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I'm not arguing against your position, but I just wanted to point out that the news shows often try to get people's attention by sensationalizing the bad. So chances are the news is going to be negative no matter what city you live in.
I'm not arguing against your position, but I just wanted to point out that the news shows often try to get people's attention by sensationalizing the bad. So chances are the news is going to be negative no matter what city you live in.
Very good point. The local and national news has always been negative regardless of whatever city I have lived in. I think FOX takes the cake on that one.
Well Balmer, no matter what forum or listserv that you belong to, you're always going to have a difference of opinion with other members. I understand that sometimes opinions are harsh and unnecessary, but you also have to understand that someone may oppose a topic (Baltimore) just as strongly as you agree and like the topic. Not everyone can express themselves in a manner to get their point across without offending others. I know there are many people that live here and love Baltimore. RSFGW and I have lived in other places and prefer them over Baltimore, and I think we both have strong opinions about that. I also think that sometimes those opinions are relative to one's experiences living in these places. If you live somewhere, where you are constantly experiencing problems, crime, obnoxious attitudes etc., knowing that you've lived in other places where you haven't had those issues, you would probably want to move too.
Not everyone can express themselves in a manner to get their point across without offending others.
Couldn't agree with you more regarding expressing opinions. It's unfortunately true that some are incapable of expressing themselves in an adult manner.
When moving to Balto., did you think to have a realtor do a neighborhood search for crimes, traffic, future construction, etc. If you want a quiet, laid-back home life, you should look into Carroll County -- Westminster, Manchester, Hampstead. The ride for your husband to work would be about 45-minutes, but it would be worth it knowing when he got home, there would be no gunfire, no traffic, a very supportive police force, including police departments from each town as well as the State Police and Sheriff's. At night, all you hear are crickets making noise, and our schools are in close proximity to our housing and are highly rated. Manchester is a small town with only about 5,000 residents, and we don't even have a fast food restaurant. We are; however, within a short distance of one in Hampstead, and we are about 10 miles from Westminister, where there is a shopping mall, restaurants, entertainment (movies). Carroll County is completely different than Baltimore County. Take a ride this weekend and come up and visit. Rt. 30 for Manchester/Hampstead or 140 for Westminister.
Some people like the fast paced, noisy, lifestyle such as you have described where you are living now. If you have that many years left in Baltimore, I would make a strong effort to move before something drastic happens and then you could be saying "why didn't I get out before this happened". If you don't feel safe, you need to move. You can't be happy, and you deserve to be.
I just spent quite a lengthy amount of time carefully dissecting each and every reply in this thread, and I must say that if I hadn't ever visited Baltimore in the past, I would assume Baltimore should be bombed and started anew! If I'm getting this vibe of despair, hopelessness, pessimism, digust, contempt, lack of civic pride, etc., then how do you think others are now viewing your city? Pessimism begets more pessimism, and this outlook on life solves nothing.
Anyone who might have considered relocating to the city has now likely had their mood soured thanks to this thread, and I can't say I blame them. You all ought to take one step back and realize just how much your incessant negativity about living in Baltimore is hurting your city in the long run moreso than helping it. I'm a very intelligent person who considers himself to be an urban pioneer. I'm planning to move within a few years to an urban neighborhood here in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city with a horrid reputation, in order to restore a blighted home, open my own business, and raise my family. Why? I've grown tired of the "fakeness" of the suburbs and about how everyone is in denial that yes, drug activity, murders, etc. happen out here on the tidy upper-crust cul-de-sacs as well. I'd much rather raise my children in a neighborhood within walking distance of churches, schools, parks, restaurants, stores, friends' homes, bus routes, etc. than have them grow up in this sterility.
