Safe/Social Baltimore neighborhood for young professional female (to rent, home)

[arul88]

I am a young female professional relocating to Baltimore soon. I have been looking to rent and seem to be leaning more toward canton, fell's point, patterson park, and butcher's hill.

From what I can tell, fell's point is fun for nightlife though canton is a little more safe/affordable--is this accurate? I'm in my early 20's and do like to go out, but also enjoy a little nice daytime shopping, good restaurants/cafes etc. I've heard mentions of Mt. Vernon as well. How is this in terms of social scene/safety/price?

Any other recommendations/tips/places to avoid around there?

Thanks!

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by arul88

I am a young female professional relocating to Baltimore soon. I have been looking to rent and seem to be leaning more toward canton, fell's point, patterson park, and butcher's hill.

From what I can tell, fell's point is fun for nightlife though canton is a little more safe/affordable--is this accurate? I'm in my early 20's and do like to go out, but also enjoy a little nice daytime shopping, good restaurants/cafes etc. I've heard mentions of Mt. Vernon as well. How is this in terms of social scene/safety/price?

Any other recommendations/tips/places to avoid around there?

Thanks!

Fells Point can get a little rowdy with drunken fights after hours (hence the blue lights), is more touristy (so parking is even more challenging here than the other areas you've listed), and thus, has more panhandlers. They're harmless, but might be disconcerting to someone new to the area. Don't get me wrong, I love Fells. Just not sure it would be the best fit for someone new to the area.

Butcher's Hill can feel a little less walkable and further out than the others.

Patterson Park is hit or miss, and since you're new to the area, I'd avoid it until you know the area better.

Not on your list but... though I'm not a fan of it, a lot of 20-somethings (mainly the ones that enjoy heavy drinking) enjoy Federal Hill, too.

Also not on you list... safer but a bit pricier and with less of a community feel, there's Harbor East, too.

Canton seems to fit the needs you've listed so far the best. Canton also has a fabulous community feel so you'll meet a lot of people there (which is helpful since you're new to the area).

Welcome!

[The Notorious DGD]

Originally Posted by SunnyTXsmile

Fells Point can get a little rowdy with drunken fights after hours (hence the blue lights), is more touristy (so parking is even more challenging here than the other areas you've listed), and thus, has more panhandlers. They're harmless, but might be disconcerting to someone new to the area. Don't get me wrong, I love Fells. Just not sure it would be the best fit for someone new to the area.

Butcher's Hill can feel a little less walkable and further out than the others.

Patterson Park is hit or miss, and since you're new to the area, I'd avoid it until you know the area better.

Not on your list but... though I'm not a fan of it, a lot of 20-somethings (mainly the ones that enjoy heavy drinking) enjoy Federal Hill, too.

Also not on you list... safer but a bit pricier and with less of a community feel, there's Harbor East, too.

Canton seems to fit the needs you've listed so far the best. Canton also has a fabulous community feel so you'll meet a lot of people there (which is helpful since you're new to the area).

Welcome!

Don't forget Locust Point. It's a great choice for someone who wants to hang out in Federal Hill but not necessarily live there. (The reasons why someone wouldn't want to live in Federal Hill are very similar to Fells Point, with the addition of off-street parking being very hard to find on days when the Orioles and Ravens play home games.)

[KLynch10]

I'd recommend Fells, Federal Hill, Canton and Locust Point... Mt. Vernon if you are artsy. Show some common city sense and you'll be just fine in all the neighborhoods. I'll say this much about Federal Hill, I live in the "worst" part and walk my dog all hours of the night and have never felt uncomfortable once.

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by The Notorious DGD

Don't forget Locust Point. It's a great choice for someone who wants to hang out in Federal Hill but not necessarily live there. (The reasons why someone wouldn't want to live in Federal Hill are very similar to Fells Point, with the addition of off-street parking being very hard to find on days when the Orioles and Ravens play home games.)

Forgot about LP. Good addition.

[deeliz]

Also note that many people on this site that do not live in Federal Hill tend to make sweeping generalizations about the neighborhood and equate the Cross St/weekend scene with every block. I have lived 4 blocks from the "action" for the past 8 years and can count on one hand the number of times I have had issues with noise or drunken bar patrons causing problems or waking me up at night. Our block is quiet and filled with families and young professionals who enjoy the convenience of the neighborhood. Federal Hill offers much more than frat boys and drunks. You can certainly find that scene if you're looking for it, but it's a big neighborhood.

[plantress]

check out Hamden for funky vibe

[rfp]

Originally Posted by plantress

check out Hamden for funky vibe

Hamden?

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by deeliz

Also note that many people on this site that do not live in Federal Hill tend to make sweeping generalizations about the neighborhood and equate the Cross St/weekend scene with every block. I have lived 4 blocks from the "action" for the past 8 years and can count on one hand the number of times I have had issues with noise or drunken bar patrons causing problems or waking me up at night. Our block is quiet and filled with families and young professionals who enjoy the convenience of the neighborhood. Federal Hill offers much more than frat boys and drunks. You can certainly find that scene if you're looking for it, but it's a big neighborhood.

There's always one. Of course we are making general statements here. Do you really think the OP should be going on a granular block by block basis of an entire city? If you'd like to do that, be our guest.

I appreciate the pride you have for your neighborhood, but it does not change the fact that it's known for it's walkability, bars, and 20-somethings. Does that mean EVERY person in Fed Hill fits that bill? No. Of course the further out you go, you'll get more long-time older residents with kids. Just like if you go four blocks from Brewer's Hill / Canton, you'll be in Patterson Park, which is a completely different area filled with a different type of person.

If the OP wants a block-by-block review once they have picked a single specific area, we can certainly do that. Until then, the generalizations of an area will have to do.

[deeliz]

Originally Posted by SunnyTXsmile

There's always one. Of course we are making general statements here. Do you really think the OP should be going on a granular block by block basis of an entire city? If you'd like to do that, be our guest.

I appreciate the pride you have for your neighborhood, but it does not change the fact that it's known for it's walkability, bars, and 20-somethings. Does that mean EVERY person in Fed Hill fits that bill? No. Of course the further out you go, you'll get more long-time older residents with kids. Just like if you go four blocks from Brewer's Hill / Canton, you'll be in Patterson Park, which is a completely different area filled with a different type of person.

If the OP wants a block-by-block review once they have picked a single specific area, we can certainly do that. Until then, the generalizations of an area will have to do.

Relax. The problem I have is that non-residents create that reputation based on weekend activity they have experienced in a two-block radius that represents a tiny fraction of a large neighborhood. If a person is asking about the livability of various neighborhoods, I think it's fair for an actual resident to offer their opinion about what it is like to live in Federal Hill.