Moving from county to city (Baltimore, Mount Vernon: appointed, apartments, for rent)

[Bmore New B]

Hello,

I am a recently separated professional male and I'm thinking about moving into the city because there's a lot more happening there. I want to be close to 83 and I'm looking for a 2BR in the $1300-1500 range. I don't mind a nicely appointed place in a not so nice neighborhood, but I have an 11 year old daughter who will stay with me sometimes and I know my ex will be critical of the neighborhood I choose. I have considered the following:

- Reservoir Hill - found some great places but the neighborhood seems a bit too sketchy for my tastes.
- Remington - same as Reservoir Hill
- Bolton Hill - my top choice but can't find as nice a place as I want in my price range
- Hampden - Haven't looked at anything but I would consider it
- Charles Village - not sure exactly where it even is, but there are some great but too expensive places on Charles and St. Paul streets
- Mount Vernon - focusing my efforts here now. I found a place on W. Monument directly across from the MD Historical Society. It's very nice, small 2BR, fits my needs, has a gated entrance, but I don't know what the neighborhood is like, especially at night. Is this a safe area? It's right near the light rail on Howard Street and looks like the area goes downhill very fast within a block or two.

Any other areas I should consider? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Michael21214]

How about Mt. Washington?

[Bmore New B]

Originally Posted by Michael21214

How about Mt. Washington?

Mt. Washington is a definite possibility. I just can't find anything available. Maybe out of my price range?

[designer_genes]

To ease your doubts, Mount Vernon is very safe. And if part of your motivation in moving to the city is that there is "more happening" here, then it's definitely a good neighborhood to be. It's the cultural center of Baltimore and has an abundance of restaurants and nightlife.

[Tinawina]

You sound like a prime candidate for Mt Vernon. Hampden could work if you consider yourself artsy/hipsterish. Both are cool places for a single adult male to live and socialize, and there would be lots to occupy a tween (and future teen) nearby. Both are pretty safe.

Charles Village is a bit heavy on the college students so I don't know if that woudl be your speed.

[Bmore New B]

Thanks for that. I see that Mount Vernon in general is safe, but is W. Monument and Howard considered a "fringe" area and not as safe? Maybe I need to go there at night and see what it would be like walking home in the dark say after 9 or 10pm.

[Tinawina]

Originally Posted by Bmore New B

Thanks for that. I see that Mount Vernon in general is safe, but is W. Monument and Howard considered a "fringe" area and not as safe? Maybe I need to go there at night and see what it would be like walking home in the dark say after 9 or 10pm.

I think that corner is pushing the boundary a bit but you would have to ask someone who lives around there how it really is I think. Good luck!

[designer_genes]

Originally Posted by Bmore New B

Thanks for that. I see that Mount Vernon in general is safe, but is W. Monument and Howard considered a "fringe" area and not as safe? Maybe I need to go there at night and see what it would be like walking home in the dark say after 9 or 10pm.

It is close (a couple of blocks) away from the boundary between Mount Vernon and Seton Hill. My roommate and I looked at a complex just to the west of there (Chesapeake Commons) and while we found the apartments to be very nice, we were uncomfortable with the area. Right around the light rail station is a little sketchy. But, we are also 20-something single white females and a guy might feel a little differently. But again, it was just on the border and you are a little more east and I'd be inclined to say that's fine. It would be prudent to walk around though and see how you feel, in my opinion.

[mrboltonman]

Keep looking in Bolton Hill on craiglists for a place because your budget seems find. I rented my 2 Br for $1350 with cable/internet/heat and I think it's nice. This seems to be the going rate:

baltimore apts/housing for rent classifieds "bolton hill" - craigslist

Fantastic beautiful large 2-3 bedroom duplex close to MICA

I did have friends in Seton Hill and they had a breakin. They decided to move to Remington and haven't heard any complaints so far but it's sketchy in my opinion.

[herenia]

I lived on west monument, 300 block back in 08 and my roommate's car in the lot was broken into 3x in the same year. I commuted back and forth so I wasn't always around. I worked at the hospital about 8blocks away and it was "ok" walking home around 9pm but I didn't feel comfortable. Now this is coming from someone who had walked in center city philadelphia at all times of of the nights between 7-6am. And i've walked home from jefferson hospital to my home at midnight several times without even thinking twice. There was one night when I was coming home the police had raided a bunch of characters on center st near cathedral. I must say i did not meet any sketchy characters and netiher did i have anyone solicity anything. So it's fairly decent. It was quite quiet for me considering where I had moved from.

On the bright side, it's easier to catch the light rail to the airport, and there's usually something going around the monument. Plus, a good mix of restaurants that way and you can walk to places downtown.