Baltimore is known for violence, murders, and drug dealing. In 2010, there were nearly 1500 instances of violent crime in the City. The City’s per-capita murder rate was the third highest in the nation, behind New Orleans and St. Louis. Baltimore was 4^th in the nation in aggravated assaults, 9^th in arsons, and 6^th in violent crimes in general. 

The murder rate has improved over the years, and we are now far from our 1993 peak of 353 slayings. In fact, in 2011 we had the lowest murder rate Baltimore has ever seen—196—and more than half of these were drug related. Despite this drop, Baltimore continues to have a crime rate that is much higher than the national average.

Though Baltimoreans are proud of our City, they acknowledge that things could be better. The crime rate and the reputation it earns the city saddens many citizens, who would like to see Baltimore get some attention for the good things our City has to offer. That said, people believe that there are not enough opportunities for a lot of people, which is likely connected to the high crime rate.  We need more jobs for our young people and more funding to continue to improve our education system so that we can open doors for children.  Drugs also continue to be a big problem in the City, and we lose young people to the lifestyle that comes with the drug culture.

Though the City clearly has problems, Baltimore isn’t as bad as people make it seem. We might not have a lot, but there are opportunities available for those people who are willing to look for them.  We have excellent colleges and universities in Baltimore, and we have one of the best hospitals in the world:  Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Baltimore has lots of history and well-preserved historical buildings and statues. There are lots of things to see and do here.  Despite its reputation, Baltimore is a great place that everyone should visit.