call_me_ping

call_me_ping t1_je24jnt wrote

Thank you for sharing this information. As someone that's lived in Baltimore for nearly a decade, but grew up in Ohio and still jokes about its funky green water (summers at lake erie swimming in algae haha), this information is really appreciated.

Based on what you shared, the opportunity could have helped both states, but my heart also wishes Ohio would get more of its sh*t together on its own, too! :/

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call_me_ping t1_jdpjnjh wrote

A lot of advice and experience has already been shared, but I want to reiterate: Verbal agreements are tricky-- but regardless of legality, it's super shitty to get used and ghosted in any capacity. Your friend is right to be upset at being led on then not even given the courtesy of "hey, something happened last minute. Here's compensation for your time," which was wasted.

I don't care if this is "standard" or "not unheard of" in industries-- kudos to your friend for sticking up for themselves and not rolling over.

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call_me_ping t1_jcb3b12 wrote

In my experience, the cheapest tix are at the asscrack of dawn or 12am - 1PM returning, unfortunately! If you don’t want to stay there for your whole day, driving might be easier if you can find free parking.

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call_me_ping t1_j9l3l8w wrote

Your general assessment of management companies is pretty on-point right now, based on general experiences shared from neighbors. My building was originally managed by Thornhill Properties, which never rolled out the red carpet but were decent with communication overall and I didn't have complaints. My apartment itself has had few to no issues in the past 3 years, so I cannot attest for what Thornhill would have done back when they were in charge.

What I've gathered over the years of living in Mount Vernon:

Decent management, straight forward leases, but higher priced apartments:

  • Southern Management
  • PMC
  • Zahlco
  • Greystar

Hit or miss managements, a few okay-ish reviews (where the apt itself didn't have many issues, which always helps) and also several notable, complete horror-stories:

  • American Management
  • Bay Management Group / Mount Vernon Apartments
  • STAR Property Management
  • JBZ Management
  • Horizon Management
  • Chasen Companies = special shoutout. From what I've seen from friends... Chasen bought up a bunch of old contracts of apartments, gave ridiculous increases to current tenants to force them to vacate, hastily renovated units that are now showing issues just 1-2 years later, and are either selling the flipped properties (causing the tenants more headaches), or are being really sketchy with their treatment of current tenants.

A lot of times issues between renters/owners/management comes from miscommunications from one side or the other TBH. My advice to you and anyone else reading: wherever you end up looking or renting, don't be afraid to ask questions and ALWAYS follow up with email documentation to recap any convos + photos.

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call_me_ping t1_j6vxmji wrote

Welcome to Baltimore! If you're in/near 21201 (Mount Vernon, Station North, Charles Village, etc), I'd love to get acquainted with you, your cat(s), and their needs!

I have watched animals all my life, from cats, dogs, reptiles, chickens, and more-- all of varying ages, temperaments, special needs, and medical conditions. Most of the neighbors throughout the city that I work with have referred me to their friends and other neighbors, which is how I have met dozens of great pets and people!

Feel free to message me to discuss your cat's needs, possible dates, etc. I have flexible pricing based on the level of care they need, plus a sliding scale with no questions asked. Happy to provide references, too!

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call_me_ping t1_j3fl18o wrote

I am so sorry you're limited to just a few options! Mount Vernon has some great food, but most of the nicer places are not "American-style" cuisine tbh.

The Mount Vernon Marketplace would be a safe bet since it's a large, food-court style place.

Marie Louise Bistro if you're willing to spend some coin? The menu leans French/Mediterranean, but they still have mac & cheese, hanger steak sandwich, croque madame as just a fancy ham and cheese sandwich?

I've heard positive things about Poet's Modern Cocktails and Eats, too! Not too far of a walk from the Museum. Warning that according to reviews, the in-person menu may be different from their online menu (the parent company of the hotel has yet to change it??)

Personally, I need to go check out The Royal Blue-- a newer bar/restaurant but the menu looks great!

