Baltimore Recognized Among 'Best Places' For Creatives
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Move over, New York and Philadelphia. Charm City is on the move.
Baltimore just made national headlines with recognition from the digital outlet Thrillist as one of "The Best American Cities for Creatives (That Aren't NYC, LA or SF)," among several other noteworthy cities.
The city owes its inclusion on the list to a host of factors, including its affordable cost of living, spectacular night life and a surprisingly fertile arts scene.
RELATED: Artscape, 'Largest Free Arts Festival,' Takes Over Baltimore
These are the sort of qualities that attract droves of students, young professionals and entrepreneurs, like Andy Clark who paints and studies at Maryland Institute College of Art. "I think Baltimore provides an even playing ground for artists," he told WJZ's Marcus Washington. "It's an affordable city to live in, as opposed to New York."
Indeed, what Thrillist notes sets the city apart is that, compared to other major cities across the Northeast, there aren't just a ton of things to do (and eat) but you can actually afford to take it all in.
The article also cited a slew of locales across the city, including the world famous Lexington Market, which it called the East Coast's Pike Place -- just a whole lot older, saying "it's been (peddling) fresh fish, meats, and pretty much every food that exists since the 1700s." It also made note of historic neighborhoods, such as Mt. Vernon and Fells Point, which feature charming brick roads plus vibrant night lives that belie their age.
Like many cities selected, though, one of Baltimore's major selling points happens to be its thriving arts community, which provides endless opportunities for budding artists.
"There's lots of opportunities get involved with different art organizations, local nonprofits. There's lots of calls for entry for different galleries," said Clark, who added that it's a great launching pad for those looking to make their mark.
It's events such as the recently held Artscape, billed as the largest free arts festival in the country, that are bringing in talent and tourists alike. That's something that isn't lost on anyone, from students like Clark to city leaders like Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
"Baltimore is very unique city and we own it," said the mayor. "We own all of our quirkiness, all of our creativity. We're bold when it comes to trendsetting, fashion, art, and music -- and we like that."
A total of 17 cities were recognized by Thrillist. In case you're wondering, they include other cultural destinations like Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, La., and Austin, Texas.