Persons affected by BRAC may be interested in city living (Baltimore: buying a house, neighborhoods)

[medfieldbum]

I've heard that many of the folks being relocated to Maryland as a result of the Base Realignment and Closing process, particularly those who are stationed in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, are used to the amenities of big city living, since they ar pretty close to New York City. They can now easily go into the city for concerts, plays, nightlife, and professional sports.

But I haven't seen too much evidence of it on this forum. What's up with that?

I know, I know, a lot of people really like their small suburban towns out there in Harford and Cecil counties.

But I have a suspicion that many people want to have some "there" there-that is where they will be living.

Any BRAC folks out there with thoughts? Or do you all want to live where ya gotta drive everywhere to get anywhere?

[kathy saia]

i am selling my house do to thr brac relocating to utah

[kathy saia]

in Randallstown i am posting out

[racemom23boys]

raised in NC. living in NJ for the past 25 years and am thrilled to be relocaring out "there" as part of BRAC. No desire to live close to the madness. Grew up driving "everywhere" for what we needed. Want to give the kids space to be kids. Oh-I also miss my Southern Living!

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

There's been a few BRAC people on here (mostly those young and single) inquiring about Baltimore City. I think one young lady was pretty interested in buying a house in Federal Hill or Locust Point and commuting to Ft Meade. Another young man was interested in Canton for his commute to APG. But most of the BRAC threads have focused on Harford and Cecil Counties for those moving to APG or Anne Arundel for those at Fort Meade.

[Kimmie_P]

In my opinion the reason you don't see a lot of people moving to Baltimore is because they have heard all the negatives ahead of time. I was just relocated to Ft. Meade and am in the process of purchasing a house in Butcher's Hill and was repeatedly warned against living in the city. I chose to do my own research and talked to a few others who had lived there and decided to go for it anyway. But, I often get a negative response from people when I am telling them where I plan on moving. You probably aren't going to see much movement to the city from the military end until everyone quits being scared of Baltimore. The only people I know who have decided to live there are all young and single like myself. It is a shame that this is the case because affordable housing is harder to come by in Howard and Anne Arundel counties where many of the Ft. Meade people are trying to live.

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Originally Posted by Kimmie_P

In my opinion the reason you don't see a lot of people moving to Baltimore is because they have heard all the negatives ahead of time. I was just relocated to Ft. Meade and am in the process of purchasing a house in Butcher's Hill and was repeatedly warned against living in the city. I chose to do my own research and talked to a few others who had lived there and decided to go for it anyway. But, I often get a negative response from people when I am telling them where I plan on moving. You probably aren't going to see much movement to the city from the military end until everyone quits being scared of Baltimore. The only people I know who have decided to live there are all young and single like myself. It is a shame that this is the case because affordable housing is harder to come by in Howard and Anne Arundel counties where many of the Ft. Meade people are trying to live.

Yes, I figured this was it. I've very glad you decided to do your own research. Welcome! Let me/us know if you need any advice on your relocation.

[diplomat74]

People relocating to Maryland due Brac usually only know Baltimore from the "Wire" and its murder stats. They don't realize that all of baltimore isn't ghetto and the city has very nice fun parts such as Fed Hill, Fells Point, and Canton. Just like it annoys me when people move to DC area and think that the only place to live outside the district is Arlington and don't even realize maryland suburbs offer some nice alternatives. It's pretty sad that they are missing out on some fun neighborhoods but are limiting themselves to bland suburbs.

[medfieldbum]

Thanks, Kimmie and Hands!

I think most big cities have problems and problem areas. But also most cities also have nice areas, and are close to things people are interested in, like being able to walk to things, cool, hip places, privately-owned stores and coffee shops and restaurants--as opposed to sitting in traffic anytime someone on one of the interstates makes a stupid, rash move and ties it up for hours.

Further, there are probably a few military folks who are not comfortable living in Harford County for whatever reason, and don't want to live in Edgewood.