--I'd do Boston. But, buyer beware-it's expensive!

[rudy_d]

Originally Posted by jonjj

The cost of living is cheaper in Baltimore although not by much. The crime rate is worse in Baltimore but again, not by a whole lot.

I think the cost of living is actually slightly higher here from the data I've seen, though it probably depends on the factors and neighborhoods you're comparing. Housing prices are a bit higher in Baltimore, though median household income is also. Taxes also tend to be a higher in MD than in PA. It's probably more inconvenient and costly to have a car in Philly.

Philly and Baltimore are alike in a lot of ways except that Philly has slightly more than twice the scale. Both consist of a lot of distinct, historic neighborhoods, have some extremely wealthy neighborhoods and have a lot of blight on the margins of the "good" neighborhoods. Public transport is better in Philly because of the subway but its convenience, like in Baltimore, depends a lot on where you live and where you're heading. It's good but certainly not to European standards.

[ToneGrail]

Originally Posted by Georgia

Both equal to me. Philadelphia is much bigger. Both have history, both are fun, both are dangerous

Yeah but at least in PA, you can get a carry permit and defend yourself against the thugs (who carry regardless of the law). Unlike in MD, criminals can't sue you if they fall down your stairs while trying to rob you because PA is a Castle Doctrine state. I vote for Philly.

[DJ Pioneer]

I vote for Philly, if you actually have a choice in the end. I moved to the Baltimore area after spending a couple years in the Philadelphia area, and honestly, it's not much of a comparison (in my opinion). I think Phila. has so many nicer areas than Baltimore. A lot of cultural and other events occur right in Philadelphia, where it seems like a lot of major events just happen in DC and Baltimore is overlooked due to its relatively close proximity. Philadelphia has some great suburban options (more than B-more) if you feel the need to move outside of the city down the road. The public transportation in Philly and the surrounding area is leaps and bounds above Baltimore. Lastly, Philly is closer to the beach!

Baltimore is a lot smaller than Philadelphia and some neighborhoods give you more of a small town atmosphere, if that is your thing. As far as overall costs, I don't see Baltimore as being any cheaper (my take).