Relocation from Cleveland (Baltimore, Columbia, Towson: rental, mortgage, house)

[MyndSkape]

I'm a single guy relocating from Cleveland, OH (yeah, like the Browns, LOL) for a job in Towson next month. I've done quite a bit of research about Baltimore, but words and pictures can only give you so much. I love city life, but the most desirable parts of town seem to be out of my desired rental price range (Fells Point, Canton) or not too many vacancies (Hampden, Patterson Park). I want to live in an area that doesn't have too bad of a commute to Towson (the Town Center area), good freeway access, is safe, affordable (like $1000 a month or under), and have a good local restaurant/bar scene that's kind of hip, trendy and young. I see places like Union Square, Charles Village, and Pigtown that seem great, but are rough around the edges, which I don't necessarily mind. How safe and affordable are these areas? Are there any other areas in the city like those, maybe that are under the radar? Currently I live in Lakewood, OH, a suburb or Cleveland that is safe, very walkable from small eateries, bars, and the grocery store, and kinda hip and socialable. If all else fails in the city, I'm kinda looking at the Mt. Washington area of town and Parkville/Carney/White Marsh areas. Are those areas pretty good. I would prefer a more local feel, but that is safe. Sorry about all the questions, but any suggestions?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by MyndSkape

I see places like Union Square, Charles Village, and Pigtown that seem great, but are rough around the edges, which I don't necessarily mind. How safe and affordable are these areas?

I would recommend Charles Village and Pigtown (AKA Washington Village) to you as affordable. I don't know Union Square well enough to comment, but see the recent post by KLynch10. Also see my response to another young man, "Job In Columbia". Maybe you two could team up?

Have you read the sticky thread, "Neighborhoods in Baltimore"? Mt Washington is very good, but maybe out of your budget. White Marsh is too far to commute to Towson, IMO. Carney/Parkville may be affordable, but I doubt if they have much nightlife.

[GunsMass]

Safe is a relative term. Not even Towson is safe in certain situations.

I don't see Union Square or Pigtown being a practical commute to Towson. I'd guess you want something either on the 83 corridor or in north Baltimore.

$1000 seems like a lot of money to me. My mortgage is less than that. I'm sure you could find something for that amount in any neighborhood you want. Are you only checking craigslist? In my day we used the Baltimore Sun and Citypaper classifieds.

Towson is a pretty cool place. I wish I could live in Towson. There's young people and a little downtown. You can get anywhere in the city (or countryside) in 15 minutes.

If you are an absolute fashionista then go with Hampden/Remington or Mt Vernon.

[ltong1009]

Charles village or Hamden for the shortest commute from the city. Fells Pt for the best bars and restaurant. I'd recommend splitting a row house with a roommate(s) to make it more affordable. Try this bulletin board for finding a roommate. Baltimore Sports & Social Club, Inc.

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Another vote for Charles village. Depending where you work on Towson, there may be frequent bus service.

[jonjj]

Charles Village. But, parts of Remington are also okay. Hampden is another option. For 1 grand a month, I would think you could find something in most areas.