What are safe and less-safe neighborhoods? How is it near MICA? (Baltimore: apartments, rental)
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This fall my niece will be in her first year on campus at Maryland Institute College of Art after a year of COVID-related online attendance. She is a total suburban kid, who has spent practically no time ever in big cities. I'm concerned about her safety in the urban setting that will be unfamiliar to her.
Several of us adults in our family know cities well enough to give her sound advice about safety in cities in general, but it would help also to get info about the various sections of Baltimore. Baltimore happens to be a city that no one in our family is familiar with. What are the neighborhoods you really want to avoid at all costs? Those where it's more or less safe but, hey, it's a city so you still need to be careful? The nicer districts? I'm especially interested in knowing about the safety (or lack thereof) in areas where a college student might go for entertainment, culture, nightlife, etc.
Also, if anyone is familiar with the neighborhood around MICA, what is that area like as far as safety goes? Any safety or crime issues particular to the neighborhood? Safety of nearby areas where a student might go for school projects or for entertainment?
This fall my niece will be in her first year on campus at Maryland Institute College of Art after a year of COVID-related online attendance. She is a total suburban kid, who has spent practically no time ever in big cities. I'm concerned about her safety in the urban setting that will be unfamiliar to her.
Several of us adults in our family know cities well enough to give her sound advice about safety in cities in general, but it would help also to get info about the various sections of Baltimore. Baltimore happens to be a city that no one in our family is familiar with. What are the neighborhoods you really want to avoid at all costs? Those where it's more or less safe but, hey, it's a city so you still need to be careful? The nicer districts? I'm especially interested in knowing about the safety (or lack thereof) in areas where a college student might go for entertainment, culture, nightlife, etc.
Also, if anyone is familiar with the neighborhood around MICA, what is that area like as far as safety goes? Any safety or crime issues particular to the neighborhood? Safety of nearby areas where a student might go for school projects or for entertainment?
Thanks for any info/advice you all can provide.
Oh boy ..the safety in Baltimore question .. please hang on for the wild ride of opinions....
I will start off ...MICA is in Bolton Hill. You can Google it to get more information ...it is a safe neighborhood for the most part and if you can find a rental unit in that area ..likely the most sensible place if she doesn't want to commute....Mt Vernon (west of Charles) is also safe but further way .You can walk or bike ride or even take the light rail from say up to My Royal from say Center St and walk to the campus....Last option for a close neighborhood would be Station North just above Penn Station ..it's probably a little more challenged than the other two because it's a little further way ..has more of your urban challenges ...most people live east of Charles but you have to traverse a complicated no man's land between there and the campus involving going over the RR and through some busy streets. As with any busy street in bmo that brings risk of bad drivers panhandlers and squeegee kids who are more interested in the vehicles than you but still are part of the landscape to navigate
When it comes to nightlife ...Mt Vernon has a few restaurants and bars ...it's long been the hub of the city's gay community ...but if she is looking for more college related entertainment there are a few places there isn't much in Bolton Hill a few places on Charles near Penn Station but most is going to be in Federal Hill Canton Fells Point .....Along with areas like Hampden ...all are quick Uber rides away. Moving around at night and alone should always be second guessed especially now ...so she should plan ahead when venturing out during late hours
MICA is in a nice area, but it changes from "nice" to "really not nice" in a big hurry. To the southwest of the campus (i.e. along Lanvale and Lafayette) is a very pleasant urban neighborhood called Bolton Hill. Note though, things turn sketchy once you pass Eutaw or so. To the northwest, Mt. Royal Ave. is nice up to North Avenue. But North Avenue itself should be avoided. To the east, pretty much everything past I-83, other than Penn Station, is better left avoided. Heading south, if she's going to go on foot, I would recommend using Charles Street. She might be tempted to use Howard Street, because it's closer, but she should avoid that temptation. If she's curious, she could ride the Light Rail, which runs along the street, and see for herself.
