You’re not wrong

Do you remember the cuisine? Unfortunately, a lot of places didn’t survive the pandemic, so there’s a good chance it’s in the Great Beyond for restaurants.

I’m so sorry this happened to your husband, but I’m relieved they didn’t seem to physically harm home. I was carjacked at gunpoint a few years ago and still deal with some PTSD from it. I recommend getting your husband and yourself into therapy as soon as possible, if you can.

I did the Baltimore-Annapolis commute for several years while living in Bolton Hill (which is near-ish Mt. Vernon). It was consistently between 45 min to an hour, so if that timing doesn’t bother you, go for it. Bolton Hill was an interesting neighborhood; I was never the victim of a violent crime there (once someone sat in my car and rifled through my things after I accidentally left the door unlocked; they didn’t take anything), even though it’s near a “rougher” neighborhood.

I gave up the job in Annapolis and am purchasing a house in Baltimore’s; this is great city.

A lot of people are telling you to look at crime maps, and that’s correct. “Nicer” areas may still have lots of incidents of theft/non-violent crime reports. Google street view is also your friend; if you see a ton of vacant homes and trash, you may want to look elsewhere. It’s block-by-block, so use street view to explore around a bit.

I would look for a neighborhood that gives you easy access to 295 or 695 so you can quickly get to I-97. Good luck with your hunt and welcome to the region!

I’ve been told to always, always challenge the assessment, even if you don’t think it’s incorrect. We won’t close on our house until Feb, so I don’t have personal experience with it, but apparently challenging the assessment at least keeps the door open for an assessment more favorable to you.