What is Baltimore like?

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

Ha, you mean the big, white twizzler?

Now I know what is! Dang!

[GrimCoconut]

Sure is and thank you. Now take my opinion with a grain of salt. I live on a few acres and generally hate morons. And the city is chock full of morons and no land.

Nah I know a girl who lives up there. I dated her a while ago. It's a really nice area. Definitely one of the biggest areas near Baltimore.

[The Mom Gene]

South? Where? I'm currently in South Florida

Melbourne, FL

[gtalk12]

Thanks everyone, now I'm going to show this to my GF and convince her to move up lmao

[usmccharles]

I currently reside in South Florida but I am very interested in moving back up north. I'm originally from New Jersey but really find no interest in living there again.

 

Am I really that big a fan of the Ravens that I would move to Baltimore? YES lol

 

I use to have some family up in Maryland for a while and when I came to visit in the mid 90's it was a really nice place.

 

I'm still young, only 24 and would be moving with my gf. I was very curious as to what the night life is like and cost of living. Any opinions of the place would help.

 

Thanks

 

GO RAVENS

what part of florida are you in? i live in fort myers, i was also at the ravens dolphins game, also born in jersey lol. 

[RedFire]

b-more hasn't really been affected by gentrification like other major east coast cities. once b-more ads in the needed metro lines like DC and push out people for the rich, it will be no different safety-wise than DC.

 

they have nice communities west b-more pimlimco extended into the pikesville suburbs.  but this ain't the late 80's into the 90's get out of b-more by 5pm era. 

[RedFire]

I grew up in Owings Mills...  It's still nice in certain areas out there.  Painters Mill, and West of Reisterstown... Eldersburg isn't bad either...  My husband is from Towson/Cockeysville...  It's very nice out there.

 

i used to deliver pizza for dominos a decade ago in owings mills, and reisterstown until 2am about 10yrs ago. ain't nothing to worry about.  

 

then again i used to growing up in randallstown, milford mills, security area....so it's seemed like a made for TV suburb in owings mills and reisterstown to me, lol. hip hop chicken and chicken n trout is replaced by actual suburb things like starbucks along that reisterstown road corridor and that was my experince several years ago when i was in the area. 

 

 

ain't no pit beef, lake trout, and pollack johnnies owings mills into carol county....all they had was crabs. it was missing some real b-more flavor if you will. 

[1/28/01]

What is Baltimore like?

Well...

Edit - Green markers represent homicides. Red markers represent vacant properties. Its a lovely area!

[gtalk12]

what part of florida are you in? i live in fort myers, i was also at the ravens dolphins game, also born in jersey lol. 

 

I was born in Hoboken, NJ and raised in Union City/ Jersey City.

 

I live in Fort Lauderdale and the Dolphin vs Raven game was the first time I saw our boys live. I sat on the corner endzone by the Ravens side.

 

GREATEST GAME EVER lol

[The Mom Gene]

What is Baltimore like?

Well...

Edit - Green markers represent homicides. Red markers represent vacant properties. Its a lovely area!

Ya gotta move out further than that into Baltimore County....You chose to highlight the WORST areas of the city. But much like every other major city in the country.... yes,,,,  those areas are not so good.

[1/28/01]

Ya gotta move out further than that into Baltimore County....You chose to highlight the WORST areas of the city. But much like every other major city in the country.... yes,,,, those areas are not so good.

Dude asked about Baltimore. I assume he means Baltimore City. That is Baltimore City...all major parts. There is no way to spin it. Baltimore, statistically, is one of the worst cities in the country.

[The Mom Gene]

Dude asked about Baltimore. I assume he means Baltimore City. That is Baltimore City...all major parts. There is no way to spin it. Baltimore, statistically, is one of the worth cities in the country.

Trust me, I know... But not unlike Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles...  Just sayin...  Dude needs to look at the County is all.

[1/28/01]

Trust me, I know... But not unlike Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles... Just sayin... Dude needs to look at the County is all.

Agree there, to a degree. Baltimore is top 5 in homicides and drugs each and every year (could be a slight exaggeration there, but slight). Northern Baltimore County (certain areas) can be very nice, affluent, safe etc.

If I didn't have the life-long friends I have here and my mother, I'd move out of Maryland in a second!

[The Mom Gene]

Agree there, to a degree. Baltimore is top 5 in homicides and drugs each and every year (could be a slight exaggeration there, but slight). Northern Baltimore County (certain areas) can be very nice, affluent, safe etc.

If I didn't have the life-long friends I have here and my mother, I'd move out of Maryland in a second!

I did....  And yes, even my family have moved into Southern PA... My Dad still lives in the County though.

