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tEnPoInTs t1_j1ho4if wrote

Reply to comment by Appropriate-Algae-82 in Where to live in DC to commute to Baltimore? by Appropriate-Algae-82

Sorry I didn't get a chance to answer this last night. In essence I would sum it up that Baltimore is a city of neat little neighborhoods. Apparently the whole country who hasn't spent time here thinks it's the wire. It's true the crime numbers are high, but IN the nicer parts it's lovely and safety wise comparable to most east coast cities. DC is ironically the same way. Ask your partner if when he lived there he spent time in Trinidad or Mount Pleasant, I'm guessing the answer is no and those areas were racking up some serious numbers even just a few years ago haha. I've lived here for 12 years, in many parts, and loved every minute of it. I also lived in DC for 10 and I prefer it here.

As far as appeal, citiness, walk ability, culture, etc, I'd say I can't sum it up in a reddit post. Here's what I'd do: spend a day hopping around a couple areas of interest and see how you both actually like it.

  • Do NOT go to the inner harbor. It's a decaying relic of a gross 80s tourist trap but for some reason it's where everyone visits here and it gives a horrible impression of Baltimore. It's like thinking you've seen DC after going to Gallery Place/Chinatown.
  • Check out historic fells point, pop into a pub or restaurant around Thames st.
  • Walk around mt Vernon, especially the monument area it's really very pretty and quite a few neat spots. Mt Vernon marketplace is nice for a bite, or try Sugarvale for a cocktail
  • Bolton Hill is right above Mt Vernon and is very residential but pleasant and walkable.
  • Hampden is a bit above those two and just a charming neighborhood with tons to do and see. Some great restaurants.
  • Federal Hill is on the South side of the city and has a big bar scene. Also very walkable

Too many to name and I suspect someone will follow this up saying I left out more (which I did!) But it's not a bad list to start with for a slice of Baltimore city.

EDIT: Forgot about public transit. This is where DC does actually shine to be fair. The metro is in the top 3 subway systems in the country it's hard to beat. We do, however have free buses that will go roughly to most of the places mentioned above, but I will admit the city is a bit more uber-y / drivey than DC. Personally though I've walked between every neighborhood above.

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call_me_ping t1_j1ieqz1 wrote

u/tEnPoInTs left a great, comprehensive answer as far as a Reddit post can get!

Mount Vernon is a great area, and we're really privileged. With all of the restaurants, art, events, walkability–plus the city gives us more resources/keeps their eye on us more than other communities, it's a nice place to be.

I've lived here since I was 18 (8 years) after moving from Cleveland and it's fine. "Be pleasant, but also mind your business" kind of deal like any other city.

Baltimore is a lot more casual compared to DC's 24/7 corporate grind mindset. There's a lot more *ahem* charm here.

People love to sensationalize and bitch about the bad, but out of every place I have lived, Baltimore has one of the strongest community support networks in the country. Despite droves of people looking down on this city without knowing it, the people come together with support for one another.

u/Appropriate-Algae-82 if you and your partner have not already, ask your jobs about commuter benefits to see if either of you get discount tickets, gas/parking stipends, etc! The neighborhoods north or Penn are decent too, and you might get more bang for your buck in places like Remington or Old Goucher. Different options from apts, condos, and row homes in all.

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