which city would be best for family? (Baltimore: rentals, crime)

[sehill2]

If we were to consider moving, which city would be best for a family of 3 kids? Considered Charlotte, NC - Baltimore, MD - Washington, DC? My husband enjoys a big city, my kids need autistic help in school, and I just want us to enjoy the place but feel safe. Any thoughts?

[NJ2MDdude]

I don't know about Charlotte or DC, but Baltimore has the Kennedy Kreiger Institute:

http://www.kennedykrieger.org/index.jsp

[sehill2]

Thanks for that information. Once you are used to being settled in a place, the thought of re-locating brings in all sorts of questions!

[Mrs. 14th & You]

In the Baltimore-DC area, there are lots of great resources for families whose children need learning accommodations. However, we have so many school/political jurisdictions, the exact answer depends on where you would want to live.

I grew up within DC and Montgomery County. The wealth of cultural activities in the city as well as the easy access by car to the beach, mountains, and theme parks was great. Some folks really like the Baltimore suburbs. I'm a fan of Baltimore city, but if I had children, I would be very particular about what neighborhoods I would move to just because of the crime patterns there. It's not that the city is unsafe, it just takes more research in Baltimore to know where the true hot spots are.

I think one of the biggest determinants is budget. I was just telling someone on the DC forum that the average housing price in the Washington, DC MSA is $417k. Rentals aren't that much less expensive. The homes in most desirable family neighborhoods in the DC region are in upper northwest DC, Montgomery County, Arlington County, and Fairfax County, can be even pricier than the median. That may or may not be an issue for you.