Baltimore have a bright Future - 6/17/2021

Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn , Detroit and the list goes on were all very bad 20 years ago . If you have a chance to visit them now . You'll wish you had moved in to those places when the price was affordable. Cities , Neighborhoods, mentalities change over the years for the better. Baltimore is the next niche. Money are flowing in rapidly since businesses success always come from affordable areas. I guarantee you 20 years from now Baltimore will be a hot spot. Don't expect others to fix things for you. You'll have to do it yourself. Peace

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Third Best Place in PA - 4/29/2021

Came to Balt a less, ended up balting a more. In all seriousness, its an okay place.

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Not a good place to live. - 5/4/2020

I've lived in Baltimore, MD all of my life. I remember when Jobs were plentiful, food was to die for, the city was very diverse. After the 80's and drugs entered the scene, Baltimore City went down. West Baltimore, South Baltimore and East Baltimore is very dirty, very ghetto. Prices are sky high, especially taxes. Democratics steal, police corruption and the mayors are thieves. I cannot wait to retire. I got 9 more years.

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It is AMAZING if you know ehere to live in the cit - 1/4/2020

Ive lived in Baltimore for some time now and it is very nice.

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A Petrie dish for Johns Hopkins Med School - 8/16/2019

G E T O U T N O W

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Great city for ages 18-30. Get out while you can. - 7/27/2019

For starters Baltimore is a great independent city filled with rich history, great sports teams (present/ past), a variety of cultural foods and local delicacies all wrapped up in a place jokingly referred to as “Smalltimore”. The Under Armour headquarters is based out of here, not to forgot about the growing tech sector, the expanding neighborhoods of Harbor East and South Point, the excellent array of hospitals (John’s Hopkin’s, Mercy, and the University of Maryland healthcare systems) and colleges within the city with so much more; however, like every city there is pockets of good and bad, but with this city there are a lot more bad things than good.? Crime, corruption, pollution/ trash on the roads, jay walkers who will willingly walk in the middle of traffic during a rush hour, a majority populous who only votes for democratic candidates who mostly are unqualified (the city doesn’t even have a Office of Ethics until 2019), and some of the worst infrastructure I've seen. Traffic is horrendous and over the years they have implemented traffic monitors who ignore the light patterns and tell you to drive; but, it doesn't work. You're also pan handled and extorted by 'legalized' window washers who forceful fashion mug you and attempt to destroy your property if you don't pay them (and it is only getting worse). During the years of the Indy car races the roads in the summer time were even worse as repaving happened every year and traffic jams were a constant thing. In 2019 potholes have went unmanaged and you're more likely to damage your car than to get home safely. The bus system is average and there are plenty of routes if you’re living in the city, as for metro lines they’re very limited (I’ve never used the subway and most people I know don’t). The is a light-rail system that will take you from the county south (Anne Arundel) throughout the city to the north-west area of Reisterstown to the county of Baltimore. Speaking of safety, crime is on the rise and has never been worse. Since I can remember I've always heard about a murder, a robbery, a stolen car, etcetera in the news - so much so when I left Baltimore and went to other cities, I thought it was 'odd' to not hear about stories my local news channels cover daily. I've seen people shot, mugged, property just damaged because it was there, drugs, break-in's, copper stolen out of light poles just so a junkie can get a fix, car’s jacked (while parked or while being drove), random fighting and a lot more. It is overwhelming, and though people ask if Baltimore is like the HBO "the wire" I sometimes smile and say no... it's much worse. It’s not like this everywhere, as I mentioned before, and there is plenty good things too. Some spots have been gentrified over the years but there are far more depilated properties once you head north and west. There are great markets spread out throughout the city with one of the largest places smack-dab in the middle of the city. You can find all types of fresh seafood, goods, and even have services performed for reasonable prices. Shopping elsewhere has been more about going out to the county as Towson Town Mall, Arundel Mills, and White Marsh Mall’s have severed the area for decades. There is an array of retailers such as Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, and other haberdasheries if you’re looking for tailored goods - hat’s on the belfry is a great hat shop for all sex’s in Fell’s Point. Target is located on the East side of the city in the expanding Canton neighborhood, and more shops have been added over the last 4 years. There are great corner store markets, and some shoppers enjoy organic options offered from Whole Food’s in Harbor East. There is a lot more than I’ve named and there is something for everyone out there. If shopping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of neighborhood bars, seafood eateries, brunch spots, and high end dining options. If you’re looking for family friendly spots there are plenty scattered throughout the Inner Harbor and the residing neighborhoods. Not only is there great shopping there is world-class entertainment venues and more parks than most cities I’ve visited. As for the entertainment side, the famous historic Hippodrome is a great spot to check out broadway plays, or prepare for a night out at the Royal Farm’s area and see big name artists as they play in a remodeled arena; but, there is so much more! You can visit Ram’s Head Live! And see many bands year round in a much smaller area than DC’s 9:30 Club with unrestricted views of your favorite musicians or enjoy a concert overlooking the harbor at the MECU (formerly Pier 6) pavilion. Aforementioned sports in this city are played as some of the best examples of stadiums in the US. The Orioles at Camden Yards is consistently rated as one of the best stadiums to visit and the Baltimore Raven’s M&T Bank is a gem in itself. If you’re not about loud music and sports there is a multitude of museums and art exhibits - the Walter’s has one of the largest free collections I’ve ever seen. Or if you’re into street art, Graffiti Lane is a cool spot to see. My last comments are based on age, as I feel like Baltimore is a great city to live in your 18-30 year’s as the night life and partying is affordable and plentiful and great for connecting, but, I wouldn’t raise a family here - there has been too many stories about how a mother with a baby in her hand has been robbed that make me feel uncomfortable about the city. If you have to work in the city may I suggest checking out the county. There is so much more to say and I know I am missing a lot, just keep in mind with all the good of charm city there is a lot more bad that comes with it.

