Possibly moving from Baltimore (Tucson: crime, how much, neighborhoods)

[Wolfman57]

I'm a young guy looking to escape to the desert for an easier, slower lifestyle. My parents lived out there after they were married, and I would always here them talking about how great it was.

I'm going to be by myself, so I'm looking for a place to live kind of in the middle of it all. (What exactly "it" is, I'm not sure, but I'm hoping someone could help me out with that one.)

But I keep reading about how much crime and violence there is in Tucson. But compared to Baltimore, is it really all that bad?

Where should I be looking for places?

[michael krotchie]

Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

As far as area, are you looking for the University scene or something a bit more refined? We don't really have a downtown scene here (compared to other cities) but if you're going to want to be near the happenings you're probably looking at Central Tucson; everything else is a bit of a drive.

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by Wolfman57

I'm a young guy looking to escape to the desert for an easier, slower lifestyle. My parents lived out there after they were married, and I would always here them talking about how great it was.

I'm going to be by myself, so I'm looking for a place to live kind of in the middle of it all. (What exactly "it" is, I'm not sure, but I'm hoping someone could help me out with that one.)

But I keep reading about how much crime and violence there is in Tucson. But compared to Baltimore, is it really all that bad?

Where should I be looking for places?

Hey Wolfman, a fellow Baltimoron here.

We just moved out here last year, and so far we love it. Tucson's definitely a slower pace than Baltimore. If you're looking for somewhere like Fell's Point (but much smaller), than I would suggest anywhere near the University. 4th Avenue offers a Charles Village kind of funky appeal. I'd suggest a trip out here and checking out some neighborhoods.

As far as crime? Not even a close comparison. It seems like there's a fair share of property crime, but there aren't too many areas where you should fear for your life walking down the street. Unlike Baltimore, Tucson is hugh geographically, so the bad areas are pretty distinct and recognizable.

Where are you in Baltimore? That might give me a good idea of what to suggest, if I know where you're coming from. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM.

[Wolfman57]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

Hey Wolfman, a fellow Baltimoron here.

We just moved out here last year, and so far we love it. Tucson's definitely a slower pace than Baltimore. If you're looking for somewhere like Fell's Point (but much smaller), than I would suggest anywhere near the University. 4th Avenue offers a Charles Village kind of funky appeal. I'd suggest a trip out here and checking out some neighborhoods.

As far as crime? Not even a close comparison. It seems like there's a fair share of property crime, but there aren't too many areas where you should fear for your life walking down the street. Unlike Baltimore, Tucson is hugh geographically, so the bad areas are pretty distinct and recognizable.

Where are you in Baltimore? That might give me a good idea of what to suggest, if I know where you're coming from. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM.

I'm currently in Baltimore County, but I know the city VERY well.

The idea of a Charles Village/Fells Point-type area sounds very appealing. I lived briefly in Federal Hill and I liked the feel of it, but the nightlife got old fast.

Being near the University, would I have to deal with hoards of the college types and their incessant partying?

And what's the cost of living like?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

Hey Wolfman, a fellow Baltimoron here.

Are ya joking or is it how folks from Baltimore are really called?

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Are ya joking or is it how folks from Baltimore are really called?

Some are called that... not me of course.
It's mainly a joke.

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by Wolfman57

I'm currently in Baltimore County, but I know the city VERY well.

The idea of a Charles Village/Fells Point-type area sounds very appealing. I lived briefly in Federal Hill and I liked the feel of it, but the nightlife got old fast.

Being near the University, would I have to deal with hoards of the college types and their incessant partying?

And what's the cost of living like?

You might neighborhoods like Sam Hughes or others like it. They're near the university, so they're close to the downtown clubs, restaurants, etc. but they're far enough away so you shouldn't have people peeing in your driveway. But they are very expensive.

During the school year there are definitely hoards of college kids (ugh, I feel old sometimes) roaming around. We were down there last night to watch a debate and it was very crowded on University. During the summer, it's a bit of a ghost town around there.

The areas are similar to Fells Point and Charles Village, but much much smaller. We're pretty far SW out of the city, but it's still close enough that we can get to downtown in about 20 minutes. i used to live in Harford County back in MD, so a 20 minute drive to downtown is nothing.