As a former baltimoron, I thought I'd give my 2 cents about the housing mentioned:
The Redwood: I loved the space, morning breakfast was a nice touch (do they still have this?) The parking wasn't the greatest. I think private lot parking is/was $120-$140mon, though street parking wasn't bad...unless there was an event or a busy fri/sat night. It isn't in the greatest area....but not bad. If you want to live in this part of the city...this is where you should live.
Tindeco Warf: a bit pricey for what you get, but I love that area. It is near Canton, which was a favorite haunt of mine and a great place for food and entertainment. Canton is one of my fav. parts of the city, and near Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Little Italy...so it is hard to not love the location. Many of the other places are on the other side of the city (albeit close to UMD)
As for the other places listed on the UMD website:
The Greenhouse: Cool space, definitely my favorite lobby of the bunch (not that it really matters that much
) . The exposed brick is a definitely plus, nice place, garaged/valeted parking. It is in an okay area, though not great.
The Atrium: Great amenities, poor/average area. It is right on/near the lightrail...which some people like, others don't. My favorite layout was the 1BR loft ($1600?), but they have cheaper options. Very modern looking, relatively cheap garage parking (compared to private garages in the area)
The Sail Factory: I remember looking at it, but not really being impressed. It has been a few years since I went there, but nothing stuck out for me.
Charles Towers / Park Charles: Eh....the other places are far nicer, I wouldn't bother with either. The only decent thing about Park Charles is that it is near some pretty good sushi places, and is located in the biz district (good if you work there, useless if you don't)
Henderson-Webb Properties: *Avoid them like the PLAGUE*. Poor reputation, and known for poorly managed properties. I unfortunately lived at one of them for 5 months, and had to take them to court over bogus charges and bullying when I tried to leave (I won). The judge knew of them, and did not speak highly of their company or their practices.
The Munsey: Nice, located in the biz district, though I'm not sure what kind of entertainment is available in that area. Back when I looked, they rarely had available units...so that may say something.
Chesapeake Commons: Very cool layouts....IIRC each was a bit different. Another place that didn't have much availability, but worth checking out bc of the unique living spaces. I don't know much about their amenities.
The Standard: Gorgeous building, marble floors, awesome apartments....expensive. It isn't near much, it is sort of on the edge of the biz district, and a walk to get to anything. Some people like it because it is somewhat removed.
The Congress: Decent place, too expensive for what you get. Also in the biz district, in an okay area, but you can do better for the $. The people who I knew who lived here did it so they can walk to work.
Fairways at Towson: Way too far away...unless you want to live in suburbia and commute down I-83 (I don't suggest it)
Courthouse Square: Great suburban living, though 20-30+ minutes outside of b'more (farther than the Fairways at Towson). They have a nice laundry service, manicured grounds, great living space, private security, etc. For those who don't want city living, this place is great...but the commute stinks.
-t
