Baltimore is one of the nicer surprises you will find at JHU. Quirky, funky little neighborhoods, in a sort of John Waters time warp. Local restaurants that end up—we kid you not—as recommendations in The New York Times. Ethnic treats and street fairs. Professional sports along with sailing and mountain biking. A vibrant art and music community. Easy traveling distance to Washington DC and New York, and some of the best museums in the world. And here's the kicker:

Baltimore is cheap.

You can live very well for much less in Baltimore. Housing is affordable. Think more space. Think less strain on the budget. The occasional beer. Bigger bargains in the thrift shops. Think car.

All the while you're enrolled in one of the best programs in the discipline in one of the best universities in the country.