[Moderator 2]

I'm county born and bred. We moved to Catonsville when I was 6, when I moved out it was to a part of Woodlawn that was nice for a year, I was a nurse at Baltimore County General, the apartments around the hospital were going downhill FAST, one night in the parking lot we heard gun shots--six all of us hit the deck except for my boyfriend who was ex special forces--then I lived for a year in upper Randallstown I had a terrace walkout and had trouble with kids taking my stuff, looking in my windows, graffiti and took pictures so I could break my lease and I moved to Reisterstown to a house I bought with my then fiancé 23 years ago.

We were looking for a place that was rural, so he felt comfortable. We had cornfields 2 sides of us and they roll up the sidewalks at 2100, maybe a little later if there is an event at the Middle or High School.

No more cornfields they are now million dollar McMansions several forclosed

[gtalk12]

I from the city, not so nice areas. I'm use to that, and I would probably look into living somewhere in the area where it may be better to start a family. D.C. and Maryland are options for me

[cobrajet]

OK, I think I may be able to shed some light as I am a man that has policed the worst areas of Baltimore City for 21 years. There are certain parts of the city that you would be taking your life in your hands walking through. I can't stress enough how much of an ABSOLUTE FACT that is. Your life is way to precious to risk it. There are usually multiple shootings daily and most of the shootings and homicides do not make the news. Per capita Baltimore is one of the most dangerous cities in our country. There are open-air drug markets with a lot of illegal guns. Heroin is the top dog in the drug market but crack cocaine and marijuana are also easy to find. We averaged 100 robberies a month in the Northeastern District, just one of nine districts.

 

With that said, yes there are some nice areas to visit and possibly live if you have the money. Roland Park, Canton, Little Italy, Inner Harbor, Harbor East, and Federal Hill are relatively safe. Bolton Hill, Fells Point, Mt. Vernon, Charles Village could be a little dangerous after dark. There are some cool places to visit, but do not park far away especially at night, and do not wear or carry valuables or leave them in plain view in your car. 

 

As far as living in the city....I can not afford the good areas and the taxes. If I had the money there would be some areas I would live, but I would have to make enough to send my children to private school. That HAS to factor into it.  Also to be fair, some areas are actually getting safer. Canton is a lot safer today than 20 years ago. Tiny row homes you could have picked up for under $20,000 are now very expensive and if you buy one that has been renovated expect to pay top dollar. 

 

I grew up in a semi-detached home in the Hamilton area (long time ago) and I could walk out my door and before I made it to the end of my street there was 10 kids I could play with. I loved growing up there. I loved playing "step ball" and watching Captain Chesapeake but those days are LONG GONE and the city will never be the same in my book. As a child I used to run around the 4x4 (near Clifton Park) at my grandmother's house. Can't walk there anymore! I did numerous drug raids around the Seidel Bowling Alley where I used to play at my other grandmother's home. The areas look nothing like I remember. It saddens me. I will never forget eating dinner with my grandmother at the White Coffee Pot and I still have a lot of good childhood memories but unfortunately they are now mixed with a lot things I would like to erase from my memory from policing on the killing streets.

[1/28/01]

OK, I think I may be able to shed some light as I am a man that has policed the worst areas of Baltimore City for 21 years. There are certain parts of the city that you would be taking your life in your hands walking through. I can't stress enough how much of an ABSOLUTE FACT that is. Your life is way to precious to risk it. There are usually multiple shootings daily and most of the shootings and homicides do not make the news. Per capita Baltimore is one of the most dangerous cities in our country. There are open-air drug markets with a lot of illegal guns. Heroin is the top dog in the drug market but crack cocaine and marijuana are also easy to find. We averaged 100 robberies a month in the Northeastern District, just one of nine districts.

With that said, yes there are some nice areas to visit and possibly live if you have the money. Roland Park, Canton, Little Italy, Inner Harbor, Harbor East, and Federal Hill are relatively safe. Bolton Hill, Fells Point, Mt. Vernon, Charles Village could be a little dangerous after dark. There are some cool places to visit, but do not park far away especially at night, and do not wear or carry valuables or leave them in plain view in your car.

As far as living in the city....I can not afford the good areas and the taxes. If I had the money there would be some areas I would live, but I would have to make enough to send my children to private school. That HAS to factor into it. Also to be fair, some areas are actually getting safer. Canton is a lot safer today than 20 years ago. Tiny row homes you could have picked up for under $20,000 are now very expensive and if you buy one that has been renovated expect to pay top dollar.

I grew up in a semi-detached home in the Hamilton area (long time ago) and I could walk out my door and before I made it to the end of my street there was 10 kids I could play with. I loved growing up there. I loved playing "step ball" and watching Captain Chesapeake but those days are LONG GONE and the city will never be the same in my book. As a child I used to run around the 4x4 (near Clifton Park) at my grandmother's house. Can't walk there anymore! I did numerous drug raids around the Seidel Bowling Alley where I used to play at my other grandmother's home. The areas look nothing like I remember. It saddens me. I will never forget eating dinner with my grandmother at the White Coffee Pot and I still have a lot of good childhood memories but unfortunately they are now mixed with a lot things I would like to erase from my memory from policing on the killing streets.

