Baltimore is a city full of history, vibrant culture, and endless possibilities. If you’re considering moving here, you’re probably wondering: Is Baltimore a good place to live? Is it safe? What is daily life like in the Charm City?
You’ll be happy to know that Baltimore offers a mix of urban energy and natural beauty, from exciting activities like aquariums, sports centers, and museums. But what about the cost of housing, safety, and overall lifestyle? Find out below.
Content For the Article
- Cost of Housing in Baltimore
- Job Market and Housing Growth
- Transportation and Accessibility
- Cultural Highlights and Things to Do
- 3 Downsides to Living in Baltimore
Cost of Housing in Baltimore
If you’re looking for an affordable, convenient home, partner with a property management company in Baltimore to aid in your search. According to Apartments.com, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,598 a month, while a four-bedroom house’s rent is $2,665 a month (as of Dec. 2024). In general, Baltimore’s average rent prices are 6% lower than the national average. Even better, newcomers can take advantage of this by living in one of Baltimore’s up-and-coming neighborhoods. This affordability attracts residents looking to enjoy urban life without breaking the bank.
Job Market
Regarding the job market, the Maryland Dept. of Commerce cites schools like Johns Hopkins University and healthcare organizations like MedStar Health and LifeBridge Health as some of the top employers in the city. Moreover, energy product provider Exelon and disability care organization Kennedy Krieger Institute also employ thousands of people. Overall, this makes Baltimore a great place to consider if you want to start over in a new state.
Transportation and Accessibility
Baltimore has great transportation options with the Charm City Circulator (CCC) and the Harbor Connector (HC). The CCC is a free shuttle service that runs five routes through popular locations, including Fells Point, the Inner Harbor, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. The HC connects a number of piers throughout the city by providing a free ferry service. These services make it simple for locals, employees, students, and visitors to navigate the city. Additionally, the city plans to improve these services over the next few years as part of the city’s Transit Development Plan (TDP).
Cultural Highlights and Things to Do in Baltimore
One of the greatest things about living in Baltimore is the cultural sights. If you spend a day here, you will understand why it acquired the name “Charm City.” Its diverse cultural experiences, from art to history, ensure that every corner offers something special. Here are just a few of the things to do in the city:
Visit the National Aquarium: This award-winning aquarium features an ocean’s worth of dolphins, sharks, stingrays, crocodiles, and more. As a place with thousands of animals, people looking for exotic critters are sure to be delighted here.- American Visionary Arts Museum: If you want to delve into contemporary art that showcases unique, sometimes abstract creations, this place will be perfect for you. The National Geographic, New York Times, and USA Today are among the publications that have recognized it.
- M&T Bank Stadium: Here, you can get a front row seat to watch the NFL Ravens play. Make memories as you watch the legends themselves make football history.
3 Downsides to Living in Baltimore
Like any place, Baltimore is not without cons. Here are some of the downsides to living in Baltimore:
1. Failing Infrastructure
Even though the government has put in place a great system for transportation, the infrastructure still needs to be improved. Baltimore’s aging infrastructure, particularly its water and wastewater systems, faces significant challenges. Many of the city’s water pipes were installed decades ago and are now prone to leaks, wasting a substantial portion of the water supplied. Nevertheless, the city’s public works crew is working to replace old pipes and upgrade the water system.
2. Higher Crime
For those asking, “Is Baltimore safe?” Baltimore faces significant challenges with violent crime. In response, the city government has been working to address public safety concerns through various initiatives. For example, efforts include increased funding for law enforcement, community-based violence reduction programs, and collaboration with federal agencies to tackle violent crime.
3. Economic Disparities
In some communities, there is a lot of poverty. However, the city is working to change this narrative. Initiatives such as affordable housing programs, support for minority-owned businesses, and investments in underserved neighborhoods are helping to create more opportunities.
So, Is Baltimore a Good Place to Live?
Baltimore offers a unique blend of beauty, affordability, accessibility, and rich cultural experiences. This city has something for everyone, from its famous educational institutions to its lively attractions. However, you might need proper housing professionals to help you if you are considering relocating here.
Luckily, when it comes to finding housing, Baltimore Property Management Group is your trusted partner. With extensive knowledge of the city’s landscape, we manage various properties tailored to your needs. Our services are designed to make property management more simplified and streamlined for tenants and landlords.
Our Services Include:
- Tenant screening
- Online property marketing
- Detailed accounting
- User-friendly online portals for tenants
- Crafting lease terms to suit all parties
- Efficient rent collection
- Ensuring compliance with Fair Housing Laws and other legal requirements
Contact us today for the perfect property or expert assistance in managing your investments. Let us help you experience all that Baltimore has to offer!
