International peeps in Baltimore

Submitted by iwantoatmeal t3_10fbix9 in baltimore

What’s it like? I’m a nurse from New Zealand potentially moving over (interview next weeks - fingers crossed). Curious to hear about the lifestyle, social scene (in my 20s), and day to day living expenses from those who have immigrated or moved from other states. Thanks.

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blankitty t1_j4wmkem wrote

Before here I lived in the Seattle area. Hard for me to gauge cost of living since everything seems so much cheaper than where I was but for the most part it seems pretty on par with the us average maybe slightly higher? Social wise there's a lot to do and people are generally pretty laid-back and easy to talk to. Public transit is a little abysmal so you may need a car depending on which neighborhood you live in and work. That said it's pretty easy to get to other metropolitan cities in the northeast by train. Safety is largely neighborhood/block dependant, so far I haven't had any run ins. Porch pirates are a really problem so you'll probably want a PO box if you receive a lot of packages. Restaurants tend to put old bay in everything which gets a little annoying but it's a Maryland thing.

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iwantoatmeal OP t1_j4yaaeo wrote

Awesome! Thanks a bunch for your input I appreciate it :)

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Thaselteh21053 t1_j4xg3ht wrote

I'm local, but have spent a bit of time in Wellington so can compare. Baltimore is about, I'd say about half over again larger than Wellington but not as big as Auckland. There's tons to do, great food, nightlife, bars, etc. NZ is more expensive than the US in general and Baltimore is cheaper than US cities like NYC/SFO/WDC so your money should go further. Baltimore is a maritime city so that should be familiar should you choose to take advantage of those activities. The city is also quite international with Johns Hopkins being a magnet to students and researchers the world over. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the crime aspect. Having said that I'll let you do your own research on that topic. But in spite of that it is a vibrant city with plenty for a young person, or a person of any age, to do.

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iwantoatmeal OP t1_j4ya8jm wrote

That’s awesome you spent time in NZ! Thanks for your input. Do you feel like Baltimore is busier than NZ cities? Part of the reason I’m sick of NZ is because the city life feels so boring, like there’s never anything really exciting going on.

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Thaselteh21053 t1_j4yakgp wrote

Oh there's definitely a lot going on in Baltimore, but if you find there isn't enough, you can always spend a weekend in New York City or Washington DC, both are close. BTW just right now saw the news about Ardern, that was a surprise!

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iwantoatmeal OP t1_j4yc695 wrote

Yay, I’m excited! Thanks for your 2 cents, it’s nice to get insight from someone who’s been on both sides. Also I just woke up from night shift and you’re the one breaking the news to me about Jacinda, wtf!!

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shineslike t1_j4yghao wrote

Heya! I’m an Aussie and I’ve been in Baltimore for almost 9 years. It is a pretty charming city in lots of ways. Quirky and artistic. Most things are affordable and there is lots to do. That said, it was still a shock in moving from Australia. It doesn’t have as much of an outdoorsy lifestyle as you might be used to. I really miss the nature of Australia, even now. America is a more challenging place to live in lots of ways, particularly if you don’t have good health insurance or social/support structures. There are a lot fewer safety nets than you’re probably used to.

If you do decide to move over and want a contact with someone else from the Antipodes, reach out! Happy to help and be a connection.

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