the frog comes north

[rootofnewt]

My brother is moving up to the Baltimore area. He'll be working near Ft. Meade. He's lived in Florida since graduating from college, so he knows nothing about the area. He's trying to figure out where he wants to live and would like pointers/warnings about any of the following areas. Comments about amenities (restaurants, bars within walking distance of residential areas, nearby shopping, distance to beaches on the bay) would probably be appreciated, along with relative cost of living. Anyone up for suggestions? Here are the areas he'd like information about:

Burbs:

Columbia
Elkridge
Severn
Laurel
Catonsville

City:

Canton
Fells Point
Butchers Hill
Federal Hill
Locust Point

Comments

[lyrical1.livejournal.com]

I live in Patterson Park, just north of Canton and Fells Point. Its a great neighborhood that he might consider adding to his list. Fells point is going to be a little pricier than Canton, but both are going to offer short walks to the water, eats, bars and the like. Patterson Park is a few blocks north of them, so its a good walk, or a quick ride to the neighborhood center.

I've only visited Federal Hill, but its a cute section of town. All of the mentioned baltimore neighborhoods are full of construction and renovation, and the lines between good and bad as mentioned above are blurring, but still there.

Not sure when he needs a place, but mine will be available for rent in October/November large 1bd 1ba. Also, if he is into the sports thing he should check out the Baltimore Sports and Social Club, a great way to meet other young folks, and LiveBaltimore will have lots of resources as well. Let me know if you need more specifics!

Oh yeah

[lyrical1.livejournal.com]

Butchers Hill is going to be further from the "corner bar" kind of scene, but, like Fells Point, Canton and Patterson Park are all super close to things, and have the park close by, which IMNSHO is the best part of SE baltimore. www.pattersonpark.com