What do you all think your incessant negativity has accomplished in this thread? Prevented anyone new from moving to the city of Baltimore? What good would that do? I appreciate folks like IKnowBaltimore, and I find it sad that the rest of you have all given up on Charm City. Crime happens everywhere, not just in the city. For example, in the affluent local suburb of Dallas Township, Pennsylvania, a gay porn producer was stabbed dozens of times, had his throat slashed so severely he was nearly decapitated, and had his home set ablaze in an attempt to cover up the crime. The small town of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania (pop. 4,500) has been the site of two brutal murders in the past few months. A major drug bust occurred perhaps five years ago at Abington Heights High School, which is one of the most well-heeled public high schools in the region. You folks in Baltimore who say "move to the suburbs at all costs" are incredibly naive! Crime knows no boundaries. I myself have been pickpocketed here in the suburbs and have yet to be a victim of crime in the city.
If I had to choose between potentially exposing myself to crime while living in the generic overglorified suburbs or potentially exposing myself to crime while living in a historic urban neighborhood in Baltimore within walking distance to amenities, where do you think I'd rather live? I seriously wish you Baltimore detractors would realize that you're doing much more HARM to your city by scaring away potential newcomers than GOOD by "airing dirty laundry." Crime happens in every city in America. Most is affilliated with illicit activities while a small portion are indeed random. Deal with it! As was said upthread, I can't envision myself walking down the street in broad daylight and being gunned down for no reason whatsoever. If someone is going to commit such a heinous act, then they need to have some sort of motive. In terms of "gang initiations," 99.9% of time random civilians will not be the targets---perhaps rival gang members, police officers, etc. will be the targets of choice. So many of you make it out to sound as if crossing the imaginary line between Baltimore County into Baltimore City is like crossing from safety and security to instant crime. How overexaggerated!
I just spent quite a lengthy amount of time carefully dissecting each and every reply in this thread, and I must say that if I hadn't ever visited Baltimore in the past, I would assume Baltimore should be bombed and started anew! If I'm getting this vibe of despair, hopelessness, pessimism, digust, contempt, lack of civic pride, etc., then how do you think others are now viewing your city? Pessimism begets more pessimism, and this outlook on life solves nothing.
Anyone who might have considered relocating to the city has now likely had their mood soured thanks to this thread, and I can't say I blame them. You all ought to take one step back and realize just how much your incessant negativity about living in Baltimore is hurting your city in the long run moreso than helping it. I'm a very intelligent person who considers himself to be an urban pioneer. I'm planning to move within a few years to an urban neighborhood here in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city with a horrid reputation, in order to restore a blighted home, open my own business, and raise my family. Why? I've grown tired of the "fakeness" of the suburbs and about how everyone is in denial that yes, drug activity, murders, etc. happen out here on the tidy upper-crust cul-de-sacs as well. I'd much rather raise my children in a neighborhood within walking distance of churches, schools, parks, restaurants, stores, friends' homes, bus routes, etc. than have them grow up in this sterility.
What do you all think your incessant negativity has accomplished in this thread? Prevented anyone new from moving to the city of Baltimore? What good would that do? I appreciate folks like IKnowBaltimore, and I find it sad that the rest of you have all given up on Charm City. Crime happens everywhere, not just in the city. For example, in the affluent local suburb of Dallas Township, Pennsylvania, a gay porn producer was stabbed dozens of times, had his throat slashed so severely he was nearly decapitated, and had his home set ablaze in an attempt to cover up the crime. The small town of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania (pop. 4,500) has been the site of two brutal murders in the past few months. A major drug bust occurred perhaps five years ago at Abington Heights High School, which is one of the most well-heeled public high schools in the region. You folks in Baltimore who say "move to the suburbs at all costs" are incredibly naive! Crime knows no boundaries. I myself have been pickpocketed here in the suburbs and have yet to be a victim of crime in the city.
If I had to choose between potentially exposing myself to crime while living in the generic overglorified suburbs or potentially exposing myself to crime while living in a historic urban neighborhood in Baltimore within walking distance to amenities, where do you think I'd rather live? I seriously wish you Baltimore detractors would realize that you're doing much more HARM to your city by scaring away potential newcomers than GOOD by "airing dirty laundry." Crime happens in every city in America. Most is affilliated with illicit activities while a small portion are indeed random. Deal with it! As was said upthread, I can't envision myself walking down the street in broad daylight and being gunned down for no reason whatsoever. If someone is going to commit such a heinous act, then they need to have some sort of motive. In terms of "gang initiations," 99.9% of time random civilians will not be the targets---perhaps rival gang members, police officers, etc. will be the targets of choice. So many of you make it out to sound as if crossing the imaginary line between Baltimore County into Baltimore City is like crossing from safety and security to instant crime. How overexaggerated!