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Dangerous with a capital D - 7/11/2019

There is no way you want to live in the Baltimore. I was actually at the baseball game the night they sequestered 20,000 people in Camden Yards park. It was too violent to let people out onto the streets! And the criminals still live there. Per capita it has the highest murder rate in the USA. Just last month a horde of hundreds of "youths" from northwest Baltimore descended on the supposedly safe "inner harbor" attacking people at random while stealing handbags and ripping jewellery from there bodies. The police have basically given up after the riots. The City did not invest in securing there computer systems and is basically shut down now unless they pay off the ransomware attack. Most city services, like sending out water bills and registering deeds has come to a halt. The Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh just resigned amid a scandal that pushed selling her own book to state schools. Maryland was just named the worst state to retire in by bank-rate. It is dirt cheap for reason. Way to dangerous.

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We Visited Baltimore, But Picked Another City - 1/4/2019

A port city that is accessible to the DC metro area, Baltimore has undergone something of a renaissance. Once plagued by crime across the board, the extensive redevelopment of DC’s sister city have included stadiums, great hospitals and urban neighborhoods that are walking distance to fun eats. While we did not choose Baltimore as our final destination (we searched all across the USA to find our city!) we enjoyed it- more than anticipated. Here’s what we found. Pros: If you’re looking for affordable housing in a major metro area, Baltimore will be hard to beat. There is a seemingly never ending supply of row houses that will sell for as little as a used car. That being said, you get what you pay for- make sure to walk the block and check the neighborhood stats before writing an offer. If you’re looking to live that first episode of Fixer Upper, Baltimore offers a great selection of opportunities. Baltimore is a very walkable city. Unlike many other places that we visited, you can explore blocks upon blocks of different neighborhoods and not need the use of a car. The local eats are great, with a good selection of international and national cuisine. Winters are significantly less harsh than, say, NY the New England area. Prices of housing stock are unbelievably inexpensive. This combination has been a decided draw for many young professional-ish couples and singles, with a creative edge. The outlying suburbs have some absolutely incredible homes, at a fraction of the price that you would pay for a condo in nearby DC. Airports are accessible, healthcare is great and the newly redeveloped waterfront is very pedestrian friendly. The nightlife offers comedy clubs, dining, theatre- anything and everything you could reasonably expect of a major city. Cons: For us (a 30 something and 40 something couple) the crime was above our comfort level. Neighborhoods change in Baltimore, and quickly so. We have lived in other cities with major crime and in transitional areas (DC, NYC, LA) but the extent of the dilapidated housing and drug stricken communities within Baltimore is vast. We’re talking hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of streets, of gang related activity, where drugs are clearly a major issue. In the event of a recession, our judgement was that Baltimore could be disproportionately affected. While DC is not far, as the crow flies, traffic in the metro area is now among the worst in the nation- one test trip during rush hour that should have taken 45 minutes, was three hours. Perhaps our biggest concern was that property taxes seemed to be out of control. Several homes priced in the 200s to 300s had annual property tax bills of over $10k. Ultimately, Wilmington NC was our winner. Unlike the brick row homes of Baltimore, Wilmington has plantation style homes that date back to the civil war, when it was spared destruction. While neighborhoods are transitional here, the extensive urban blight that encompasses much of Baltimore (make sure you explore before you buy!) is just not a reality, here. As we are considering starting a family, a beautiful historic home that is walking distance to a fun and funky downtown, 20 mins to the beach, amazing eats, dog parks and people parks galore- it’s hard not to be won over by Wilmington. Bottom line: If you are experienced with renovations and enjoy the dimension of a gritty urban experience with a great night life, want to be in a major metropolitan area, are on an incredibly low budget but determined to own your own place, you will be hard pressed to beat Baltimore. If you are willing to compromise on some of the benefits offered by a major metropolitan area (open air concerts that are free in summer but not access to the prestige of the Kennedy Center) but are in search of warmer weather, porch parties and a diverse city that still has a fun and funky vibe, Wilmington is hard to beat.

