31 YO Single Male - Harbor East or Ellicott City (Baltimore: apartment, crime)

[ReferenceValue]

Hi there,

I am moving to the Baltimore area from CA. I will be working near Camden Yards.

I'm looking for an apartment, and have seen good ones in Harbor East and near Ellicott City. I like the amount of activities available in Harbor East, and the woods in Ellicott - I'm an avid runner.

Which would you recommend? Would living in Ellicott be a significant barrier for dating? Are there any other locations I should consider?

I do OK financially and could do up to 3k/month rent.

[beasley106]

If you are working in Baltimore City and are single (with no kids) then there is no reason not to live in Baltimore City as far as I am concerned. Ellicott City as a whole like most suburbs is primarily geared around married couples/families, while Baltimore itself has several amenities including a large bar scene in places like Fells Point, Federal Hill, Canton, and Hampden. While Ellicott City does have a nice historic downtown area, for the most part the only advantage Ellicott City has over Baltimore is if you are looking for an area that is quiet, has good schools, and has lower crime levels.

[Bmorebest]

Dating wise I think you'll be better off in the city compared to Ellicott City, as there are more single people in the city than in the suburbs.


Ellicott City has a quaint, historic downtown that is popular to visit and hang out in. But it's still mostly families living there.

[dfredward]

if you live in Harbor East you can run along the waterfront promenade either down to Canton or around to Federal Hill.

[tarheel_indc]

Ellicott City imo is better for running. There are miles of great in trails in Patapsco State Park. But EC is definitely more suburban and might not be as fun for a 31 yo single guy. When I was your age, I would have preferred to live in Baltimore. Patapsco and some other nice parks are a short drive away to go running when you have some free time.

[Digger 68]

Cockeysville, a zillion apts, restaurants are everywhere (Papas is extremely popular) and it will be cheaper, and you can take the light rail right to Camden Yards. No need to drive into the city.

I live here, have nearly forever, and cycle to everything. I would argue your dining choices around here are more convenient, and better than most places in the city.

I can't believe how many restaurants are within a 3 mile radius of this place. Even more if you go down to Towson.

Of course if you want to spend a lot of money on a place Hunt Valley Town Center just opened a high end complex.

The NCR Trail is right around the corner as well. So is Oregon Ridge.

The lights are pretty at night in the city over the water. Of course you will pay a fat premium for that, and not much else.

[bus man]

Harbor East is urban, while Ellicott City is suburban -- with the pluses and minuses that these terms would imply. If you would prefer to live in a vibrant area, but occasionally escape for some peace and quiet, then live in Harbor East and visit Ellicott City when you wish. If you'd rather live in a quieter area, but occasionally go where the action is, then live in Ellicott City and visit Baltimore when you wish.


By the way, single women do live in the suburbs too. I was able to get dates, and meet my wife, in the suburbs.

[ReferenceValue]

Thanks all! Think I'll be in one of the nice apts I saw in Canton/Brewers Hill, the Gunther.

[davecj]

May also want to check Federal Hill since that is closer to Camden Yards

[BMoreJuice]

Harbor East. Enjoy the water front lifestyle and everything else is in close proximity anyhow.