I just moved to Guilford from Detroit. I've never felt unsafe walking around Guilford at night.
Median income here is around which {inc_feel}. A friend just bought in Guilford for K and I'm not sure if that was smart.
What I like:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Friendly locals
- Growing job market
- Good airport
- Diverse neighborhoods
What I don't:
- Water quality concerns
- Not much to do late at night
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from Detroit.
What am I missing here?
61 upvotes
18 Replies
Camila K.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a teacher in Bolton Hill. Been here since 2020. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
Neighborhood-wise, Bolton Hill has really transformed in the past few years. Hampden is the up-and-coming spot right now. Woodberry is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for construction: hit or miss. For engineering: affordable.
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
Good luck!
46 upvotes
Nevaeh Reyes
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a college grad in Canton. Been here since 2022. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
Neighborhood-wise, Canton has really grown in the past few years. Patterson Park is the up-and-coming spot right now. Riverside is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: decent. For tech: growing.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
44 upvotes
Piper Myers
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Baltimore.
Background: 27, newlywed, moved from Raleigh 10 years ago for family. Currently in Roland Park.
**Housing:**
The market is excellent right now. We went with Roland Park because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Hampden - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Raleigh but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 17 months were tough. Then I found my people through a running club. Now I have a solid group. Baltimore people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
42 upvotes
Skylar Long
Renter's perspective: I think it's fair for the area. I'm in Federal Hill and it's pretty good. Definitely shop around though.
41 upvotes
Jackson Wilson
Hard disagree.
40 upvotes
Isla Cruz
As someone who lives in Canton, I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. That said, it's not for everyone.
36 upvotes
Andrew C.
I've been in Station North for 5 years and The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.
35 upvotes
nicholas_mama
Yep.
26 upvotes
Gabriel Walker
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Hampden vs Bolton Hill: completely different vibes. Hampden is more decent with artists and creative types. Bolton Hill is lively and better for singles.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Hampden. In Bolton Hill you can find stuff for /mo.
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
24 upvotes
Anna Rogers
Just to add another data point - we moved from Salt Lake City about 12 years ago. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. No regrets so far.
21 upvotes
Leah Morgan
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Baltimore guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Woodberry: safest area, good schools
- Locust Point: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Mount Vernon: hidden gem, locals only know
- Charles Village: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Baltimore is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Denver.
Happy to answer questions.
20 upvotes
Silas Adams
Appreciate the honesty.
15 upvotes
Luca Rogers
Lol so true.
14 upvotes
Michael K.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Remington vs Mount Vernon: completely different vibes. Remington is more underrated with families and quiet streets. Mount Vernon is pricey and better for retirees.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Remington. In Mount Vernon you can find stuff for /mo.
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
13 upvotes
Olivia R.
That tracks.
12 upvotes
Savannah Perez
Needed to hear this.
12 upvotes
Serenity Turner
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a retiree in Fells Point. Been here since 2016. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
Neighborhood-wise, Fells Point has really changed in the past few years. Charles Village is the up-and-coming spot right now. Remington is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for finance: excellent. For retail: quiet.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
4 upvotes
Willow Cook
As someone who lives in Hampden, Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. That said, the weather is love-it-or-hate-it.