I did some work for my dad in Bal'mo years ago. I agree. I was terrified my wife would get her 2d choice Residency in "the match" (Hopkins) cause I didn't want to live there, and I didn't want her having to drive in at night, etc (a wrong turn near Hopkins could get you killed).

Yeah, that's a scary prospect. You have to admire people like teachers, doctors and such that do work willingly in environments like this - they really do put it on the line. A girl I know recently started a two-year assignment with Teach For America at one of the DC neighbourhood in the article - risky, and I don't doubt the kids' environment makes them at least a little difficult...

@Torvald: go directly to your nearest DVD store, do not pass Fox, do not collect CSI.:03: I guarantee you'll like the series.

The Wire gives you a good impression of Baltimore, as the city is the star in this series. While there are some things which are unique about Baltimore, the topics and problems The Wire adresses can be seen in most american cities. I would always love to put our german wannabe gangstas in these environments to show them what they talk/sing about - guess most of them wouldn't last 30 minutes...:arrgh!:
I agree with CCIP, most people who work in these neighbourhoods earn less than they deserve.

I somewhat know Baltimore. A friend and I just drove around late at night once out of boredom, and I can tell you it got rather scary.

Around Hopkins is weird. One block could be absolutely ghetto, and the next middle class rowhouses.

If anything, I thought the worst part of D.C. would be in Anacostia across the river NE of Bolling AFB.

When I think of Baltimore, I always think of Edgar Allan Poe, probably about the best American writer.

Exactly. A friend of hers did med school at Hopkins, and we stayed at his place. (far away). We went to some place for dinner (Ethiopian?) and on the way drove past that old "iconic" Hopkins building at night. He drove down a street and literally told us that any side street on one side of the car was nice, and perfectly safe, and any on the other side was dangerous enough he'd not even drive down one block to show us.

how in gods name is Detroit no on there?!

To all those wondering why "this" or "that" city wasn't on the list: Did you read the criteria? First, he specifically avoided overall city numbers and targetted specific neighborhoods. Second, he provided crime statistics vs. populations.

If you think your 'favorite' was neglected, show some facts, not just "mine is worse".