Street smarts are something that develop over time, and it sounds like your niece hasn't really had an opportunity to develop any at this point. So I would tell her to trust her gut. If something doesn't feel right to her, she should listen to that inner voice of caution and do what it says. If she sees a group of guys approaching, and they seem menacing to her for whatever reason, she should turn and walk the other way until they're gone. The culture will tell her that she's being racist or privileged or whatever if she does this, so she will have to train herself to listen to her instincts instead of what the culture is telling her. It's a lesson that all too many young, idealistic people end up learning the hard way. Try to make it so your niece won't be one of them.
Oh boy ..the safety in Baltimore question .. please hang on for the wild ride of opinions....
I hear you. I've heard enough opinions and descriptions of safety in cities I am familiar with to be aware that it can be very subjective. I've also heard enough of this that I hope I should be able to decipher the opinion about Baltimore.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bus man
Street smarts are something that develop over time, and it sounds like your niece hasn't really had an opportunity to develop any at this point. So I would tell her to trust her gut. If something doesn't feel right to her, she should listen to that inner voice of caution and do what it says. If she sees a group of guys approaching, and they seem menacing to her for whatever reason, she should turn and walk the other way until they're gone. The culture will tell her that she's being racist or privileged or whatever if she does this, so she will have to train herself to listen to her instincts instead of what the culture is telling her. It's a lesson that all too many young, idealistic people end up learning the hard way. Try to make it so your niece won't be one of them.
Good general advice for any city, or any place really. I'll definitely be giving her this advice. Thanks for pointing this out; it can't be repeated too much.
Thanks to both of you for the detailed information about the particulars of the area.
Thanks again to everyone who has replied. A couple of people have mentioned the light rail. That leads to the question about how safe public transit is.
In my research about Baltimore, I've stumbled onto some related threads at a couple of discussion forum websites. Haven't joined the discussion in those threads, as CD is my go-to website for discussion and good information, but in reading those threads, I saw varying opinions about the safety of public transit.
My general impression was that public transit is reasonably safe as long as you follow the usual city precautions. I did read that the busses can often get pretty packed with standing room only, and people can get annoyed as you push past them on your way in or out.
I also read about the Circulator, which I understand is free, and serves the city center. It appears that there is a Circulator stop near the MICA campus. One post on one of those discussion forums suggested that the Circulator is less reliable than other modes of transit as far as keeping to its schedule is concerned, but seems to be cleaner and safer than other modes. So what can you all tell me about the safety of public transit in Baltimore? Aside from the usual rules about city safety, is there any advice about using transit that is particular to Baltimore?
I've also read several times now that you don't want to have your phone out and in use when you're in public in Baltimore, including public transit. From what I've been reading, the best advice is to always keep valuables, including your phone, out of sight. Does this sound about right?
This fall my niece will be in her first year on campus at Maryland Institute College of Art
She is a total suburban kid, who has spent practically no time ever in big cities.
You describe probably 90% of entering freshmen at MICA.
What has the school done/said to prepare new students?
Op, I am not real familiar with the area you are seeking information on but I do not live far from there.
Poster Bus Man is correct about things going downhill in a hurry in that vicinity. I have an almost hobby whenever I hear something bad happening in Baltimore I always look it up. The area around North Ave. is not something I would recommend and it's best to be avoided. I drove that entire stretch and I feel fairly safe driving on North but those neighborhoods going north or south... Especially at the intersection on North and Pennsylvania Ave. Not that she would have any reason to go there but the neighborhoods on North Ave. going west is worse.
Does she drive? I'm just not sure I can recommend walking and relying on the bus. Personally I would not walk to that subway station on North Ave.
I live in Charles Village. It's near Johns Hopkins University and there is a lot of security here. Have to protect the future scientists and it's paid for by the students. I often walk at night (because it's a little cooler) and I feel safe because of all the security provided by the university. I see a lot of women walking their dogs alone both day and night. I have several posts on this board about Charles Village and perhaps you saw some of them. I see a lot of signs stating apartments and rooming houses are for rent here and the area has a college campus feel. A car would be ideal considering where she is going to college.
One important thing - this is all big city here so she must prepare for that. Personally I like it here and have had no problems in the 2 years I lived in this neighborhood. I've lived in Baltimore a total of 4 years. Minor run ins with the squeegee kids who are further south, not in my neighborhood, which is another story. There are two topics on this board about them. Seek out the older one if you are interested.
