A grad student (Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City: apartment, condo, crime)

[lwilson14]

I am a grad student at University of Baltimore and I'm trying to move there from Florida in mid-aug. I don't want to live too far from school, but I need something affordable and less crimes. Im new to the city so I need easy access to the transportation system. any ideas??

[pkoons]

Inside the city can be tricky... the lowest crime is probably around the Fells Point area, but there are plenty of nice and safe condo buildings around the Canton, Federal Hill, and Lexington market areas. To a lesser degree in terms of safety, try Bolton Hill for cooler architecture and a great location, or Hampden if you're looking for something VERY affordable and unique to boot. Baltimore is different than a lot of cities because of the marked differences from block to block, especially in Fed Hill and Lexington Market.

If you are a party animal Canton is probably the newest hot spot, but I tend to have the most fun around the harbor. The harbor area has alot of generic, young-leaning but fun clubs (Baja, Bar Baltimore, Iguana), a few upscale spots like the Havana Club, and some neighborhood dives like Pickles near the Orioles stadium.

If you are interested in living OUTSIDE the city and commuting in, try Columbia and Ellicott City if you will have a car, or Savage to be close to the MARC train station. Howard County is the nicest surrounding area with public transit, and there are lots of safe apartment buildings as well as great communities if you are looking to buy a home. As far as culture is concerned, going out in Columbia is a blast but a little yuppie-ish, so to speak, and there are lots of good diverse restaurants in the Columbia-Ellicott City areas.

Good luck!

[professor dogma]

If you haven't moved yet, I lived in Mount Vernon while attending UB and mostly enjoyed it (excluding parking ). However, two blocks in any direction (except North) of the monument will put you in craptastic surroundings. If you have a car, get a garage or plan on moving it for every bloody festival or photoshoot.