This is just about spot on in my opinion. Only thing I will add is the "not so bad areas" like Canton, Fells etc are still pretty gross in my opinion. Call me a snob, call me someone that likes the finer things, call me someone that prefers my family to be safe...I dont care. Our city as a whole is a horrible, horrible place to live.

[Moderator 3]

This is just about spot on in my opinion. Only thing I will add is the "not so bad areas" like Canton, Fells etc are still pretty gross in my opinion. Call me a snob, call me someone that likes the finer things, call me someone that prefers my family to be safe...I dont care. Our city as a whole is a horrible, horrible place to live.

All large cities as a whole are horrible places to live. Baltimore is nothing "special" in that regard. By the way, don't think you're safe in the 'burbs. Crime happens everywhere. Frankly, at least in a city you expect it and might be better prepared.

[Gordo52]

Just drove through Leakin Park and around west Baltimore.... Had to drive someplace near there for work so I figured why not... Yeah, I wouldn't recommend ever doing that.

Not 3 blocks away from the most pathetic looking police department I've ever seen, (think it was Hanover street) 3 guys came up trying to sell me something. Broad daylight.... I got the hell out lol

[52520Andrew]

I am a few blocks away from Canton right next to Patterson Park so I am in the not so bad area. North of the park is where things start to get interesting. The biggest thing is just to use common sense, lock cars, don't leave things sitting in the open where people can see them and try not to be out walking alone at night unless you are in with a crowd somewhere. Northeast and West Baltimore are areas that can get bad fast, that map does a good job illustrating it. While I am in a not so bad area there still is stuff that happens quite a bit. Generally avoid the park at night although during the day it is pretty fun. Another general theory I have is that the closer you are to the water, the better off you are, can't make guarentees everywhere but Federal Hill, the Inner Harbour, Harbor East(really upscale there btw), Fells Point, and Canton aren't too bad now. A big reason for that is the renovated homes as mentioned earlier. Oh and the City is not governed well so don't get your hopes up there without getting too far into politics.

[1/28/01]

All large cities as a whole are horrible places to live. Baltimore is nothing "special" in that regard. By the way, don't think you're safe in the 'burbs. Crime happens everywhere. Frankly, at least in a city you expect it and might be better prepared.

Of course crime happens everywhere, just at higher rates in some. And I'm prepared. I'd like so see the dude who drives down my 1/2 mile long driveway in the woods and goes snooping around.

[codizzle]

Check the crime rates for the eastern shore..

All good out there and you ain't more than 1-2 hours from DC philly or Baltimore

No way on earth I would live anywhere near baltimore city

[Ozzsome]

I may be able to present a different view on that topic.

I live in Europe, Austria to be precise, and some years ago I made a trip with my brother to the US East Coast, NY, Phily, Washington DC and we planned a trip to a Ravens home game and wanted to sleep there a night before in a hotel. So one day before the game we arrived at like 10 pm in Baltimore by car, and honestly I was scared to death. The city looked rough, ugly and dark. I can't really tell my feelings exactly but it was ultra weird and scary. I also can't tell you exactly were we drove around by car, but "downtown" close to the inner harbor was nice, but when we drove around searching for our hotel some areas looked really rough and they were by no means far away from the harbor.

On the next day at daylight it overall looked rather nice, and I did not come across something that would scare everything out of me, but I just wanted to share my first impression I had from BMore. And I have walked around at night in DC Phily and NY but in no city yet I had a feeling like that one in Baltimore ever.

Just couple of months ago I visited again with a couple of friends and we arrived at 12 pm just before the Chargers game, but it was kind of the same story as last time. During daylight time I think the city looked rather nice, but after the game walking to our parking lot some blocks away from the stadium I had this weird feeling again.

I don't know if that helps you, but I just wanted to share my perspective of Baltimore which I got from just those 3 days I have been there. I may have only come to the wrong places in Baltimore or I had strange feelings because I knew of Baltimores crime history before I have been there, but I think I could give you a different perspective to the City of Baltimore.

Or I am just a spoiled european weird guy lol

[The Mom Gene]

I get that same feeling in New Orleans, outside the area around Bourbon Street...

[codizzle]

I get that same feeling in New Orleans, outside the area around Bourbon Street...

Bourbon street and baltimore are a rough comparison

[poescrows]

IMO, stay outside the Beltway. A lot of great places to visit in the city but would never recommend living there. HOWEVER....I wouldn't want to live in any city. I live about 10 miles south of Bmore, and 10 miles north of Annapolis, on the Bay. Still lots of undeveloped land here....close enough to anything, but still far enough away!!!

