SoBoBlog.com: news, rumors and oddments by and of the citizens of South Baltimore

by Colleen Wolfe
soboblog@baltimoreguide.com

This is an election year in our fair city. And that means we’re being bombarded by more than the usual amount of moaning and groaning over problems in the city. Murders and shootings are up, the schools are in desperate need of a turn a round, and we’re constantly fighting the battle against trash in our streets. I could go on and on about the woes of the city. But I won’t. I’ve decided to take a different approach.
Last week I put out a request to readers. I wanted to know what you love about living in Baltimore while others flee to the suburbs. What is it that makes you stay despite crime, trash and failing schools? Wow, did I ever get a response, the best yet to any of my columns so far. One South Baltimore neighbor thought my idea was so positive she even circulated it to an email group in the Southeast neighborhoods so that I would get as many positive responses as possible.
I’ll be honest. The overwhelming response I got wasn’t a total surprise. People who are committed to living in the city are usually pretty passionate about it as well. Maybe because living in an environment where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together takes more of an open mind, more patience and more tolerance. But according to your responses, that’s exactly why you live here to begin with. Diversity and a strong sense of community were the responses I received over and over again.
I thought I would share some of the wonderful comments I got from our neighbors here in South Baltimore and across the Harbor as well.
“I love the sense of community that downtown offers.  When no one has a backyard, people congregate in the parks and coffee shops instead. Living here with a dog and a child means getting to know practically everyone.  It’s like Mayberry with tougher parking.” –Claire Mullins, Federal Hill
“We had a son three years ago and decided to stay in the city because we love how diverse different neighborhoods are and that almost every weekend there is some festival or free entertainment that we can take our 3-year-old to. We are planning on staying even as we are expecting a second child in September because we want the him or her to have the benefit of a well rounded, tight knit community as well.” –Kelly Jovel, Locust Point
“I grew up in a small college town in Ohio. Everyone seemed to know everyone, and you could always count on your neighbors being there for you when you needed them. This is exactly how life is on Fort Avenue where I live now with my husband and son. We all watch out for each other.  That is something that you no longer find in the burbs. I’m proud to call South Baltimore my home. I cherish every thing that comes with it. The good. The bad. And everything in between.” –Leeann Ratnow, Riverside
“Baltimore city is also extremely diverse, whereas in most suburbs you have a more homogeneous population. I feel my children will grow up into well-rounded adults because of the experience they will have living in this city.” –Wendy Elkins, Federal Hill
“I like the fact that my children are and will continue to be exposed to so many different types of people and ways of living (good and bad). This is a great teaching and learning experience for us as a family.” –Christine Vance, Fells Prospect
“What I’ve found in the city is a stronger focus on life and less of a focus on perception.  I expect much of this is due to less social rules; people come from so many different backgrounds that so much more is accepted.” –Chris Marshall, Butcher’s Hill
“I feel that people who are committed to city living have a real interest in their community and their neighbors. They want to make city life better for everyone and not just for themselves. These are the people that host block parties for their neighbors, volunteer in the park and open new schools. They socialize in the evenings on stoops and across decks or at the park. They proactively share information on community happenings and pick up trash out of the street. They are talented and interesting and colorful and contribute to the experience of living in Baltimore.” –Michelle Tracy, Butchers Hill
Another big reason why so many of you love living in Baltimore is that there is so much to do here, and most of it within walking distance. And spending less time in our cars is keeping many of us happier and healthier. Every one seems to be out running, riding bikes or walking. Less time commuting means less stress and more time with family.
“My ultimate comment to friends who are burb dwellers that ask (too often) how we could stay in the city with kids is that we live where they come to play. We walk to Orioles games, the Science Center, and the Aquarium while they pay $10 or more to park. We take the water taxi to enjoy dinner and a beer at DuClaws or walk to Little Havana on a Tuesday night with the kids while they are sitting in Beltway traffic wondering what they will have for dinner. We go to Federal Hill Park for 15 minutes (or an hour) to play, get some exercise or enjoy the view while they are mowing their lawn. And at all of these places we meet our neighbors and their children. So as a family, we develop friendships and encounter community every time we open our door. Gotta Love City life!” –Amber Glaros, Federal Hill
I couldn’t agree more. Just about every Saturday my family walks to Harvest Table for breakfast and spends the morning lingering down by the water at Tide Point watching the sugar boats unload their cargo at Domino Sugar. On the way back we stop by the little fishpond tucked back between the office buildings. I can walk with my daughter to Fort McHenry to see any one of their great reenactment activities or just to visit the ducks or fly kites. We can walk to not one, but three parks, the grocery store, pharmacy, dry cleaner, our dentist, and any one of a dozen restaurants. We can walk to the Water Taxi and go to the dozens of restaurants at the Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Canton or Fells Point.
And as my daughter grows it’ll be much easier to expose her to all of the wonderful cultural events the city has to offer. There’s no lacking for Community Theater and concerts in the parks. While my friends in the suburbs usually escape to the mall with their kids when they need to get out of the house on a rainy day, I take my daughter to the Walters Art Museum, the Science Center, Port Discovery, The Baltimore Museum of Industry, and Fort McHenry. It’s just easier for us to take advantage of all the city has to offer because we don’t have to struggle with traffic and parking.
My friends and family who have chosen a life in the suburbs frequently ask me why would I ever want to stay and raise my daughter in the city. Why aren’t I fleeing from the crime and trash? My own explanation is just as passionate as many of yours.
If you’d like to add your comments about what makes living in the Baltimore so great, go to www.baltimoreguide.com and click on Blogs to post a comment.