baltimore to aberdeen/college park/columbia commute? (Mount Vernon: home, neighborhoods)

[whirledpease]

Hi, Ive been reading related threads on this but am still confused.
Id like to find a cultural, safe, urban place to live in Baltimore, perhaps within reach of Johns H University; for usually universities do have a lot of cultural/similar activity.Live close to NYC now, and while that's not replicable, I d look for museums/theater/music in a setting where it is safe if one often lives by oneself and travels a fair bit.

But Id like to find out what sort of commute it might be to Aberdeen MD, (APG) and to College Park. Would appreciate any insights.
thanks
W.

[robotfingers]

My fiance and I live in the city, and he's an engineer at APG. The drive is not as bad for him as it is for people doing the opposite commute - I-95S and 40 back up in the morning because people are driving into the city and he's always going north. It takes him about 45 minutes to get up there. Not a bad commute. As far as I know, the drive to College Park sucks and will always suck.

[whirledpease]

when you say the city, ie Baltimore, are there particular areas which are safe etc?Recently there were very negative threads about Baltimore. I was told then that the suburbs would be better.
thanks
W.

[wabdulka]

I used to commute from Baltimore to College Park everyday taking the Marc Train from Camden Yards, which takes about 45 minutes. The Penn Line will take you to Aberdeen, although I've never been there so I don't know what the commute is like. The bad thing about the Marc is that it doesn't run on weekends, and the Camden Line stops running during the afternoon. If you are going to live somewhere close to JHU (Charles Village, Bolton Hill, Hampden, Mount Vernon), you will find it very easy to get to the Penn Line. Also, the Penn Line is faster than the Camden Line (although I'm not sure how many trains go to Aberdeen).

In terms of neighborhoods, I'd say Mount Vernon is the best. It is right in the heart of Baltimore (and known as the Cultural--and gay--district). There you will find museums, theaters, and music. Also, it is not at all far from JHU (In fact, it takes me about 20 minutes to walk from Mount Vernon to Charles Village). Mount Vernon is also home to MICA, one of the best and most prestigious art schools in the country, so you will find a ton of artsy, hipster types hanging around and there is a very vibrant art scene.

Anyway, best of luck in your search.