Recent comments in /f/baltimore

ames2k20 OP t1_j0a5vnf wrote

Reply to comment by needleinacamelseye in Bolton Hill from Capitol Hill by ames2k20

Thank you for addressing each point so well! It definitely like there is solid access to urban life (even if not in the center).

I’m trying to determine whether I’d be mugged in broad daylight just walking around or if it’s a little more easygoing than that.

Thrilled to hear it’s queer friendly and that there are other long term neighborhood residents - I’m definitely looking to nest and put down roots. So this is encouraging.

Would commuting once or twice a week to DC be doable? My office is not far from union station.

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atomlinson89 t1_j0a3yor wrote

Reply to comment by ames2k20 in Bolton Hill from Capitol Hill by ames2k20

Package theft is an issue because packages are left out and accessible or the thieves can see and come in the front atrium - many houses have a butterfly door with an atrium before the actual locked front door that isn't locked. It's not to say people don't get packages stolen or it's the people's fault, but more to illustrate it's not like someone is going into someone else's house or smashing through a box to get the packages. It's more just a part of life unfortunately in the city.

Carjackings tend to come in waves. Don't sit in your car at night though and generally you'll be okay. Just move with a purpose and be aware of the surroundings like you would anywhere with a crime rate. If there is a ring they tend to look for late model vehicles. And of course like everywhere, there is catalytic convertor theft.

I honestly haven't heard much about break ins in a while. Again they happen but if you lock your doors/windows, use your alarm you'll be protected.

In terms of downtown Bolton Hill is going to be on the safer edge. It's historically red lined community with lots of wealth. It's becoming a more diverse neighborhood which is great and residents vary in age from young adults up to older retirees, race, and sexual identity/orientation. We have two primary schools in the neighborhood and many Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA) students live in the neighborhood and some of the school buildings are in there too.

I have come home late at night via my own car and ride share with no issues. But again, just stay vigilant. Honestly, I think I was a little too oblivious when I lived in the DC area than I should have been.

If you're looking for a good realtor for all of Baltimore, but Bolton Hill specifically, I recommend Jessica Dailey. She is also from Capitol Hill and now lives in Bolton Hill. This is her website: https://jessicadailey.com/about

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needleinacamelseye t1_j0a1yjr wrote

Reply to Bolton Hill from Capitol Hill by ames2k20

Vibrancy: it's definitely residential. I describe it as being close to a lot of things without being next to them. You're close to Mount Vernon and Station North for all your culture wants - most of the city's cultural institutions and a fair number of its restaurants/bars are within a twenty-minute walk - but you're very much not in the middle of it all. With the exception of when MICA classes let out, the sidewalks are never very busy, and they're pretty much devoid of foot traffic by 8pm.

Walkability: Most of the things I need for daily life are within walking distance, but they're never on the corner of the block and there might only be one walkable option. There are three restaurants, a café, and a kick-ass dive bar, but those are your only entertainment options. There's a Save-a-lot discount grocery store in the neighborhood as well as a pharmacy, but beyond that most of your shopping will be found fifteen to twenty minutes away by foot in Mt Vernon. As said before, lots of cultural institutions and restaurants/bars can be found in Mt Vernon and Station North. Druid Hill Park is also within a slightly longer walk, as is most of downtown. There's also great transit access - the light rail and the subway both stop on the edge of the neighborhood, as do several bus lines.

Safety: It's not bad, but it could be better. Bolton Hill is a fairly wealthy neighborhood that sits very close to one of the city's poorest areas. MICA has their own safety patrols that keep eyes on the street at all hours. However, there have been a rash of muggings and carjackings this year, and property crime (including catalytic converter theft) is always a concern. I would feel OK walking around past midnight (fellow white guy here), but I would absolutely not wear headphones or walk around with my face in my phone. You absolutely will not have a problem being LGBTQ+ here - there are plenty of non-straight folks around. Overall, I don't think crime is much worse than, say, Mt Vernon, but it's definitely not as safe as Roland Park or Locust Point.

Please don't let the above make you think I don't like it here - Bolton Hill is a wonderful neighborhood in a great location filled with lovely people. I met a guy a few months ago who had lived in the same house on Park Ave for eighty years - this is definitely an area people commit to. I'd love to stay as long as I can.

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ames2k20 OP t1_j0a1261 wrote

Reply to comment by atomlinson89 in Bolton Hill from Capitol Hill by ames2k20

Thank you for your thoughtful reply! And I’m happy to hear you’ve been enjoying it for two years.

I know I wouldn’t be able to expect DC amenities and safety but I’m glad to hear about your experience.

I think I’m trying to avoid coming to the neighborhood and being blindsided by crime. Are home invasions/burglary an issue? It seems package theft is a problem but that’s not exactly a terrifying issue to me

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atomlinson89 t1_j09zl0n wrote

Reply to Bolton Hill from Capitol Hill by ames2k20

Jumped from Arlington to Bolton Hill. We have been here two years and we love it. Food is good Bolton Hill is very walkable to restaurants and bars in the area. You can get Lyfts and Ubers to get places. There isn't a ton of walkable grocery, but there are a couple of places. There is definitely crime in Baltimore. I have to remain aware here but I don't think it's dissimilar to what some areas of DC are like. We walk the dog in Bolton Hill and I run in the city regularly, including sometimes at night. I remain aware but haven't been bothered yet. Hope this is helpful.

Don't get me wrong Baltimore the city has problems, but I like living here. Just know what the reality is of where you're moving too and stay eyes wide open.

Edit: I would not walk at midnight or really after 10 with zero worries.

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smoovgee t1_j09yf6h wrote

Reply to once again water Bill by ChemicalElevator1380

This is a serious question. Do you people not check your checking accounts regularly?

In addition, when you pay your bills online, there's an option to get confirmation by email.

If you give your email, you get a confirmation email with! A reference number.

If you DON'T have an email, the next page when you hit submit. Is a page with. The reference number.

You tell the city when you want the money taken out. I think it defaults to the next day but you can change it.

3 months should not be going by without you being aware if an online bill has been paid.

Does this happen to me? No.

But if it did. I'd be heading down to Holiday street with my confirmation number and print outs of my bank statements with the relevant withdrawal highlighted.

Ok can email that info to the city but I'd do that shit in person cuz. Ya know. Lien.

This isn't the city needing to get it together.

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