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I know on this forum where most people love dirty grit, "character" and old grey housing Baltimore would eventually win but I would give my vote to Portland just to express my opinion.
Last edited by fashionguy; 06-14-2010 at 05:46 PM..
I know on this forum where most people love dirty grit, "character" and old grey housing Baltimore would eventually win but I would give my vote to Portland just to express my opinion.
Baltimore is inherently more urban given it's older age, but IMO, Portland takes a more proactive role in urban issues (transit, biking, pedestrian activity, etc.). I actually voted for Baltimore in this poll, but I have to give Portland credit where it's due.
As I said before, urban planners consider Portland to be a leader light rail/streetcar transit, bicycle infrastructure, and new urbanism. Baltimore meanwhile seems quite content with letting the automobile dominate, despite its built environment being much more conducive to transit than Portland's. For example, the Harbor East Development downtown near the Inner Harbor is an excellent example of successful, pedestrian-friendly, extremely dense new urbanism; however with valets at almost every corner, it's clear that the vast majority of people there are arriving by automobile (and the city of Baltimore doesn't seem to be in a hurry to promote any alternatives).
I think people are really underestimating Portland's food scene. It's actually excellent, with a ton of variety. From my experiences in both cities, Id say Portland has better food
I choose Baltimore but i really need to spend more time in portland. Baltimore is a great city. It's location is a belssing and curse in that is it close to everything yet overshawdowed by even bigger cities. standing on it's own it is a large place with a lot to offer. Plus the Bay location is amazing - the Cheseapeake is very under-rated.
a neighborhood in Baltimore called Reservoir Hill known for it's architectural elegance. not a happening hood now but may get rehabbed within the next 20 yrs or so.
[SIZE=4]Our neighborhood, Reservoir Hill, is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, large mansions, and close proximity to Druid Hill Park inaugurated by Baltimore Mayor Thomas Swann in 1860. At 745-acres, the park is one of the largest urban parks in America, about the same size as New York City's Central Park completed a few years later in 1873. The park has been a popular destination for city dwellers and features a number of attractions, including numerous Bronze statues, the Maryland Zoo and the recently renovated conservatory. This post card taken inside Druid Hill Park looks across the reservoir at Reservoir Hill and was taken in 1919.[/SIZE]
when I think of Portland and Seattle I think of fun cities without many social ills/crime of older NE/Midwest cities, however I don't think of them as being stars regarding residential architecture.
when I think of Portland and Seattle I think of fun cities without many social ills/crime of older NE/Midwest cities, however I don't think of them as being stars regarding residential architecture.
You would be right. There are many attractive, craftsman-style neighborhoods in both cities...but there are also lots of tacky, overbearing condos with bland colors and large fences all the way out to the lot line.
Portland has nearly 4 times the ridership on its lightrail and nearly twice as many miles of rail.... so not sure where you get the public transit from..
edit: whoops left out heavy rail for Baltimore, thought Portland is still ahead even if you combine heavy and light rail for Baltimore vs. Portland light rail.
Last edited by skrizzle; 06-15-2010 at 11:46 AM..
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