The Price of Housing in Baltimore

After an exhaustive search for new (rental) housing in Baltimore, my mind still reeling from the experience, I must now beg to ask the question: what is a fair price for housing in Baltimore? What can I expect to get for my money? And more importantly, why? The answer, proves that the lines of economic (and often racial) segregation in Baltimore couldn't be clearer.

Backstory:

After two years of living in a rented apartment in Bolton Hill while my girlfriend finished her degree at MICA, we are now both teaching in the city schools and want to expand so that we can both have office space.

Summary of the Search:

The affluent 'urban oasis' of Bolton Hill.

We decided to look at other apartments in the neighborhood.

Here's what $1200/month gets one in Bolton Hill:

1) 2 bedroom apartment (missing screens, holes in walls, non-insulated windows)
2)Quaint, tree-lined streets
3) Snobby neighbors who won't acknowledge your presence unless you're over the age of 35 or own property
4) Occasional break-ins and robberies (affluent areas are often targeted)
5) Management companies that operate as slum lords, not updating apartments because they have a constant stream of students (and their parents) who will pay above market prices for area apartments
6) Credit check prior to filling out application
7) No one directly in your business

Over in Remington, closer to Johns Hopkins, but in a more residential area that doesn't include many restaurants or amenities, $1200 gets:

1) 3 bedroom house (front porch, large yard w/o fence, sun room)
2) A few trees, fairly regular car traffic
3) Partially rehabbed interior (kitchen)

Fells Point

(On Broadway)
1) 2 bedroom apartment
2) Concrete yard with parking
3) Rehabbed house
4) Small, basement rooms

South of Patterson Park
1) 2 bedroom apartment
2) Small kitchen
3) Rehabbed, but lived in
4) Alley entrance

North of Patterson Park
1) Fully rehabbed, 3 bedroom rowhouse
2) Central air
3) Friendly neighbors, but in your business
4) Few trees, litter on street
5) Blue police lights and police presence


So, which place is the winner??

You decide.

It's clear that in Baltimore, you often pay for the neighborhood. Many people wouldn't want to live in a 'blue light' neighborhood for fear of crime or murder. Hence, the prices are lower. But sadly, many middle/upper middle class people are missing out and losing money in the process because they are afraid of being uncomfortable or living with people who aren't of their class/race.

Well, what's new?