What advice does anyone have about this area near the Univ of Maryland? Safety, security, what to avoid, where to shop? Student will be UMD Med Student in the fall and is looking for apartment and was directed to this area.
Thanks for the help!

The Univ. of Maryland is in College Park Maryland. That's an hour outside of Balto. Did you mean the Univ. of Maryland Medical Center or something like that?

ZZTOPZ

The University of Maryland School of Medicine is in Baltimore.

Sorry I've never heard of Ridgely's Delight. In looking at the Baltimore map it appears to be just south of Lombard Street and Camden Yards. Perhaps you could check with the school's housing office.

Hi LN ~
Yes, the only thing I know is the very close proximity to Camden Yards south of the school. Evidentally many students live in the area because of its walking distance to school. We will keep checking, thanks for your reply.

Yes, zztopz, the undergraduate campus is in College Park but downtown Baltimore is where the medical school, law school, dental school etc. are located.

My husband lived in Ridgely's Delight when in law school. It was many years ago, but it was then, and remains now, a charming and lively neighborhood full of students and young professionals.

As with any inner city neighborhood, there will be issues, such as difficulty finding parking (though I recall there are neighborhood parking permits), petty crime (mostly property crimes -- don't leave anything of even marginal value in cars), etc. At night, a young man will probably feel more secure than a young woman walking alone.

There is a Safeway store within walking distance of the neighborhood, but if your student requires organic stuff, there is a Whole Foods within driving distance. For discount stores, there is a Walmart within a short drive. But for mall shopping, or even a Target, you'll have to drive to the suburbs. (The touristy Inner Harbour shops are within walking distance, and might fulfill some mall needs -- like J. Crew or Banana Republic.)

In recent years, there has been a revitalization of the west side of Baltimore's business district, which is very close to the campus. So, if your student doesn't want to live in Ridgely's (which is principally rehabbed rowhouses), and can afford the rents, there are lots of new apartments available just east of the campus.

Contrary to what many people think, Baltimore is not only The Wire. Admittedly, sections are, but not the entire city.

Ridgely's Delight is on the south side of the campus and, for being in the center of the city, is sort of isolated by major streets surrounding it. It's a little oasis. Lots of green space, charming little houses and great neighbours.

There are the petty city issues such as parking and vandalism, but for the most part, it's pretty safe. There is a lot of new lighting on the streets, and there are usually people around, especially in the summer, when there are baseball games. There's a Baltimore City Stat map that will show you the crimes in the area over the past 90 days. Mostly property crimes.

Callaloo was right in that there's not much within walking distance, but she didn't mention the historic city market, just a few blocks north of the campus. They sell fresh produce, meats and some staples. Additionally, there's an excellent Italian grocery store a few blocks north of that. I wouldn't go to the Safeway she mentioned, but there is a SuperFresh within walking distance.

I live in one of the adjacent neighbourhoods, and my main piece of advice is to keep your wits about you, make sure you have either a whistle or something like that close at hand and above all, be smart.

I can't tell you how stupid it is to be walking at night in an urban area, concentrating on the person on the other end of your phone, and not your surroundings.

Fairway, if you want to contact me to get some advice on places to live, e-mail me at mfairfaxf at juno dot com, and I will be happy to answer your questions.

Oh... I so appreciate the advice given here. A visit is planned to see the area and find an apartment in the very near future. All new since the only visits to Baltimore in the past have been to the Inner Harbor. Thanks for helping fairfax, I may contact you once the area is visited.