[removed]
Comments
Psychological_Try559 t1_j9qbgtr wrote
Just to address this concern "520 Park is now 171 unique apartment homes" While I'm sure it's their street address, it doesn't narrow them down to a single location--rather basically a neighborhood.
​
That said, it's still information about OP. If OP wishes to delete, that's certainly not a bad idea.
ashalottagreyjoy t1_j9ph0d1 wrote
I did this walk.
It was sometimes scary, frequently boring. Depending on the time of night, you’ll find it’s boring more often than not.
But what it is is empty. Very empty. On Howard, there are apartment buildings but they are totally noise-isolated so you’re basically alone on that stretch.
I used to take the last light rail from Hanover to Lexington Market and walk down Saratoga to Clay. It would be past 11pm. I’m a woman. I worried about it quite a bit but after I did it for awhile, it felt routine and I never encountered an issue.
That isn’t to say I couldn’t have. It’s frequently surprising to me that I never had a moment where I felt really afraid. Mostly just jumpy and nervous.
Don’t take Cathedral. It’s more likely you’ll run into trouble going that way. Take Charles all the way down. There are convenience stores and restaurants along the way. It’ll be the least lonely part of your walk.
Better yet, get really comfortable with those scooters! It’ll be your best bet to zip right through without running into a problem.
But tl;dr - I did this walk. I never had a problem, but it always felt like I could. Be careful. Be aware. Don’t wear noise canceling headphones. Don’t carry anything super valuable.
YoYoMoMa t1_j9pl7r6 wrote
This is the best advice here imo.
ashalottagreyjoy t1_j9psht2 wrote
Thank you.
I got a lot of flack from coworkers who are lifelong city residents that warned me all the time what I was doing was dangerous.
They’re right, of course. But if you have to do something - like find the safest route to walk at night because you can’t afford a car - it’s better to be informed.
It’s risky, OP. I don’t know if I’d still be doing it if I had to. That walk is the entire reason I learned to drive and bought a car, paid for insurance, and a parking spot in my building. It’s not a trek to plan lightly!
maudlinmary t1_j9qdggm wrote
Yeah, I’m looking at that route and “lonely” is definitely the best word for it. Not outright dangerous, but isolated, which is risky. If I were her (and OP, I hope you are safe and happy in all of your strolls!) I would walk down Baltimore then up Charles. Lots of traffic, public transit lines, good lighting, and hotels with valets keeping their eye on the outside.
ashalottagreyjoy t1_j9qeisv wrote
Baltimore is the best bet here for sure. I used Saratoga because that was my terminus street and I was exhausted and lazy most nights. But it’s not necessarily the safest way.
From Howard until you hit Lexington - three blocks, at least - you’re completely alone with a lot of boarded up shops. It’s very sketch, especially with all those random blind alleyways - portways? - stuck between the buildings. It can be alarming and worrying.
Stick to busier streets, OP, but even that don’t let it make you let down your guard.
maudlinmary t1_j9qjzei wrote
Park and Saratoga aren’t bad in those stretches, but they are sparsely populated. It’s my secret driving route through the city because it’s almost entirely empty all the time, even at rush hour.
Kudos to you for being an independent lady getting where she has to go no matter what people say - I stopped walking a lot of places when I moved to the city, which is ridiculous because that’s half the reason to live in a city to start with
OilComprehensive6237 t1_j9q4v1l wrote
I live in this hood. Can confirm this is the right answer. Take the long way on Charles. It is a nice walk.
ashalottagreyjoy t1_j9qf8ig wrote
Also, OP, not to sound paranoid, but one of the best things I ever did working late night in the city and feeling unsafe was to make a point of stopping into a convenience store relatively frequently along my walk.
It took a little longer, but I ended up becoming friendly with people at the counter and they looked out for me.
It also helps in case you ever do feel unsafe along your walk to have a spot to duck into. :)
Suspicious_Way_7810 t1_j9piuf8 wrote
The walk is probably safer than you posting addresses of a walk you’re doing frequently online
NotARageComic t1_j9peur7 wrote
I’m not going to bullshit you, that’s a somewhat scary walk. The only time I’ve ever been genuinely unsettled in the year I’ve lived here was waiting for a bus at Paca and Saratoga. Just a lot of unsavory characters around there.
[deleted] OP t1_j9pg73q wrote
[deleted]
propergnarr t1_j9pm2lv wrote
Please don’t get yourself doxxed, especially if you share other personal information on other subs.
sahiah t1_j9pl5pu wrote
I live in this area and I would personally not do this walk as a woman at night
sacrificebundt t1_j9pfzqt wrote
I’d take Baltimore to Park then go up on Park
sacrificebundt t1_j9pqhzz wrote
I’d take Baltimore to Park then go up on Park
Edit: Charles is the best N/S route here if you don’t mind overshooting then cutting back
NewrytStarcommander t1_j9ph240 wrote
During the day you should be ok but it's a bit sketch a few blocks north and down around Lexington Market. I'd walk down Park and across Fayette or Baltimore, much less sketchy than the other routes.
bnye135 t1_j9pjy30 wrote
Fine in day. Best to go down Greene st rather than paca. Would not do after sunset. Def would not do if female. Lots of us in that apt complex have bikes, get a cheap one when you get here.
