If you’ve ever read up on what it’s like to live in Baltimore, you’ve probably encountered some conflicting opinions. Some people report the city as a dangerous, dirty place. Others sing the praises of the city’s green initiatives, and the amount of regeneration occurring. To be honest, Baltimore has its struggles just like any other large city, but it can also be a fantastic place to live. There are good employment opportunities, reliable public safety, as well as a reasonable cost of living, all great reasons to seriously consider making this place home.
Public Safety in Baltimore
Charm City is considered safe, but there are some areas that garner a bad reputation. This is quite common for any major city, and doesn’t reflect on the area as a whole.
In 2012, Baltimore had a five percent decrease in overall crime and has seen small declines in this area over the past decade.The police department has a superb website that keeps residents informed of arrests in the area, and has tips on how to prevent being victimized by certain types of criminals. Their efforts and transparency in public safety should definitely be applauded.
Baltimore’s Employment Opportunities
There are employment opportunities in Baltimore for people with various skill sets and experience. Major employers include the National Security Agency, John Hopkins University, and the M&T Bank. There is also a great technology industry in the city that’s very comparable to Seattle and Silicon Valley, making it an ideal place for recent technology graduates to land their first job. The unemployment is around 7.3 percent, which is low compared to a few other major U.S cities. There’s also a great initiative for youth employment which is featured on the city’s website.
Cost of Living in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is one of the few major cities where middle class families can comfortably afford to live in the downtown area. It has reasonably priced housing, and even the more ‘upmarket’ areas like Federal Hill and Canton are affordable. Taking into account food and vehicle prices, the average cost of living is still lower than the national average. In comparison with the cost of living in other major cities like New York or Washington DC, you’ll find that you get much more bang for your buck in Baltimore.
Schools and Education
Parents have a variety of public schools to choose from in Baltimore. Some have better reputations than others, but the diversity of the district alone makes it an educational experience within itself. Dropout rates continue to decrease in the area, and test scores show that students are improving in math. Some of the areas notable schools include Hampstead Hill Academy, Southwest Charter School, Patterson Park Public Charter School, and Midtown Academy.
You’ll also find well respected colleges here. Baltimore is home to John Hopkins University, the University of Baltimore, and Towson University, all of which have a reputation for exemplary education.
Pollution
The Maryland Department of Environment 2012 air quality report shows that largely, air quality in the area is good and in line with the rest of the nation. In other words, Baltimore has the same amount of air pollution you’d expect from any major city.
There is a major green initiative underway to create more parks and green space, and overall the city has a very sustainable feel, with a lifestyle that is centered on walking or making use of public transportation.
The Verdict
On the whole, Baltimore is a great place to settle down. Most people are attracted by the relatively low cost of living for a major city, as well as the educational opportunities for students. There are some unique employment opportunities in the area, and the public safety department is top notch. It’s definitely not perfect, but Baltimore is a city that demands your attention and has a lot to offer its residents.
Images Source: Flickr Users conner395 and dbking