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call_me_ping t1_j2qnkio wrote

  • Ceremony Coffee. Limited power outlets at most locations, but my favorite coffee and the baristas are super skilled.
  • The Bun Shop (can be kinda dim and makes me sleepy cause it's so cozy inside)
  • Good Neighbor. GREAT coffee and staff rocks.
  • Enoch Pratt Central Library is HUGE and often pretty easy to find a secluded spot to work.
  • Whitehall Mill has lots of seating and many of the booths have outlets!
  • Outside or inside of the food halls: R. House or Mount Vernon Marketplace, depending on the weather. Both locations can get noisy!
  • Soup's On has a few tables if you're careful with your soup and just want a quick outing. I try not to overstay my welcome here since the seating is limited.
  • I've seen people sitting outside of Dooby's when they're closed and using the wifi, haha.
  • If you aren't doing anything that requires crazy data, you can use a hotspot at almost any park :)
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call_me_ping t1_j2ez8wa wrote

Not going to Ottobar but I'll be going OUT-- and when I do, the less the better!

I definitely recommend layers though. Ottobar always gets stuffier imo and I end up needing to slip onto the street to breathe a bit.

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call_me_ping t1_j1ieqz1 wrote

u/tEnPoInTs left a great, comprehensive answer as far as a Reddit post can get!

Mount Vernon is a great area, and we're really privileged. With all of the restaurants, art, events, walkability–plus the city gives us more resources/keeps their eye on us more than other communities, it's a nice place to be.

I've lived here since I was 18 (8 years) after moving from Cleveland and it's fine. "Be pleasant, but also mind your business" kind of deal like any other city.

Baltimore is a lot more casual compared to DC's 24/7 corporate grind mindset. There's a lot more *ahem* charm here.

People love to sensationalize and bitch about the bad, but out of every place I have lived, Baltimore has one of the strongest community support networks in the country. Despite droves of people looking down on this city without knowing it, the people come together with support for one another.

u/Appropriate-Algae-82 if you and your partner have not already, ask your jobs about commuter benefits to see if either of you get discount tickets, gas/parking stipends, etc! The neighborhoods north or Penn are decent too, and you might get more bang for your buck in places like Remington or Old Goucher. Different options from apts, condos, and row homes in all.

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call_me_ping t1_j1i6ij5 wrote

I love Patisserie Poupon for pastries and sweeter breads! They have my favorite croissant in the whole city. With just the right amount of flakey exterior and buttery, layered interior, but you don't lose out on the bread flavor coming through. I also highly recommend their fruit tarts, cookies, walnut or raisin danish, or any of the savory danish with cheese!

I pick up goods from their location on N Charles St, Cafe Poupon, but their main pastries are baked on the Baltimore Street location and brought over, fresh, each day! (website is closed for the holiday 12/24/22 - 12/25/2022, but the Baltimore Street location is OPEN today until 5PM!)

My good friends that grew up surrounded by bakeries in NYC love Ovenbird Bakery. They have lots of gorgeous bread displayed. I've only tried their muffins (heavenly), cookies (wonderful), and danish (divine), though!

Pitango Bakery & Cafe in Fell's Point has GREAT focaccia if you can't make your own this busy and chilly season!

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call_me_ping t1_j0y7rfy wrote

Have you been to Dutch Courage? They offer venue buyouts and it would be a spectacular spot to host your dinner! The menu is always amazing, the staff is great, and the drinks are always so fun!

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call_me_ping t1_ixmnwmp wrote

My friend lived in that building on Read St. during that tragedy. It was horrible.

And I have other friends that got in a lot of trouble renting with them cause Baltimore city came after the company… but my friends were caught in the crossfire and forced to terminate a lease due to Am. Management’s negligence and poor practices.

And MORE friends that struggled with general negligence and abusive practices for years. The really rely on leasing to people that NEED affordable rent and can’t afford the time/$$$ of fighting them for their wrongdoings.

All that said, I noticed they haven’t been in the neighborhood chatter as much. Maybe they’re getting their shit together, but I would still err on the side of caution and avoid at all costs.

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call_me_ping t1_iw7xkxo wrote

>"oh they got a dog y'all..."

[Disclaimer: I would never encourage ANYONE to feign that their pet could be aggressive, cause no matter the situation, in most, the dog will be held at fault in the end]

It isn't uncommon for people from different communities to associate dogs with guard/attack dogs. Many friends and acquaintances that grew up rough or in underserved areas are wary of any dog cause most pets in their neighborhoods were used as defense weapons.

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