B-More_Orange t1_j9pf5bf wrote
Not a great walk. I would at the very least take Park all the way down to Lombard and then take Lombard across. You don't want to be behind Lexington Market. The safest route without too much extra would be Charles down to Pratt, and then Pratt over to the UM campus.
Bmorewiser t1_j9peyhp wrote
Keep your eyes open, your phone in your pocket, and you should be fine, regardless. That said, the area near Lexington market can sometimes be a bit dicey late at night but there’s usually people around. Baltimore to Charles is probably the safest bet, however.
coredenale t1_j9pk4kk wrote
The bit along Orleans might be the part to stay alert the most. More and more it seems people are driving around looking for people to rob rather than lying in wait in some dark alley. Kinda make sense, as they will have a lot more potential targets and immediate access to a quick getaway.
terpmd05 t1_j9pmlnt wrote
Depending on where you’re coming from/ tolerance for city life this walk could Be a bit jarring. Charles st corridor is usually fine though all the way from fed hill to my Vernon.
Mikel32 t1_j9pmvh9 wrote
It’s fine Or shoot down cathedral and west on Baltimore.
Greedy-Mushroom4890 t1_j9pychl wrote
I'm a woman and I've done Park to Baltimore (and vice versa) many, many times. Never had a problem. I would recommend against doing Saratoga, Franklin, or Mulberry. Saratoga is too sketchy and the others are too empty. Taking Charles works as well.
Kooky_Deal9566 t1_j9q3wsf wrote
I went to Carey Law and lived in Mt. Vernon. I did Charles to Baltimore or Fayette and never had a problem.
There’s also a free shuttle that UMB offers if you’re a student.
I also would advise deleting the map of your route from Reddit.
anowulwithacandul t1_j9psf2d wrote
It's not the best - I would personally bike it to cut down on the time and vulnerability.
brstroke t1_j9q8wz4 wrote
Go Fayette to Park
branchymolecule t1_j9qb4z6 wrote
Scream and run when you see another human being.
DoIt2It t1_j9pvlgq wrote
Get a bike. Ride East on Baltimore to the bike lane on liberty. Take that north to the basilica then head one block home however feels best.
omichandralekha t1_j9qa84s wrote
Charles street, my vote.
farrrout t1_j9qeka4 wrote
The most unsafe part about this walk is the people who will show up to your personal address when you step foot outside lol
One-Comfortable8392 t1_j9qfyvm wrote
Just don’t be a fool. Don’t wear anything that makes you stand out(jewelry, cool shoes, expensive attire). Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t make eye contact for too long. And of course, act like you belong!
Doberbeagle t1_j9qqfyc wrote
One piece of advice I'd add to this: if you carry a purse or backpack, make sure you keep your phone and keys in separate clothes pockets.
sxswnxnw t1_j9qyv0f wrote
I would take a slightly less direct route by going south to Baltimore and then taking Charles to Franklin then Park. Franklin to Charles is a hotel and senior housing and a school if you cross to the north side
I used to live at 520 Park, and sometimes I'd also go to Centre from Charles.
If you are on a scooter or bike, you have a big advantage. The shuttle suggestion is also a good one.
You can also take the light rail to Centre? It basically stops behind 520 Park.
Exotic-Row6075 t1_j9pfdjj wrote
No
EthanSayfo t1_j9pig5f wrote
I wouldn’t want to do it, and I’m a middle-aged male for what it’s worth.
If you do have to do it, maintain situational awareness at all times.
After dark, though? Thanks but no thanks.
layd410 t1_j9q5gqo wrote
UMB Student and Baltimore native Here: Not safe, especially at night. I walked past Lexington in that direction during daylight and still got too much "attention" and turned around. Not sure of your gender, but especially as a woman I have gotten a lot of sexual comments for passersby which is not comforting. Also, a lot of the area at night is very isolated.
weahman t1_j9q09bl wrote
scooter and or uber
Icy_Implement_387 t1_j9q1n45 wrote
NOPE! Go N Charles to W Baltimore.
The area you’re thinking of walking through is debatable on safe during the day and otherwise not so much.
lolokaydudewhatever t1_j9pi2d1 wrote
Carry mace and a rape whistle
RazzleThatTazzle t1_j9peh7o wrote
Make sure you delete this post after you get an answer so people can't dox you