Best wishes and I sincerely hope I didn't scare you away.
Thanks again to everyone who has replied. A couple of people have mentioned the light rail. That leads to the question about how safe public transit is.
In my research about Baltimore, I've stumbled onto some related threads at a couple of discussion forum websites. Haven't joined the discussion in those threads, as CD is my go-to website for discussion and good information, but in reading those threads, I saw varying opinions about the safety of public transit.
My general impression was that public transit is reasonably safe as long as you follow the usual city precautions. I did read that the busses can often get pretty packed with standing room only, and people can get annoyed as you push past them on your way in or out.
I also read about the Circulator, which I understand is free, and serves the city center. It appears that there is a Circulator stop near the MICA campus. One post on one of those discussion forums suggested that the Circulator is less reliable than other modes of transit as far as keeping to its schedule is concerned, but seems to be cleaner and safer than other modes. So what can you all tell me about the safety of public transit in Baltimore? Aside from the usual rules about city safety, is there any advice about using transit that is particular to Baltimore?
I've also read several times now that you don't want to have your phone out and in use when you're in public in Baltimore, including public transit. From what I've been reading, the best advice is to always keep valuables, including your phone, out of sight. Does this sound about right?
The MTA touts its statistics showing it to have the lowest crime rate of any of the 10 (?) biggest transit systems in the country. It's not without its problems, but it's better than one would expect a transit system serving Baltimore to be.
One of the Light Rail's biggest problems is that fare payment is on an honor system and is rarely enforced. Predictably, those who lack honor will choose to ride without paying. Some of those who are willing to cheat the system of its fare revenue are also willing to dishonor the law in other ways. In general, one is better off riding in the front car, because for whatever reason (distance from the only authority figure onboard, perhaps?) the troublemakers tend to like riding on the back car. This is also true on the Metro subway, except one is better off closer to the middle on that system. Likewise, one is better off sitting forward of the center exit door on the buses.
Light Rail is basically OK during the daytime, especially heading north. Going south of downtown is where much of the trouble lies. Yes, the line goes to the airport; but still, it should be avoided after dark. Don't get off at Westport or Cherry Hill at any time of the day or night. Don't be in a hurry, because the line is pretty slow.
The Charm City Circulator's motto is Fast. Friendly. Free. To which I respond, Rarely. Usually. Always. I'm not aware of any particular safety issues on that service. It's supposed to run every 10 minutes, but don't try setting your watch by it.
If she (the OP's niece) wants to ride the subway, tell her that the closest station to MICA is State Center. Upton is almost as close, but should be avoided. The subway is the quickest way from the MICA area to the Inner Harbor (either Charles Center or Shot Tower stations). Again, daytime, should be OK. Except, avoid riding right when the public schools let out for the day. (Actually, that's good advice for any of the routes.) I commuted on the subway for six years and can't recall a single negative issue regarding personal safety. (There was one time when a train derailed during a heat wave, and I was stuck on a following train for hours. Oh boy, not fun!) But I almost never rode it at night. It was (and still is) rather fast and very reliable. If she wants to ride the train away from downtown, toward Owings Mills, she should not get off at any station past State Center until at least Reisterstown Plaza.
And yes, she should keep her nose out of her phone and pay attention to her surroundings, at all times. The phone that is not seen is the one that is less likely to get snatched away from her.
Thanks to all who have responded here. All these posts provide some great details. Since my last post I've been researching Baltimore, reading articles about the city, and looking at maps both of the city in general and of higher- and lower-crime areas. It's been a big help to have this inside info while mapping out the places all of you are telling about.
Now I have some more questions. First, what is downtown like? By downtown, I'm not talking about the broader central city area, as I think I'm getting a pretty good feel for many central city neighborhoods, from studying maps and looking at the responses here. I'm curious about downtown as in the main central business district. I get the impression that it's reasonably safe in the daytime, as long as you use city street smarts, but maybe not so much at night. Is that about right?
