I went to college in Richmond and lived there for two years after.

I've been to the Inner Harbor a couple times.

Op, is your point that these places are relatively close to DC, yet many DC residents haven't visited and don't know much about them? If so, I don't disagree and am guilty of it. But I will also add that I know virtually nothing about the state of MD other than Montgomery County (eg, don't know how many counties there are in MD, don't know what are the primary industries in the state, don't know much about the state legislature, etc), notwithstanding that I am a MD resident. Pathetic as I write it ...

Baltimore; Jada Pinkett Smith's city of birth. Richmond? Nuh...nobody famous from there.

What do you want to know RE Richmond? I grew up there and till have family and many connections ... I may be able to answer specific questions if that would help.

Baltimore= Disease + Crime+ Poverty

Richmond=Lots of Crime+Crime+Crime

I moved to Baltimore from DC 2 years ago. Before moving I knew little about it, but I'm more knowledgeable now. (It's a great place, FWIW.)

I lived in Richmond for 2 years. I prefer the diversity up here

I grew up in Baltimore and with the exception of 5 years or so, I've lived here all of my life.

Lived in Richmond for a year. Loved it!

Lived in B'mo, worked in Annap.

I lived in Baltimore for 5 years and worked and went to school there. What questions do you have?

I went to college in Richmond and we go down there all the time as a bunch of friends settled there. We are seriously considering moving there in the next few years. Soo much less expensive!!

Not much. We live in the suburbs of NOVA. We've gone to Baltimore a few times to visit Port Discovery and the Science museum--oh and Ft. McHenry...but that's it. Richmond we've been to a bit more--their children's museum and Science museum...mostly because the parking is easier/free there.

Why do you ask? I am very familiar with Baltimore as I worked there for years and my work's HQs is there, so I still have to go there at least once a week. Richmond--only been there a couple of times. Go to Annapolis infrequently, but I have been there more times than I can count.

I suppose that Annapolis can be included in this question, but how familiar are you with these not so far away places?