Moving to Baltimore, Maryland in 2024

Getting ready to moving to Baltimore and want to learn more about the city? Welcome to the ultimate guide to living in Baltimore, one of the most culturally vibrant and historically rich cities.

From the lively harbor to quiet cobblestone streets, Baltimore is a breed unto itself. But like so many other cities, Baltimore has its own set of issues: economic disparities, and public safety worries. They will give a balanced view using some statistical data and personal stories by the Baltimore residents to let you clearly understand what life in Baltimore is genuinely like.

If you are looking forward to moving here or just want to know what makes this city tick, our insights help you understand the pros and cons of Baltimore living.

Historical and Cultural Context

Baltimore’s history is colorful and diverse, dating back to 1729 as a busy port town that rapidly grew into one of the most influential mid-Atlantic economy strongholds. During this time, the city played essential roles in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, which inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the U.S. national anthem. Having been shaped through the Industrial Revolution with its leading position in shipbuilding and steel processing, it showed another character.

Cultural Landscape:

Baltimore’s cultural scene is as energetic as its history. It encompasses everything from cultural institutions to historic sites:

• Museums and Theaters:
  • Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum—both free of charge to the public and offering extensive world art collections.
  • The Peabody Institute performing world-renowned music.
  • Historic theaters like Hippodrome and Everyman Theatre present a balanced season of plays, hosting everything from the big-Broadway hits to more avant-garde pieces.
• Historical Sites:
  • Fort McHenry, The national monument that played a significant role in the War of 1812.
  • Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, a museum dedicated to the famous writer who spent several years living in Baltimore.

Statistics and Impact:

• Baltimore boasts over 200 historical monuments and buildings (chap.baltimorecity.gov).
• In 2022, Baltimore attracted over 26 million visitors, underscoring the city’s status as a cultural hub (centermaryland.org).
• Crime rate in Baltimore: 3, according to Neighborhoodscout, which means Baltimore is safer than 3% of U.S. cities.

This blend of historical depth and vibrant cultural expressions makes Baltimore a unique place to explore and appreciate. Whether you’re interested in the arts, history, or both, Baltimore offers a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect both its past and its present.

Economic Analysis

The economy of Baltimore comprises some well-established industries alongside growing sectors that together shape its economic scenery. The following is the detailed breakdown for this:

• Employment and Industries:
  • Major Industries: Healthcare, education, biosciences, and technology have played a significant role in anchoring the economy of Baltimore.
  • Unemployment Rate: According to data available up to April 2024, unemployment in Baltimore City rests at 3.8 percent, which is minimal over time (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
    • Another data: In the Baltimore metropolitan area, the total nonfarm employment saw a net increase of 53,900 jobs from September 2021 to September 2022. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector experienced the largest gain, adding 14,400 jobs, a 5.9% increase compared to the national growth of 3.1%​ (Bureau of Labor Statistics)​.
• Job Market Trends:
  • Sector Growth: The technology sector presents considerable growth, with 2.5% growth in job postings compared to last year.
  • Major Employers: Johns Hopkins University is the largest employer, with many others in health care and technology industries adding to the availability of jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics)​​ (BudgetBureau)​.
• Economic Growth and Stability:
  • GDP Growth: Baltimore’s GDP grew by 1.8 percent in the last year, indicating that its economy has been strong enough to recover from the pandemic.
  • Future Projections: Economic forecasts foresee the maintenance of a growth rate of approximately 2% over the next two years, driven by investments in infrastructure and technology (Budget Management Bureau).
• Cost of Living:
  • Housing Costs: a median-rent apartment in Baltimore was about $1,500 a month on average (Zillow), much cheaper than in Washington D.C., at around $2,510, for example (Zillow).
  • Overall Affordability: The overall cost of living in Baltimore City, MD, is 13% lower than the state average and 1% higher than the national average. Baltimore City, MD, housing is about 6% more affordable than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 10% costlier (RentCafe).

Residential Insights

Baltimore offers a range of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and community preferences, diverse house-price ranges, and demographic profiles.

