Some things to check if you're new to Baltimore

If you're coming here "cold" and are looking around for a place to rent, here's some tips to get you started in looking for a comfortable area.(this is not an all-inclusive list by any means).

• Look for the guys and gals hanging on the corner. Never a good sign. They know who comes and goes and when. 
• Ask your prospective landlord if they accept Section 8. If they do, be sure you're comfortable with that.
• Look for trash in the stairwells and on the property.
• Does your landlord or property manager live on site. Always a good sign if they do.
• Does the property look rundown, with a lot of deferred maintenance. Not a good sign (but it probably makes it cheap).
• In general, the more rent you pay for a property, the better quality of life and amenities and apartment you can get.
• Take your time, pick three different areas of interest, and visit at least 2, no more than 4 properties in each. (If you pick too many in a day, they all start to run together after a while).