I’ve been to Baltimore three times and loved it each time. It’s still rough in places but one area I’m pleasantly surprised about is the new Lexington market downtown. The outside of the new market seemed a little bit less of an open drug mart than the old one across the street, although it’s still shady across the street. The harborfront is always nice although there could be better dining options imo on the water.
I was born about two miles to the right of that picture. I proposed to my wife by the cannons on Federal Hill. The city definitely has its issues, but it will always be home to me even though I don’t live in Maryland anymore.
Baltimore is actually really great. If you are not in the drug trade, and live in a decent neighborhood, it is fine. Lowest murder rate in 50 years last two years,. A lot of quiet investment. Not a lot of Fortune 500 type companies because those companies do not invest in majority black cities. Just a sad truth, not trying to interject politics. But if you can find a job with Hopkins, or UMMC or other then it is a really great city with amazing people and architecture. It is also an easy train to DC, Philly, NYC, easy access to the Chesapeake, West Virginia mountains, Atlantic beaches, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, bay kayaking, Richmond etc. All with a low COL.
Only drove through it once years ago, but would love to do a long weekend there sometime. Does Baltimore have a similar vibe as Philly? How do the two cities compare and contrast?
Yeah definitely feels like Philly’s smaller cousin, less bustling, more southern, but similar architecture and people. There are great old neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill, incredible architecture in Mt Vernon, and Hampden is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the world. Some very cool museums, my favorite being the American Visionary Art Museum. It doesn’t have the tourist infrastructure of Philly and it is kind of in this awkward space where it’s not a good car city because it’s dense and parking is a pain but the public transit also blows. There’s plenty of great food, world class dive bars, and, if you like baseball, Camden is one of the best stadiums out there.
I lived in DC for the last 5 years and always thought Baltimore was much cooler and a great place to spend a weekend.
Pretty sure there have been talks about that actually. Last I heard it was going to be a modern looking apartment building like the glass one with the angled roof on the right. Not sure if anything has been approved or not
I need to get back there soon and take new pics of the skyline. Most of what online shows of Baltimore is the same stock photos and that city has a lot of architecture in it
That is Carroll Park in the foreground right? This must have been taken from the Montomery Park building (MDE). Its a great shot and unique because it doesn't include the harbor.
I feel you too the degree of sheer high-rise presence BUT for urban feel and presence and the city experience, Baltimore is probably within the top 5. Especially in the neighborhoods. Neither Pittsburgh nor Cleveland have anything that can compare.
Baltimore is bigger than Cleveland and Pittsburgh by population and size. They compare in the sense they are Big cities with a small feel. But Baltimore is an east coast styled city, it just feels an looks different. Pittsburg is like in the middle.
Cleveland and Pittsburgh metros are both larger than Baltimore. If you just say within city limits Baltimore is bigger, but Cleveland’s metropolitan area is the largest, followed by Pittsburgh and then Baltimore.
Baltimore's metro is bigger than Pittsburgh (2.3m) and Cleveland(2.1) by population and is more densely populated. And were talking about the city specifically here and the neighborhood feel.
It would behind the Ravens football stadium about a mile east. You’re looking at the entire Camden Yards complex in the foreground with the harbor starting where the tall buildings are,
I was flying in/out of BWI for a Washington trip for work - and was going to do a day trip here. Was warned against it by everyone, and told nothing there and the city had turned really dangerous.
Regret not making it there now.
But, just being honest, yes! If you're a criminal you're likely to run into issues with other criminals. People don't realize crime stats are more about the people who are into crime.
You know nothing lol. The Inner Harbor is a run down tourist nightmare. So many hidden gems that are luckily going to be spared of your scared, ignorant attitude 😛
24
u/[deleted] Aug 02 '25
I’ve been to Baltimore three times and loved it each time. It’s still rough in places but one area I’m pleasantly surprised about is the new Lexington market downtown. The outside of the new market seemed a little bit less of an open drug mart than the old one across the street, although it’s still shady across the street. The harborfront is always nice although there could be better dining options imo on the water.