1. Neighborhood Overview:
   • Federal Hill: Known for its young, party-loving crowd, Federal Hill is famous for its nightlife and proximity to downtown. Median home prices are around $314,000.
   • Canton: This area has views of the beautiful waterfront and hosts many community events that attract families and young professionals. The median home price here is about $295,000.
   • Mount Vernon: This location has been very popular with students and artists with an admirable affinity for a more historical and cultural feel. According to NeighborhoodScout, Mount Vernon holds out onto a median price of about $202,000, while US Real Estate Insider is clear on quoting it at around $147,000.
2. Demographics and Community Vibe:
   • Federal Hill and Canton are characterized by a mix of singles and young families, noted for community engagement and events.
   • Mount Vernon is more eclectic, attracting a diverse range of residents including artists and academics who appreciate the neighborhood’s rich history and cultural offerings (US Real Estate Insider).
3. Resident Insights:

EA721 (Reddit User) about Mount Vernon:

“Living here currently, it’s great! Lots of great restaurants, cool museums, great architecture. But as others have pointed out, some streets definitely get sketchy at night. Staying on St Paul/Charles is usually absolutely fine though, it’s the side streets/alleys that can get dicey. It’s awesome during the day though, and Mt Vernon is very walkable which I love.”

MDelk (Reddit User) about Canton:

“Canton is, in my opinion, a more well-rounded neighborhood for someone 25+. There’s lots of parking, it’s also walk-able. Several grocery options, gyms, and lots of nightlife options that don’t overwhelm the neighborhood, traffic, etc. Canton tends to skew a bit older than Fed Hill but it’s still a “young” neighborhood. I know a lot of young people/couples who have “settled” here after living in Fed Hill for a few years. Downsides are that it’s a bit farther from downtown, and if you work south or west of the city you have to take the tunnel.”

josemiercoles (Reddit User) about Federal Hill:

“Pros: lots of bars/restaurants, it has always felt extremely safe to me, it feels more residential than other parts of the city (which is a pro for me as I am not a big “city” person), you can walk to Os games, really easy to get on 95 if you are traveling anywhere, very pet friendly area.

Cons: Very «Bro» atmosphere, parking, getting to certain parts of the city can be a pain (i have friends who live in Canton and it’s a pain in the ass to get all the way out there all the time), expensive.”

Pros and Cons of Living in Baltimore

Quality of Life Factors in Baltimore

Recreation and Dining

It contains everything from Patterson Park, which is enormous, to various bike trails, and there is even kayaking available in the Inner Harbor. Baltimore’s famous seafood tops its cuisine with the Maryland Blue Crabs. Also, a vast range of restaurants is available according to everyone’s taste.

Environmental Quality

The air quality in Baltimore has generally improved, with the American Lung Association awarding a C grade on its latest report—indicative of only moderate concerns. The water quality is typically within federal health standards, though some variations may exist locally.

Community and Social Cohesion

There is a strong sense of community within Baltimore, with many neighborhood associations and various cultural events. Community engagement is evident in many local festivals, farmers markets, and community cleaning events. Nevertheless, getting everybody to participate is problematic in every neighborhood, just as in most urban environments.

Conclusion

Baltimore is a city of contrasts, blending rich history and cultural vibrancy with economic opportunity against urban challenges. So far, it has given our exploration a nuanced view of what living here in this dynamic city means: from its diverse neighborhoods and lifestyle perks to its infrastructural drawbacks.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical and Cultural Richness: Baltimore is a city entire of historic attractions and rich cultural heritage.
• Economic Opportunities: Opportunities of high magnitude abound despite many challenges, especially in the health sector and technology.
• Quality of Life: The city varies in recreation and dining, lacking public safety and education.

Engagement with the Local Community:

Moving to Baltimore? Check out these resources:

• Moving Checklist: Your Moving Checklist
• Packing Guide: Packing Smart for Baltimore
• Decluttering Guide: make your move to Baltimore cheaper by reducing your burden
• Cheapest Day to Hire Movers: Read article

For a deeper dive into preparing your move, visit our blog.

Explore More: Visit AT Movers Blog.