If you don't like where you live, move. If you bought into a place without knowing what the area is like, your mistake. Areas change, but it's terrible that people have things happen to their homes and should not have to live like that. I don't like what my area has become, terrible parking, shady people, congested, etc, but i am doing something about it now.

My family has lived in the Hamilton-Lauraville area since the 20's. I grew up there and ended up buying the house from my parents a little while back and then within a few months The Parkside, Hamilton Tavern, and Clementine all popped up and I ended up with a cool walkable community that I never really expected while growing up there in the 80's and 90's. It was really interesting watching the neighborhood sync up to my wants and needs around me.

Personally I think the entire Baltimore region is still overpriced. It boils my blood to see DC big shots buy up property around here using my tax money, keeping the price inflated.

My fiancee and I are discussing a move to Arizona or somewhere else cheaper because we cannot handle these high prices. We're both professionals but we only make mid five figure salaries. I refuse to sign my life away on a real estate contract. I don't want to raise a family in a place where I have to work 3 jobs just to pay my mortgage. As the great Marvin Gaye put it, "That's not living."

I have to agree with Matt. The home prices in Baltimore and surrounding areas are outrageous! To live in a desirable neighborhood will cost you, and big time. Is it really worth stressing over huge monthly payments and not being able to live comfortably? I don't think so. I don't blame people for leaving Maryland.

For what its worth i live in Highlandtown and i like it there.
As for the demographics ,its pretty diverse economicaly and racially.I think that anyone can live in Highlandtown and like it , no matter what "demographic" they belong to

Personaly i am not interested in "diversity "for diversity's sake.I just try to get along with my neighbors.And i generally do.

I dont care what racial or economic demographic they belong to.And most dont seem to care if im different from them racially or economicaly.

I think that one problem with Baltimore nowdays is that some people moving in only want to live in a neighborhood with clones of themselves.

That seems like a boring way to live to me.But to each their own.

And many newcomers try to shut themselves off from their new neighbors. There are a few who only leave the house to go to bars or gyms that are full of people like themselves.As i said, if they want to live that way thats their business.

But i do feel that some newcomers to Baltimore are missing out on the best things in Baltimore.

Instead of just going to swanky restraunts they should try out their local corner bar.Or places like NorthEast Market or Lexington Market instead of just going to Wholefoods.

And the cornerstores in Highlandtown are pretty good as well.

Thats just my 2 cents worth.In my opinion most neighborhoods are what you make out of them.

I moved to Baltimore this summer and moved to Fells Point. I think it's great. Being a young, white, urban professional (is there a nickname for someone like me?) most everyone told me to move to Canton or Federal Hill, but my wife and I always liked the diversity and beautiful little streets of Fells. Now that I've been here for over half a year....I'm so happy that I chose my neighborhood.

Canton has had its share of growing pains over the last decade. The one thing that Canton is missing today is an infrastructure (shopping, quality schools, and neighborhood business) to support living in Baltimore City. Most of the buyers in Canton are first-time home buyers, single individuals or newly married couples. This younger crowd brings more entertainment establishments than traditionally found in most residential neighborhoods.
After the fun from the late night bar hopping wears off there really is not an adequate about of infrastructure to support a growing family with children. We may never see the Canton of the past, but we do have to look forward to a better future.
Communities go though several phases throughout their life (development, expansion, deterioration and then urban renewal. We are still in the early urban renewal stage in Canton. Housing renovation is the first element to take hold followed by community unity and business development. The bars will one day slowly disappear when the clientele demands change and a sense of community starts to take hold and root it-self for another 20 years. Only time will tell.