Where can I live outside of Baltimore? (Towson, Essex: apartment complexes, for rent)

[Somerville_resident]

I will be coming to Baltimore for a job interview in a couple of weeks and need to start thinking about where I will be living if I get it. I've been wanting to move to Maryland for some time now and psyched about finally getting the chance. I presently live in Somerville, MA, a community of around 77,000 residents. I walk for exercise four days a week and feel comfortable every where I go. I'm a black female over 35, with no children and prefer to live in a diverse community of working class folks. I have been looking at Essex and Parkville to live, but based on some of the posts I have read I'm uncertain. Can anyone please recommend a community outside of Baltimore for me to live where the communite is reasonable as is the rents? Most importantly, where I will feel safe. Thanks,!

[janetvj]

I have lived in the Essex-Middle River area pretty much all my adult life. Like most neighborhoods, there are good areas and not-so-good areas here. But lately over-all the neighborhood is changing for the better - new waterfront developments are under construction and there is talk of creating a water-front destination on Middle River with marinas, restaurants, etc. Don't know if it will really happen, but...

You mentioned diversity, and that is another positive about the area. My street is literally a Parade of Nations, and is one of the things that really attracted me to the neighborhood.

As far as walkability (is this a word?) it really depends on specifically where you live. As for me, I prefer to use the various parks and recreation areas that are located here, rather than walking around my neighborhood. But I've never felt unsafe here, and will often walk to the nearby shopping center (I am addicted to Target) instead of driving.

There are a number of apartments in the 21221 (Essex) zip-code. I am in 21220, and here there seem to be more single family homes for rent, although I think there are a few apartment complexes around as well.

Anyway, congratulations on your new job, and welcome to Maryland!

Janet

[glenda_jl]

Owings Mills is a good option. Not too far from Baltimore- about 20 mins driving. There will always be some traffic because of the 695 and 83 beltway - but Owings Mills is not a bad commute to Baltimore. It is a very diverse area - currently I live in the NewTown community - very nice area - safe and clean (at least that is my experience). I have live here for about 7 years. Towson isn't a bad area either - I believe that is a closer commute to Baltimore- they are upgrading their Town Center with some high scale stores and resturants. They are also building new condos in the area that are very reasonably priced (200K).