Andy Wolt

Andy Wolt, a native of the D.C. suburbs faced a choice when he graduated from college, working in Greenbelt, MD, he had to decide whether to continue to live in the D.C. area or try living in Baltimore.

"It was kind of six in one hand, half dozen in the other commute-wise if I lived in Baltimore or D.C. When I looked at rent prices, it was the cheaper rent prices in Baltimore that made my decision for me," he says.

Andy was attracted to Mt. Vernon because "its a really nice area with a lower crime rate and its dirt cheap compared to D.C."

After just 18 months, Andy says the neighborhood has a "very cool historical atmosphere." Trips from his apartment to the laundry mat, convenience store or bar always pass by the Washington Monument and the gothic cathedral [Mt. Vernon Place Methodist Episcopal Church].

"Walking past these amazing buildings, I love that that's part of my everyday life. The building that I live in is 120 years old or something. You walk in and there're marble pillars and a wrap and staircase. I live in an apartment but it used to be a mansion at some point. It's very cool," Andy says.

It's the vibe

Another aspect that keeps Andy in the neighborhood is Mt. Vernon's independent vibe. "Everything in Mt. Vernon is locally-owned. I know the owner of the laundry mat and the convenience store. It's kind of a cool feeling, almost like a small town but you're in a big city."

The neighborhoods cultural attractions, including the Walter's Art Gallery and Center Stage are also a big plus for Andy.

"There's also the Everyman Theater and there's just so much to do, right there. And the Maryland Historical Society is right there, too," he notes.

Although many of Baltimore's neighborhoods can lay claime to a some of the city's history, whether it's with its rowhomes, or a historical landmark or other building, Mt. Vernon adds more than a touch of grandeur.

"It has the big monuments and many, many years ago, that's where the rich people lived. You can walk around and see that now normal people live here in the mansions that have been divided up into smaller units," Andy comments.

Eating and drinking it up

Up and down Charles Street there are a million bars to go, according to Andy. "My favorite is the Midtown Yacht Club."

For a fancy night out, Andy heads to George's in the Peabody Hotel or Sascha's. There're both a really nice place for dinner." Never on Sundays, which is closed on Sundays, is the best place for a bite to eat late at night.

Shopping takes him to The Zone, a used clothing store, at 813 N. Charles Street, for clothing or for Halloween.

"Every other weekend there's something cool going on in the park. There's First Thursdays during the summer. There's Flower Mart, the Book Festival, the Monument Lighting is coming up There's always something going on," he says.