baltimore is convenient because there are a lot of places nearby to escape to, but who really wants to live in baltimore? i dig it for a visit, but yeah.

i'd say philly for a pretty good cool/cheap ratio.

i'd also recommend NYC if you can afford it, but i need to know what talents/skills/etc. you would contribute to our fine city. also, look into CUNY schools. i got to brooklyn college and it's pretty solid.