pittsburgh or baltimore? (Homewood: travel, home, high crime)

[Elder18]

Do yourself a favor and choose none of the above.

There are nicer places in the country you can live in than either of these two cities.

Baltimore is full of crackheads and murderers and this whole region is about as corrupt as you can get.

So do yourself a favor and choose somewhere else to live.

[guylocke]

Or do yourself a favor and don't listen to Elder. I'm sure both Baltimore and Pittsburgh have many things to offer certain people. It would be silly to write places off because "there are nicer places in the country." I'm quite sure Pittsburgh and Baltimore ARE the nicer areas in the country to many. To each his own.

Believe me, the grass is NOT always greener.

Just do your homework. I personally do NOT like Baltimore and have made it be known but I can't say it wouldn't be a perfect fit for SOMEONE, and that someone could be you. So at least check it out.

[Seaharbour]

I would visit both areas...see for yourself..you can only go by on so much from Citydata!

[walbright]

Absolutely, choose Pittsburgh. Baltimore has always had more crime than Pittsburgh, especially homicides. Baltimore is more rundown than Pittsburgh and just lacks class. In 2008, the taxes in Maryland are going way up, so expect the cost of living in Baltimore to be higher than Pittsburgh.

[jonjj]

I have to disagree with you walbright. I don't want to knock Pittsburgh because I do like it but it does not compare with what Baltimore has to offer. Sure, Baltimore has a higher crime rate but everyone knows that those crimes occur in certain areas and to avoid them. Other than that, Baltimore has numerous, very urbane neighborhoods to consider living in and having a good time. In fact, that is where Baltimore outshines Pittsburgh. Along with much more activities to do. Baltimore is just a much more active city in a great location.
Now, Pittsburgh outshines Baltimore in a number of ways also. The skyline in Pittsburgh to me is much more breathtaking to take in. It does also have a better hold on crime. I would imagine the public schools would be better in Pittsburgh also but I am no expert on that area.
You are correct on the cost of living in Baltimore. It is higher than Pittsburgh. I would imagine Maryland's taxes are also higher.
Now, where I take exemption with your statement is that Baltimore is more run-down than Pittsburgh. Eek! I actually walked from Baltimore to Pittsburgh on my way to the midwest two years ago and I walked through some really shabby areas of Pittsburgh and thought, " I can't wait until I get to Oakland or the downtown area. It was not to pretty.

[guylocke]

so expect the cost of living in Baltimore to be higher than Pittsburgh.

It already is. In a major way. There's not even a comparison.

[greyhead]

Originally Posted by jonjj

I have to disagree with you walbright. I don't want to knock Pittsburgh because I do like it but it does not compare with what Baltimore has to offer. Sure, Baltimore has a higher crime rate but everyone knows that those crimes occur in certain areas and to avoid them. Other than that, Baltimore has numerous, very urbane neighborhoods to consider living in and having a good time. In fact, that is where Baltimore outshines Pittsburgh. Along with much more activities to do. Baltimore is just a much more active city in a great location.
Now, Pittsburgh outshines Baltimore in a number of ways also. The skyline in Pittsburgh to me is much more breathtaking to take in. It does also have a better hold on crime. I would imagine the public schools would be better in Pittsburgh also but I am no expert on that area.
You are correct on the cost of living in Baltimore. It is higher than Pittsburgh. I would imagine Maryland's taxes are also higher.
Now, where I take exemption with your statement is that Baltimore is more run-down than Pittsburgh. Eek! I actually walked from Baltimore to Pittsburgh on my way to the midwest two years ago and I walked through some really shabby areas of Pittsburgh and thought, " I can't wait until I get to Oakland or the downtown area. It was not to pretty.

How does Pittsburgh not have urban neighborhoods that doesn't shine. The south side, MWS, Oakland, and many more are just as urban and fun as you find in Baltimore. Also, I will hate to admit it to you. Yes Pittsburgh has shabby areas (mainly uptown into the hill) that are east of Oakland, but this accounts for about 15% of the city that I don't like walking through. Baltimore is up to about 70%.

[tallguy924]

i was born near pittsburgh, (beaver) but i only lived there for less than a year so i dont remember that much... i would choose pittsburgh because the steelers are my favorite sports team of any kind... and i love seeing them beat up the baltimore ravens.. nothing can beat that, lol, but dont listen to me because i dont remember pittsburgh and i have never even been to maryland, so just do some research and see what you like.

[dcsfanatic]

Originally Posted by jonjj

I have to disagree with you walbright. I don't want to knock Pittsburgh because I do like it but it does not compare with what Baltimore has to offer. Sure, Baltimore has a higher crime rate but everyone knows that those crimes occur in certain areas and to avoid them. Other than that, Baltimore has numerous, very urbane neighborhoods to consider living in and having a good time. In fact, that is where Baltimore outshines Pittsburgh. Along with much more activities to do. Baltimore is just a much more active city in a great location.
Now, Pittsburgh outshines Baltimore in a number of ways also. The skyline in Pittsburgh to me is much more breathtaking to take in. It does also have a better hold on crime. I would imagine the public schools would be better in Pittsburgh also but I am no expert on that area.
You are correct on the cost of living in Baltimore. It is higher than Pittsburgh. I would imagine Maryland's taxes are also higher.
Now, where I take exemption with your statement is that Baltimore is more run-down than Pittsburgh. Eek! I actually walked from Baltimore to Pittsburgh on my way to the midwest two years ago and I walked through some really shabby areas of Pittsburgh and thought, " I can't wait until I get to Oakland or the downtown area. It was not to pretty.

I would disagree with you in one major regard, it seems from an urban planning standpoint, all of Baltimore's "positives" are in one small area.

The stadiums, Inner Harbor, Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill can all be put together to create a rectangle that only represents a small part of the city.

Outside of this rectangle, the city isn't exactly beautiful.

[jonjj]

And once you get off that hill overlooking downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh is beautiful???? hehehe