Baltimore: better than you think

Sure, Baltimore has its share of problems. Public transportation is a joke. The city continues to rack up superlative numbers for crime, drugs and diseases. And every time it snows, everyone goes into "apocalypse mode." Those are just the big things -- let's not forget the fact that the bars close at 2 a.m. and it's virtually impossible to find a decent slice of pizza.

But while putting "The Greatest City of America" on all the city benches tends to come across as sarcasm, Baltimore's other nickname, Charm City, isn't completely unfounded. The city certainly has its share of peccadilloes, but it also has plenty of niceties that make it special. Here's a list of the things that put the charm in Charm City.

The Crabs

Baltimore might have peaked as a city in 1814, but its crustaceans have kept it on the map ever since. They're a bit costly, but Faidley's crab cakes are the best in the city. Obrycki's and Bo Brooks (located in Fell's Point and Canton, respectively,) are good choices if you're interested in getting the best seafood you've ever had.

It's also hard to argue against the charming nature of The Crabtown Project, the citywide fundraiser that is responsible for the 200 fiberglass crabs deposited throughout Baltimore. The crabs were designed both by artists and students (check out the LAX Crab on University Parkway near Homewood Field) and will be auctioned off during a Crab Fest in November to benefit the Believe in Our Schools campaign.

The Prices

Try comparing what you pay for rent (or for groceries, movies or gas) with a friend who goes to school in another city. There's a decent chance that you'll lose that extra cash when you get mugged, but if not, it can go straight to the booze fund. If you do get mugged, just consider it a tax for living in such a cheap neighborhood.

The Nightlife

Hitting up campus parties and the few bars in Charles Village can get a little tedious, but if you have an I.D. and don't mind the cab fare, there is plenty of fun to be had in Baltimore's myriad of student-friendly neighborhoods. Fell's Point, Federal Hill, and Power Plant are favorites, but Hampden, Little Italy, and Mt. Vernon also have their share of alcohol, loud music and young people, as well. It also warrants a mention that Baltimore watering holes tend to be more lenient about proof of age than bars in other cities.

The Nice Parts

Baltimore is made up of very distinct neighborhoods, which gives the city a rather schizophrenic personality. If you don't believe it, try walking ten blocks north of campus, and then walk ten blocks south.

Just north of University Parkway is Guilford, which is home to the Sherwood Gardens, a nice place for a relaxing springtime walk. North of Guilford is Roland Park, the richest neighborhood in the city, where you should definitely take you parents if they're anxious about sending their kids to school in Baltimore.

The Sports

Cheap seats at Camden Yards range from $5 to $8 depending on the day of the week, and if the Birds are below .500 (which they usually are), you can easily move down to better seats. Even if you're not a baseball fan, the beer-and-hot dog ambience on Pratt Street on game days is always a good time -- and cheap. Ravens games aren't as cheap or easy to get into.

The Location

Saying so can't be good for Baltimore's self-esteem, but one of its major draws as a city is its proximity to other cities. DC is the easiest trip to make, but Philly and New York aren't difficult journeys, either -- especially if you have a car.

Also, Baltimore's ideal latitude makes for mild winters and not-terrible summers. Just don't listen to what the Mason-Dixon Line or natives of Maryland have to say -- Baltimore is most definitely not in the South.

The University

Hopkins started as nothing more than the bold vision of a merchant named Johns, but in the 129 years of its existence it has managed to become a major force in the city -- as well as the largest private employer in the state of Maryland.

As has hopefully become clear, Baltimore has a silver lining, and the people who receive your tuition check are desperately trying to get students to realize this. Whether it's improving citywide transportation or giving campus the security of a state penitentiary, the school has heeded to demands on how to improve student life. The rest is up to the students.