Growing up in Baltimore in the 1970's and 80's was fun, exciting and interesting (tho' slightly dangerous, too!). Many neighborhoods had their own character, eccentricities and charm. That's kinda faded away now. The people I grew up with left Baltimore for better opportunities (NYC, LA, Europe, etc.) I, myself, left for Houston in the early 90's for college, but came back to help family. While the city remained stagnant, most outgrew their neighborhoods.

This "new", "pre-gentrication" Baltimore is still in question and evolving. I do enjoy the change and interacting in a multi-cultural landscape with more of an international presence. Maybe the transplants, students, new creatives and aspiring residents will be the dawn of something better for the city.