Easier living - DC or Baltimore metro areas? (jobs, crime)

[filmsniffer]

For some time, I have been wondering which overpopulated city has it easier [regarding employment type/salaries, communting, cost-of-living, all that] - D.C. or Baltimore metro area?

I realize D.C. is different as it combies MD, DC, and NOVA while Balitmore gets MD and the eastern shore? Naturally, government/federal jobs are more evident in DC. Sad to say for how long I've lived here, I've never really explored Baltimore. AFAIK, it's a [still?] blue collar town in my mind. Overall, it seems like DC isn't as known as high-crime when compared to Baltimore.

I also noticed Baltimore is expanding to the Pennsylvania state line. Is it from the mindset of commuting or is it something else?

Looking forward to hearing all sides of the discussion.

[manofsteel084]

Much easier from traffic perspective in Baltimore and much more affordable as well. DC can be a real nightmare.

[CHIP72]

Baltimore's expansion to north of the Mason-Dixon Line is rooted in the land use controls and costs in northern Baltimore County compared to those in southern York County in PA.