Some parts of the Maryland / DC area have suffered from poverty for decades and decades. And urban Baltimore especially so. When I was in Baltimore last summer I was surprised to see miles and miles of older homes abandoned (this includes parts of DC as Chris mentioned) and folks out on the street doing nothing. Given conditions (where you cannot occupy your brain, or maintain a livelihood) like that during the summer it is hardly surprising to see kids gathering about on their inexpensive bikes, or motorcycles trying to have some sort of "fun." In short - Baltimore is not/has not been doing well, and without some level of massive redevelopment, or huge social programs undertaking - will continue to be a sore spot for the nation. Pretty sad considering that the seat of the US government is only a short train, or drive away.