baltimore..what's it like

Jules A, MSN · Dec 26, 2007

Hi,

This is going back like 10 years but I lived in the twin towers (Charles Plaza) on Saratoga street and liked it there. During the day it was great, at night not so great but not horrible. Its a beautiful area but everyone I know that lives in Charles Village or has lived there has been mugged and thats kind of a turn off to me now that I'm older.

I can't imagine living downtown with kids although I guess if they are really young its not bad. Neighborhoods like Federal Hill would be a better choice, imo, but I think its probably too far to walk and much more expensive. Balto. is a great city. Welcome!

clhRN2b2010 · Dec 27, 2007

Baltmore is a good city. It has the same issues any major metro area, but once you learn the ins and outs- it's awesome. Old school, blue collar, some trendy younger neighborhoods, still some great ethnic enclaves, good food, sports..easy access to wherever on the East coast.

If you're single or young married, you would enjoy the city. Much better for the no kids crowd. The schools in the city are bad and not much safe green space for kids to play. If you have children, it isn't ruled out, but would recomend looking into Balt. county and taking metro in.

Come visit!!

kanling · Dec 27, 2007

What makes you pick Mercy in Baltimore? Are you somehow limited to this area or could you go anywhere? I realize you are in Australia. I don't know where you live there, but my guess would be that living in downtown Baltimore would be a mistake for you. You should carefully research before committing.

BoonersmomRN · Dec 28, 2007

I have lived in/near Baltimore my entire life. I am now out in the 'burbs but only about 2 miles from the city.

Baltimore is a great city with some really bad parts. Unfortunately the bad parts can be right next door to the good parts..but that's pretty much the way it is in most big cities.

I love Baltimore. You can find basically any "scene" you like here. There is no shortage of things to do...and there is ALWAYS something going on.

Mercy is a good hospital. I don't work there but my OBGYN is based out of Mercy and I have also had outpatient surgery there AND been in the ER there. I have never had a bad experience. A lot of my classmates chose Mercy when we graduated and 2 of our instructors were Mercy CCU nurses.

The areas around Mercy is pretty built up with office buildings, etc. Not too too much in the way of walking distance from housing that I can think of. There are plenty of places that are in a short distance but..I guess that depends on what your " walking distance" is.

However since you have kids I'd steer clear of the city like the above post says. The majority of schools STINK unless private. Is living in the suburbs a possibility? I live in Catonsville and it takes me 20 mins to drive to Mercy.

justwannabanurse · Jan 4, 2008

Hello, I have lived in the just 15 minutes outside of Baltimore almost all my life.....Now live in PA. But, my personal opinion is that Baltimore city is not a safe city. I would definetly re-consider the location especially with little children. Baltimore city schools are really bad also. You may want to look into Glen Burnie(A.A county) nice area, expensive though but there are great hospitals like the old North Arundel hospital shich is now Baltimore Washington medical center? I worked there for years in the OR when I left they had merged with University in Baltimore. Also if you still decide that you want to work at mercy there is always the light rail system that takes you right into Baltimore.

Good luck

Ironclad · Jan 6, 2008

As I understand, you will work there under H-1C visa. I visited that hospital last year. The hospital is located in the central part of the Baltimore. The area immediately to the hospital is not too bad. Although if you more a little bit further it's scary... even during the day. Believe me, you don't want to walk to work... I don't know about working conditions at Mercy, but I did not like the Baltimore. The only good thing about it is that it's located close to Washington D.C. which is really nice.

Could you tell what is your specialty?