Amen. Don't let the naysayers get you down. Baltimore is a great city with many great neighborhoods. There has been steady progress with improvements in the city. It's not for everyone but it's for me. I love not having to commute and I love city-life. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
I'm a very intelligent person who considers himself to be an urban pioneer. I'm planning to move within a few years to an urban neighborhood here in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city with a horrid reputation, in order to restore a blighted home, open my own business, and raise my family.
Crime happens everywhere, not just in the city. You folks in Baltimore who say "move to the suburbs at all costs" are incredibly naive! Crime knows no boundaries. I myself have been pickpocketed here in the suburbs and have yet to be a victim of crime in the city.
Interesting rant. If you were the intelligent person you say, you would understand that we all know that "crime happens everywhere." What I dislike about Baltimore are my chances of becoming a crime victim. My family and I, my neighbors and friends, have been victims of various crimes, from the relatively minor to serious home burglary, since moving to Baltimore. That is what is frustrating, in addition to being told incessantly that crime happens everywhere. From your post it appears you will be moving to the city in a couple of years. Not sure Scranton compares to Baltimore, but in any case, give us another post when you actually live in the city. Better yet, skip Scranton and move to Baltimore. That way you can actually post with authority. Read this post while you can. I'm sure it will be deleted shortly.
Interesting rant. If you were the intelligent person you say, you would understand that we all know that "crime happens everywhere." What I dislike about Baltimore are my chances of becoming a crime victim. My family and I, my neighbors and friends, have been victims of various crimes, from the relatively minor to serious home burglary, since moving to Baltimore. That is what is frustrating, in addition to being told incessantly that crime happens everywhere. From your post it appears you will be moving to the city in a couple of years. Not sure Scranton compares to Baltimore, but in any case, give us another post when you actually live in the city. Better yet, skip Scranton and move to Baltimore. That way you can actually post with authority. Read this post while you can. I'm sure it will be deleted shortly.
Why would it be "deleted shortly?" I don't find it to be offensive. I was entirely expecting replies along the lines of "you don't live here so you don't have the authority to speak on the issue." I'm just giving you my honest insight as an "outsider" who is now pondering pursuing an internship at Reznick in Downtown Baltimore. If (and that is admittedly a big "if") I was offered a full-time position with this company and accepted it, I'd be looking to live in one of these urban neighborhoods within reasonable walking distance of downtown. After reading this thread, I'd be SERIOUSLY reconsidering that decision. Baltimore needs all of the fresh blood it can get. I myself love the urban lifestyle too much to let the naysayers get me down, but I've seen firsthand how Scranton's naysayers have scared away potential new investors, residents, tourists, etc. with their ranting. Do you honestly want the same for Baltimore when you need to be attracting as many stable middle-class folks back into the city as possible in order to turn the tables on crime?
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Pessimism Solves...?
If I'm getting this vibe of despair, hopelessness, pessimism, digust, contempt, lack of civic pride, etc., then how do you think others are now viewing your city? Pessimism begets more pessimism, and this outlook on life solves nothing.
I appreciate folks like IKnowBaltimore, and I find it sad that the rest of you have all given up on Charm City. Crime happens everywhere, not just in the city. For example, in the affluent local suburb of Dallas Township, Pennsylvania, a gay porn producer was stabbed dozens of times, had his throat slashed so severely he was nearly decapitated, and had his home set ablaze in an attempt to cover up the crime. The small town of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania (pop. 4,500) has been the site of two brutal murders in the past few months. A major drug bust occurred perhaps five years ago at Abington Heights High School, which is one of the most well-heeled public high schools in the region. You folks in Baltimore who say "move to the suburbs at all costs" are incredibly naive! Crime knows no boundaries. I myself have been pickpocketed here in the suburbs and have yet to be a victim of crime in the city. 