[cobrajet]

I may be able to present a different view on that topic.

I live in Europe, Austria to be precise, and some years ago I made a trip with my brother to the US East Coast, NY, Phily, Washington DC and we planned a trip to a Ravens home game and wanted to sleep there a night before in a hotel. So one day before the game we arrived at like 10 pm in Baltimore by car, and honestly I was scared to death. The city looked rough, ugly and dark. I can't really tell my feelings exactly but it was ultra weird and scary. I also can't tell you exactly were we drove around by car, but "downtown" close to the inner harbor was nice, but when we drove around searching for our hotel some areas looked really rough and they were by no means far away from the harbor.

On the next day at daylight it overall looked rather nice, and I did not come across something that would scare everything out of me, but I just wanted to share my first impression I had from BMore. And I have walked around at night in DC Phily and NY but in no city yet I had a feeling like that one in Baltimore ever.

Just couple of months ago I visited again with a couple of friends and we arrived at 12 pm just before the Chargers game, but it was kind of the same story as last time. During daylight time I think the city looked rather nice, but after the game walking to our parking lot some blocks away from the stadium I had this weird feeling again.

I don't know if that helps you, but I just wanted to share my perspective of Baltimore which I got from just those 3 days I have been there. I may have only come to the wrong places in Baltimore or I had strange feelings because I knew of Baltimores crime history before I have been there, but I think I could give you a different perspective to the City of Baltimore.

Or I am just a spoiled european weird guy lol

No, your instincts were probably spot on. Baltimore is a dangerous place at night. I would not even walk around the Inner Harbor at night without my service weapon, knowing what I know, experienced, and saw with my own eyes.

[callahan09]

I grew up in Northern Baltimore County.  I went to high school in Towson and lived there for about 1 year.  I've always liked Towson, probably because I had a lot of fun there as a teenager.  I haven't lived in Maryland for a decade now.  I've been in Arizona, New Jersey, and Virginia since then.  I've always missed Maryland.  Never lived in the city, but my brother has lived all throughout the city (Federal Hill, Hampden, near MICA, and near Hopkins, in order of nicest to least nice areas he's been in my opinion), and some of my best friends live in the city as well.  I love visiting Hampden, lots of cool bars and restaurants and little shops there.  I always felt safe in that neighborhood, though a friend who lives there just a few blocks up Falls Road from the avenue, and there was recently a mugging inside his building, which I was shocked to hear about and now feel a little less safe around there, unfortunately.

 

Federal Hill always seemed perfect when my brother lived there.  Walking distance to everything.  We walked to the baseball & football games, we walked to bars & restaurants, the inner harbor, we even walked all the way to the Arena for a concert once, though it did feel like a long walk haha.  Never felt unsafe in those neighborhoods.

 

Once place I lived in New Jersey felt much less safe, and even there I never had a single bad encounter or crime experience.

 

I don't really know what else to say.

 

Baltimore County is a nice place with TONS of good food, especially if you like crabs (which I love).  Merriweather pavilion (not in Baltimore county, but close to the city) is a cool place to see a concert.  I'm sure some people will tell you it sucks, but I always have an amazing time there, and in fact I have often seen a band a second time on a tour just to see them at Merriweather if they announce the Merriweather performance after I already bought tickets to a different show (this indeed just happened to me).

 

I don't know what kind of lifestyle you're after, city or suburban or country or whatever, but frankly within about 30 minutes of Baltimore City you can have any of those types of lifestyles you'd desire.

 

Baltimore county has a lot of great trails and nature experiences, the gunpowder river, the loch raven reservoir, hike & bike trails, etc.  Lots of fun to be had for nature lovers.

 

I have a lot of love for the area and I'd like to live their again some day.

 

There's a lot to be said about being in an area with like-minded individuals all around you as a sports fan.  As a die-hard Ravens and O's fan, I always get a great feeling being in the territory with all the other fans around.  Makes me feel like I'm home haha.  Maybe that's also because the area WAS home to me for nearly 20 years, but, yeah...

[Nightman]

I got disoriented and got mugged near the Block after an event at the Arena in 1985, I usually stay south of the Royal Farms Arena, in fact for Ravens games I park in a garage on Lombard Street where I write down the spot number, I'm parked in on the ticket so if I get lost I can ask someone who works Usually with the exception of Ravens games ride the light rail into town.  You can use your DC Metro Smarttrip cards as payment on the Baltimore MTA, because its the same thing as their Charm Card.   Washington, DC has problems too besides those "Warshingphoianns".   Especially their Metro system which always seems to do trackwork and single tracking every weekend on most lines.   They don't have a flat fare like Baltimore because the 3 jurisdictions couldn't agree on funding when it was built, so its distance based, in fact from Metro Center to Shady Grove during rush hour its like 7 dollars.