Also, how vibrant is the central business district? I'd guess that it's safer if it's a lively downtown that still maintains some first-rate businesses, and attracts some bustling crowds, than if it's one of those faded downtowns where the old anchor businesses have closed down after losing out to suburban economic centers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bus man
In general, one is better off riding in the front car, because for whatever reason (distance from the only authority figure onboard, perhaps?) the troublemakers tend to like riding on the back car. This is also true on the Metro subway, except one is better off closer to the middle on that system. Likewise, one is better off sitting forward of the center exit door on the buses.
Riding toward the front is good advice generally on big-city transit vehicles. I'm curious, though, about why the middle cars are better on the subway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bus man
Light Rail is basically OK during the daytime, especially heading north. Going south of downtown is where much of the trouble lies. Yes, the line goes to the airport; but still, it should be avoided after dark. Don't get off at Westport or Cherry Hill at any time of the day or night.
Yes, in researching this I've discovered that there are some war zones along the west side of the harbor and inland from there, which the light rail line passes through going toward the airport. Would a ride to the airport in the daytime--staying on the train all the way to BWI of course--generally be safe or would Uber be a safer bet for an airport trip?
Quote:
Originally Posted by bus man
Except, avoid riding right when the public schools let out for the day. (Actually, that's good advice for any of the routes.)
Is that for safety reasons, as in a bunch of rowdy kids who could get rough, or more about its being unpleasant to ride when the transit vehicles are crowded? Or maybe both?
Quote:
Originally Posted by bus man
If she wants to ride the train away from downtown, toward Owings Mills, she should not get off at any station past State Center until at least Reisterstown Plaza.
Yes, in looking over crime maps, I've noticed a high-crime corridor running northwest from close to Bolton Hill out almost all the way to the city limits. I'm thinking that my niece would have little reason to travel out that way, unless I'm incorrect in my impression that you find mostly outlying residential areas out that way, but this kind of specific advice about stops to avoid is great to have just in case.
Fairly close to the northwest of MICA and Bolton Hill are Druid Hill Park and the zoo. I wonder about the safety of these areas, since a visit to the zoo, especially since it's nearby, might interest a group of college kids for some time away from the books. Of course a general safety rule is to avoid parks in cities at night, but how is that area in the daytime. How's the safety of traveling to the area, given that you have to cross North Ave.?
Does she drive? I'm just not sure I can recommend walking and relying on the bus. Personally I would not walk to that subway station on North Ave.
I live in Charles Village. It's near Johns Hopkins University and there is a lot of security here. Have to protect the future scientists and it's paid for by the students. I often walk at night (because it's a little cooler) and I feel safe because of all the security provided by the university. I see a lot of women walking their dogs alone both day and night. I have several posts on this board about Charles Village and perhaps you saw some of them. I see a lot of signs stating apartments and rooming houses are for rent here and the area has a college campus feel. A car would be ideal considering where she is going to college.
Well, she'll be going without a car at first. Later on, that will be between her and her parents to work out. Of course driving in potentially high-crime areas has its own rules for safety, but might be preferable overall to walking and using public transit.
Since she won't have wheels at least to start, that leads to a question about the areas you talk about here. I've been wondering about safe ways/routes from MICA to Johns Hopkins--in case of some class exchange or collaborative arrangement between schools--and the Baltimore Museum of Art, which could be of obvious interest to art students. My impression is that the area is safe enough (given that city smarts should always be observed) in the daytime. Do I have that right? Any advice about safer ways to travel from MICA to that area, being that you've got to cross to the other side of I-83?
And just out of my own curiosity, on mapping websites it appears that the museum may actually be on the Johns Hopkins campus. Is that right, or are those websites a bit inaccurate?
It also seems that the Walters museum might interest MICA students. I wouldn't think that safety would be a huge issue there, since the museum is right along Charles Street, which Bus Man recommended as the preferred walking route down to the south of campus.
I've just begun to research other art museums, so I know nothing yet about their locations, or even what other major museums there are. I know that there are a black history museum and a Jewish history museum, which might, maybe, possibly interest art students because their collections include art related to the featured racial or ethnic groups. Any word on the safety around those areas? Also, what other major museums should I research for their locations?
Thanks again for all the great info!
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