Philadelphia VS. Baltimore (living, cost, better, compared)

[alleghenyangel]

I've fallen in love with Philadelphia and Baltimore. I have visited both cities over the last two years, and each one had a magical spell that really made me want to move there. What I loved about both of these cities was the sense of history. In particular, I loved Mt. Vernon in Baltimore, and Rittenhouse Square in Philly. These were two of the most gorgeous places I have ever been. The architecture was just stunning. Are there other neighborhoods that compare to these in Philly or Baltimore, that are less expensive? I love the large brownstones and the Victorian / Colonial feel.

How are the job markets in these two cities (I am a bachelor level Social Worker). I don't need a lot of money, because it's just me, but would I be able to survive, given the higher cost of living on the east coast? How is the cost of living compared to Pittsburgh (where I live now, and am doing well on about $30k a year)?

For someone who loves history, and neighborhoods like I described above, as well as a reasonable cost of living, which city has the edge, Baltimore or Philly?

Furthermore, are there reasonably safe neighborhoods in these two cities that have affordable row-houses (to buy)?

Thanks!

[bmorefella]

Philly and baltimore are very similar in many way's except philly is a much larger city, its actually twice the size of baltimore, but overall quality of living baltimore is better, solely because its in maryland!!!! There not really much to differentiate the two cities.

In philly you will need about $45,000 to feel comfortable and baltimore make it $58,000

[john_starks]

2 great cities imo

[j_cat]

Philly seems safer, cheaper and more exciting. Baltimore seems cleaner and more beautiful.

[MrRedd]

they are almost twins in my opinion. i like the both although baltimore is my home.

[bkvillian718]

been to both, but i've spent more time in Philly. so i'm gunna have to go with philly.

[nycjowww]

like mrredd said above both cities are a bit simillar. To me philly is a mix oc nyc/baltimore but i will choose philly only because its more diverse. But other then that i think both cities are pretty much similar.

[nephi215]

Originally Posted by MrRedd

they are almost twins in my opinion. i like the both although baltimore is my home.

they are not "almost twins" but they are very similar in terms of housing stock (row house), but philly has a more diverse population and housing stock and philly is overall a better city imo.

[MrRedd]

Originally Posted by nephi215

they are not "almost twins" but they are very similar in terms of housing stock (row house), but philly has a more diverse population and housing stock and philly is overall a better city imo.

i doubt that the housing stock is more diverse than baltimore. and when u say diverse population, u do mean the city limits or the metro area?

[Crown Vic...]

Both cities look smack alike, only difference is a lot of Philly's streets are like 5 feet wide lol