Downtown Baltimore vs. Center City Philly (Mayo: apartment, to rent, transfer)

[Jobhunting2013]

Curious for those that have considered downtown Baltimore to Center City Philadelphia, how do the two compare. I realize size wise they are different, but beyond that, how to the pros and con's stack up? As for Baltimore, looking at Federal Hill and not sure which area within Center City yet.

[jonjj]

Center City has much more to offer-decent public transit, lots of retail, activities. Baltimore's edge is it's waterfront.

[Infinite_heights77]

Philadelphia's Center City is much more vibrant for me!!! If Philly took the concept of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and developed Penn's Landing and the waterfront in Camden, NJ., that would be lovely.

[KodeBlue]

[Philly wins this easily. Better pedestrian infrastructure, better shopping, better public transportation, more foot traffic (although I admit, Baltimore is noticeably more vibrant than before), more cohesive, more of everything basically. Baltimore has a much better waterfront, more attractions, sports venues. Baltimore is too disjointed with what looks like poor urban planning (Pratt steet sidewalk is too wide, harbor place has its back towards the street, pedestrian bridges takes away from street level foot traffic, the buildings are too far away from the sidewalk.)

[Infinite_heights77]

"Baltimore is too disjointed with what looks like poor urban planning (Pratt steet sidewalk is too wide, harbor place has its back towards the street, pedestrian bridges takes away from street level foot traffic, the buildings are too far away from the sidewalk.)"

**I remember an old soundbite from former Mayor of Baltimore, and Governor of Maryland Donal Schafer who is went on ranting on why he instituted that Baltimore skyscrapers be built only to a certain height. I forgot the reasons he stated, but I was thinking how this mentality has transferred into the design and redevelopment of the city.

[Jobhunting2013]

Thanks for the feedback!

Originally Posted by Infinite_heights77

Philadelphia's Center City is much more vibrant for me!!! If Philly took the concept of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and developed Penn's Landing and the waterfront in Camden, NJ., that would be lovely.

[KLynch10]

Never been to Center City, but have lived in Federal Hill for the last 10 years. There are so many places to eat in the area (100s) that there are still places I've yet to go and I go out all the time. The area is very safe and and people are incredibly active. There is an adult sports league for just about any sport you can imagine, and you'll be able to walk to 4-5 very large parks. Also in walking distance is the O's and Ravens stadiums, as well as downtown, the Inner Harbor and soon to be a Casino complex. It is also has a convenient location next to 95, 295 and Rte 2. I absolutely love the area.

Some cons would be parking and price. Parking is not impossible but can be very tough, with that said many places have their own parking. Expect to pay at least $1500 for your own apartment and at least $800 to rent a room in a house. If you see something you like, strike fast as the market is red hot. The crowd around Cross Street on a weekend night can be pretty young, but it is very fun if you are young or like to party.

Let me know of you have any more questions!

[sobo16]

KLynch, do yourself a favor and visit Center City sometime soon. It's quite enjoyable. Philadelphia is so close, yet many Baltimoreans think of it as so far away. I was once like that; I grew up near Baltimore and didn't visit Philadelphia until I was 22.

[Infinite_heights77]

"Philadelphia is so close, yet many Baltimoreans think of it as so far away."

And why do they think it's so far away? East Baltimorean think West Baltimore is far away!!??

Originally Posted by sobo16

KLynch, do yourself a favor and visit Center City sometime soon. It's quite enjoyable. Philadelphia is so close, yet many Baltimoreans think of it as so far away. I was once like that; I grew up near Baltimore and didn't visit Philadelphia until I was 22.

[Infinite_heights77]

Seriously??!! The city is right up the street!

Originally Posted by KLynch10

Never been to Center City, but have lived in Federal Hill for the last 10 years. There are so many places to eat in the area (100s) that there are still places I've yet to go and I go out all the time. The area is very safe and and people are incredibly active. There is an adult sports league for just about any sport you can imagine, and you'll be able to walk to 4-5 very large parks. Also in walking distance is the O's and Ravens stadiums, as well as downtown, the Inner Harbor and soon to be a Casino complex. It is also has a convenient location next to 95, 295 and Rte 2. I absolutely love the area.

Some cons would be parking and price. Parking is not impossible but can be very tough, with that said many places have their own parking. Expect to pay at least $1500 for your own apartment and at least $800 to rent a room in a house. If you see something you like, strike fast as the market is red hot. The crowd around Cross Street on a weekend night can be pretty young, but it is very fun if you are young or like to party.

Let me know of you have any more questions!