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Very Ugly City - 4/7/2018

This perhaps the most ugly city I have lived in. Other then the walk along the harbor, Fells Point and Canton Square, it is all quite ugly and hard on the eyes. The suburbs are so depressing, but then again most of American built after the 20s is industrial, fast, generic architecture. Some of the worse of it is here. Ugh

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It use to be nice but now its scary - 10/1/2017

I grew up in Bmore and it was nice back in the 80s a little rough in some area's but still safe, after about early mid 90s this crime has gone up , the city is getting beat up and I can't even go to the Inner harbor which I trusted at these times without fear that I will be killed, some area's are still Ok I trust them but still not as good as they use to be, Towson is still ok in my opinion and whitemarsh area and Parkville, a few other area's near by too but getting into the heart of the city, its horrible and needs to be cleaned up, we are a state that has money, this slum crap does not need to stay, I still love Maryland but certain area's are not what they use to be, I would not live in Baltimore at this time, however there are good Hospitals and great food, things to do .

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Friends School of Baltimore :-) - 12/9/2016

et al, Despite the other comments you may read I hope you take note of a different experience. My son is currently attending Friends School of Baltimore. This is his first year participating in a privately ran school. I can honestly say that this school has changed my son's educational experience for the better. The teachers and faculty have been child's champion as they are with all the children equally. They are kind, understanding, informative and flexible. They have made my son enjoy school again and trusted adults in his life. Thank you, Friend's Teachers and Faculty for a great experience.

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BestPlaces - 2/2/2016

I would like to use this for my website and news letter.

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Undervalued real estate - 8/21/2015

There is much beautiful housing here for surprisingly little money (if you come from any big coastal city I can think of). Lincoln, Nebraska may be less expensive. Baltimore's problems are famous, but in many ways -- museums, music, art / music schools, inner harbor, food scene, some effort to address the problems without just sweeping them away by pushing them to the margins and giving their area a different city name. . . . Lousy public education for the most part and not really functioning public transportation, so you'll need a car and private schools for your kids unless you want to get involved in the school system to help fix it. . . It's sad, because Baltimore is otherwise a great (and improving) town.

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looking for short term rental..3 months in safe ar - 6/19/2015

wanting help finding safe place to live (rent) for 3 months in Baltimore MD

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baltimore healthcare - 11/14/2014

Some of the greatest hospitals in the world, if you can afford them. Great for people with special medical needs.

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Health Care - 10/24/2013

Maryland has some of the best health care programs in the USA. They include prestigious places like Johns Hopkins Medical Center as well as the chains including the one where I work-Medstar. There are speciality programs including the National Hand Center and the Donor Sites like University of Maryland in Baltimore. Health Care is easy access in Baltimore by bus and Community hospitals offer free services as well through their community health financial programs.

