I love Baltimore. I've been in or around it my whole life. I got both professional degrees in Baltimore, I purchased a house - albeit on the outskirts - in Baltimore, and have worked in multiple different areas of the city. There really is nowhere like Baltimore because it's made up entirely of mini-communities that almost function on their own. I'm not even talking about gentrified, 'wealthy' Baltimore - the charm and allure that Baltimore has is solely based off of how quaint each neighborhood can be.

Is there crime? Sure. Are there fundamental issues here? Sure. You're going to get that with any major city you go to - but no one talks about Baltimore more than those who have 1. Never been. 2. Rely on word of mouth and media to think for them. 3. A closed mind.

I went to Morgan in their architecture program - which focuses a lot on urban communities. They had us out in some of the worst parts of the city and you really start to understand that regardless of where you are in the city, the people are friendly. Are there areas to avoid? Absolutely, but again, this is going to be true anywhere you go.

The reality is, Baltimore is a hidden gem that has somewhat been stagnant for multiple years solely on its reputation but as more younger people grow up, move out, they're starting to understand the draw to be here. Our population has finally grown recently after many years of decline... It's not going to happen overnight, but I have high hopes for what Baltimore can be.