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Charlotte, North Carolina
Baltimore, Maryland
What It Is Like to Retire in Baltimore
Baltimore, the largest city in the state of Maryland, is located just 40 miles northeast of Washington, DC, making it a principle city in the Washington-Baltimore combined statistical area. The vibrant and diverse town has a population of about 614,600, and is home to historic districts, famous architecture, major league sports teams, many schools of higher education, medical facilities, and its popular landmark, the Inner Harbor, which is the city's historic seaport and tourist attraction, and features hotels, restaurants, museums and many places of interest. Photo of Reservoir Hill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, courtesy of Wikipedia and Smallbones (public domain); photo of the Basilica listed on the National Register of Historic Places courtesy of Wikipedia and Basilica1 (public domain);photo of the National Aquarium courtesy of Wikipedia and AndrewHorne (public domain).
Where to Retire in Baltimore and Home Prices
Dubbed as the "City of Neighborhoods", Baltimore is divided into nine geographical districts that include commercial districts and those that offer residential, medical, universities and cultural opportunities. The National Association of Realtors reports the median price of a home in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area was $369,100 in the 2nd quarter of 2021.
What Is Special about Baltimore
Also known as "Charm City", Baltimore has an interesting history and is the largest independent city in the United States, not being part of any county. Throughout the city are architecturally significant buildings in a variety of styles from over two centuries, and is home to some of the earliest National Register Historic Districts in the country. Made up of several districts and neighborhoods, Baltimore offers many cultural venues, universities, medical centers, and dining choices. Major league baseball (the Orioles) and football (the Ravens) are played here, and the second race of the Triple Crown, the Preakness, has been held in Baltimore since 1873.
What Is Not Special about Baltimore
Baltimore has a very high crime rate. Fans of the TV series "The Wire" have seen a side of this city that wouldn't want to make them retire here.
Who Will Like Retirement in Baltimore
Retirees who want to live in a large city with much history to explore, good public transportation, health care, universities, arts, sports, and great cuisine, may enjoy living here.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Once an industrial town with an economy based on shipping, steel processing, and auto manufacturing, Baltimore has turned to technology as an economic driver and has seen a high growth rate in the number of tech professionals. Forbes ranked Baltimore fourth among America's "new tech hot spots". The service industry is a main economic driver with Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University the city's top employers. Tourism is also important and the restoration of Baltimore's Inner Harbor has attracted millions of visitors each year with historic ships and submarines on display, along with many shops, restaurants, hotels and cultural spots.
Climate and Physical Environment
January's average temperature is 36 degrees, and July's average is 81. The annual snowfall is about 26 inches.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Baltimore is known for its Maryland blue crab and crab cakes, and has many restaurants in or around the Inner Harbor. Many of the city's neighborhoods have popular restaurants, including Fells Point, considered the foodie area for tourists and home to the oldest continuously running tavern in the country. In 2015, Zagat ranked Baltimore second on a list of the 17 best food cities in the country. Culturally, the town has much to offer including historical sites, and boasts more buildings on the National Register than any other U.S. City. The biggest tourist attraction is the National Aquarium, and there are many art museums, along with three arts and entertainment districts offering events, programs, and festivals.
Crime
Baltimore has a very high crime rate, and as in every large city, there are neighborhoods that are much safer than others.
Medical facilities
Baltimore offers all types of health care; Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center are located here.
Transportation
Transportation is not a problem around Baltimore as there is a public bus system, and a water taxi services the Inner Harbor. There is also an International airport and an Amtrak train station here.
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