**The Best Thing About Baltimore?**  The Seafood Scene!

Okay, it’s not Boston, but it’s the unsung hero of the East Coast Seafood Scene. From lobster rolls to crab cakes, oysters on the halfshell, and more, Baltimore has the food and drink scene on lock. If you want the best options, opt to live near the waterfront and in neighboring Fell’s Point. It might be a popular stop for visitors, but it’s a staple for locals as well!

**The Worst Thing About Baltimore?**  Crime, unfortunately.

It’s not the Wire, okay? Baltimore is far from being the intense crime drama like it’s portrayed on TV. But that being said, it’s not the safest city in the world. Baltimore is a wonderful city with grit, charm, and way friendlier strangers than DC or NYC. But the crime can’t be ignored. It’s important to keep in mind the same rules you hear about most cities: stay alert at night, be aware of your environment, and, like any good city-dweller, never leave any valuables in your car.

**How You Living?**  Neighborhood love!

Some neighborhoods are known for their historic row houses, others have factories that have been converted into cool lofts or condos. Huge bonus if you can find a spot on the waterfront! Check out Mount Vernon if you want to be close to pretty much everything: bars, museums, a light rail stop, and more! The Upper Fells Point area is also a favorite, with a short walk to Johns Hopkins Hospital for anyone in the healthcare industry. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  It’s better than DC

Baltimore is definitely an under-appreciated East Coast city. It is growing and well-loved by the locals who call it home. And as a city that has access to some of the most significant cities in the region, it’s worth the 45 minute train commute to DC to well....not live in DC.


Baltimore

It's Not The Wire

**The Best Thing About Ocean City?** The “Ocean” Part

Ocean City might be the most aptly named city in the country. Everything here is about the ocean. Beautiful beaches? Check. Lively boardwalks, beach shops, and carnivals? Triple check. Great Seafood? You betcha. That annoying yet somehow simultaneously relaxing sound that seagulls make? Oh yeah. If you long for the nostalgic beach vacations of your youth, let Ocean City take it from here.

**The Worst Thing About Ocean City?** The “City” Part

Move away from the shores and there are definitely some cons. Ocean City’s got a reputation of not being safe during some hours of the day throughout the summer, highlighted by crime rates well above the national average. During those summer months, traffic around town can be brutal with all of the tourists coming in, and the presence of drug usage does not go unnoticed, typically stemming from groups of high school and college age kids that frequently set up camp for a week or two. It’s a paradise, don’t get me wrong, but be prepared to share it with all different kinds of people throughout the summer who see it that way too.

**How You Living?** Somewhere you can smell the ocean

Most full time residents own homes rather than rent. West Ocean City is a great example of the typical vibes here, with a lot of suburban type, medium sized single family housing less than a ten minute walk from the ocean. Housing prices are a little above the national average, but definitely below what you might expect for a town as close to the ocean and with all of the amenities that Ocean City offers. One neighborhood in particular that’s a little different than this is North Ocean City, which is right in the heart of the action. Due to its location, you’re probably going to be living in a nice condo or a more expensive home up there.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Not just a tourist town

Unlike most of the other coastal towns you might stop in on a summer road trip, Ocean City is actually a great place to live year round as well. The nightlife here makes Ocean City a solid spot for younger people, and the great public schools and laid back vibe in residential areas make Ocean City a great place to move to whether you’re starting a family or looking to retire. Especially in an age where more and more jobs are going remote and many now find themselves sitting in front of a computer all day, the time has never been better to move to one of the best beach cities in the states.


Top LOOKS for Maryland

Baltimore, MD

It's Not The Wire

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Ocean City, MD

Boardwalk Empire

72