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Cost of Lliving in Baltimore - 9/20/2013

Baltimore county was once a fair place to live in. Not any more. the cost of living in the county has skyrocketed Leaving it's middle class, hard working citizens fighting to pay their bills, send their children to school, and buy food, health care ect. Crime has gong up in the county, even in what was once "nice neighborhoods".Cell Phone thefts are up, destruction of property, robberies and even assault, rape and murder. Illicit drug use is fairly high. Add that now to the fact that the county shut down many factories that kept families going, like Sparrows point and General motors. With the shut down of these two factories alone, families began struggling and many moved away. Then came the tearing down of General motors, the projects on the city county line, and RATS moved into the county neighborhoods. To combat this problem , however, the county decided to cut the number of trash collection days, and spend its money sending out inspectors to see if trash can lids were on the citizens cans. If not a hefty fine awaited them. The money could have better been used to put down rat bait and help clear the rat problem out, used for an extra day of trash collenction to keep the trash to a minimum. oh but they haven't stopped there. Included in the rising prices were increases in property tax. a rain tax, a tax if you lived in the county and worked in the city, a bottle tax if you bought bottles of drinks in the city, and now they are utilizing speed cameras, red light cameras are coming, school crossing cameras, to also generate more county income. In addition to this all toll roads increased, and now trucks will get to pay and additional fee for using those roads on top of the already toll increase. many of the roads are not repaired, the structure of the main water lines/pipes are in decay,sink holes have formed in various areas/city and county. The school system has gone down in their values and ethics and educational curriculum.If you can't afford a private school or your child is not in a magnet school, he or she will find it harder to enter into college after 12th grade graduation. The Police are swamped, the retail stores, like Sears, has few employees working at one time.( I was in their store the other day and their was only one cashier for the entire store) Neighborhoods that were once kept up by residents are going down hill, because their owners can't afford all the fees, taxes, food, gas,cost of living hikes and spending money on the upkeep of their own homes on a regular basis. I find this so SAD!! I have lived in this area for most of my life and I am nearing retirement age. With the way things are going here, I am looking at if it is feasible for me to even retire in this town. I have been looking at other states for retirement purposes and lower cost of living which will be needed on what little any of us who retire here, will have left out of our pensions and SS. While Public transportation is more abundant here in Maryland. specifically Baltimore, It is not known if it will continue in this fashion and if so, what rising cost will occur with its use also. The citizens here realy need to come together and begin working on plans for the future of this county, or it is going to go down like so many other cities/counties in other states have done. WE are taxed to death in Maryland, fee's are growing for everything that anyone sneezes up. The only thing not on the rise is our Paychecks, and better education. Dose Baltimore realy want this legacy for it's children and Grandchildren? I sure hope not!

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doing better - 3/15/2012

Confuse about baltimore

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Great Place For Section Eight Voucher Holders-Not - 3/6/2012

I have lived in Baltimore City/County all my life and have worked very hard only to see that the only people receiving help are those that refuse to work or the people that buddy up with the social workers so they can recieve benefits illegally. The cost of living here is sky high and jobs have stopped giving employees cost of living increases to accomodate the rise. Not to mention the apartments and houses here are ridiculously over-priced for the garbage that they offer! The school system here is great for children in magnet schools or private schools. The traffic, not as bad as some states, just plan ahead. And the night life becomes repetitive. So most Baltimorians travel to DC to party. THe city cries broke however the red light cameras speed cameras and new laws are earning millions in revenue! They are doing a pretty decent job rebuilding downtown Baltimore, I must say, but I'd hate to go in detail as to why....its home to me and I love my Ravens but I'm currently looking for more out of life! This just cant be IT!!! Peace & Blessings

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Baltimore as a Whole - 12/23/2011

Yes its a really good city... People have always based Baltmore of what they have seen on the wire and thats not the case. Yes there maybe crime here but no more than that of other cities. I have lived in Baltimore all of my life and quite frankly all of this crap that unexperienced people talk about gets on my last nerve. Most people actually fall in love with city and nine times out of ten do not get their lives threatened so people grow up, sit back and relax, and enjoy this charming city.

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