escamuel t1_j6wtu9a wrote on February 2, 2023 at 1:33 PM

I’m from Richmond but have lived in Baltimore for about 5 years now. You are certainly right that Richmond is kinda clickish/insular. I think most places on the east coast tend to be that way to varying degrees though.

Baltimore is cool though, similar vibe for sure, maybe a little rougher around the edges for better or worse. I kinda miss when Richmond was a little rougher TBH.

Size wise it honestly feels about the same even though I know Baltimore is about 2x as large. “Smalltimore” is definitely a phrase you hear a lot. Philly might be a better option if you want to feel like you are in a big city.

9to5Voyager OP t1_j6xnjfd wrote on February 2, 2023 at 4:56 PM

Philly's good too, I've been there and I thought it was great. Not sure that I'd live there though. I love visiting big cities but don't know that I'd enjoy the day in day out with that many people and that much traffic. I like that it's close enough to hit up on a quick train ride. Baltimore's a pretty good size and location for me. Actually *Richmond* is the PERFECT location because mountains and beach aren't but 1.5 hours away, but I'm willing to give that up for better social opportunities.

escamuel t1_j6xuj3b wrote on February 2, 2023 at 5:39 PM

I get you. I suppose my point was that in my experience Baltimore feels much smaller than it is. Social opportunities are pretty similar here to what I found in Richmond but I was from that area so maybe that skews my impression. Not trying to discourage you from giving Charm City a go, I just don’t know that it’s going to provide you with a clearly more robust social life.

9to5Voyager OP t1_j6xxsh0 wrote on February 2, 2023 at 5:59 PM

Oh I see what you're saying. Well I haven't pulled any triggers yet but from what I've gathered on here and my very limited time in the city, definitely seems worth a shot. If not, I'll make RVA work or maybe some place else.

escamuel t1_j6xy4pm wrote on February 2, 2023 at 6:01 PM

As long as you don’t move to DC you’ll at worst be making a lateral move haha.

9to5Voyager OP t1_j6xze4o wrote on February 2, 2023 at 6:09 PM

I mean this with all the love and respect in my heart...f*** DC.

escamuel t1_j6y069u wrote on February 2, 2023 at 6:14 PM

The absolute worst. A beautiful city filled with a bunch of uptight boring ass people. That’s where I was between Richmond and Baltimore. Don’t miss it one bit.

9to5Voyager OP t1_j6y43lx wrote on February 2, 2023 at 6:38 PM

It's the only city I've ever been to where you can't ask someone for directions on the street. People talk about NY, Boston, Philly, etc. I've found those people to all be perfectly helpful. People in DC walk right by you like you're not even there. I don't even stop people! I ask them in passing out of respect for their time! And I've heard horror stories about the social scene there.

Great place to visit though.

yazmataz329 t1_j74osh2 wrote on February 4, 2023 at 1:19 AM

Lol most people in DC don't know how to give directions!