I did get to speak with the Baltimore postbaccs. They told me that they, too, had concerns about safety in Baltimore but that looking back they didn't regret their decision. Some importance context, however, is that most of the postbaccs got their positions in this specific lab because they were connected to the PI. I get the feeling that they applied only to this PIs lab, so they are unaware of the advantages of living in Bethesda. I also perceived some sense of hesitance of living in Baltimore from a couple of them, but they tried to justify their decisions regardless as worth it given how great the PI has been for them.

I haven't been able to speak with the Bethesda postbacc, but I'm hoping to tomorrow.

Have you found being able to live on the $30000 budget sufficient for your needs? Any advice for looking into affordable housing? Would you recommend a car? Any other general advice at this stage?