Curious about the best Baltimore Neighborhoods? Baltimore, the pearl of the East Coast of the United States, weaves a fascinating urban map of neighborhoods. Simultaneously, this port city, known as the “Charm City”, also attracts residents, students and tourists with its rich history, diverse cultural atmosphere and vibrant community life. For those planning to study, settle or invest here, choosing a suitable Baltimore neighborhood is the first step to a better life. This article will delve into how to choose the best neighborhoods in Baltimore and detail 12 highly regarded areas to help you make an informed decision.
How To Choose The Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore?
With over 200 neighborhoods in Baltimore, finding one that’s right for you is a challanging task. Choosing a Baltimore neighborhood requires a comprehensive consideration of individual needs and regional characteristics. From budget and consumption levels, lifestyle preferences and surrounding amenities, to educational resources, commuting and traffic conditions, as well as safety and community atmosphere, they are all important factors that we should take into account.
1. Budget & Consumption Levels: When one is considering a long-term stay, affordability is still key. For most people, housing rent accounts for a large percentage of the cost of living in Baltimore, however, housing rents vary from area to area. For example, the average housing rental in downtown is for about $2,000 a month, while in Remington, it is for only about $1,200 a month. Therefore, in comparing the best areas to live in Baltimore, we should comprehensively evaluate the rent and daily expenses in the neighborhoods. If you’re looking to buy a home, consider property taxes in different parts of Baltimore.
2. Lifestyle Preferences & Surrounding Amenities: It’s also a good idea to look for suitable and good baltimore neighborhoods based on your lifestyle preferences and amenities. Within reach of shopping centers, supermarkets, medical facilities, parks, etc. in and around the community, it is easy to meet the needs of daily life and enhance the happiness of life. For example, young families looking for a district house might consider Roland Park, art lovers might prefer Hampden with its many vintage markets, and nightlife lovers might consider Fells Point with its bar street.
3. Educational Resources: It is important for students and families with children to be aware of the quality of schools and educational resources near their area of residence. For example, choosing to live in the area around Johns Hopkins University makes it easy for students to attend classes and experience a strong academic atmosphere, while a good public school district affects long-term property values.
4. Commuting & Traffic Conditions: Assessing the accessibility of public transportation, as well as commute time and convenience, is also a must when choosing the Baltimore neighborhoods. For those who rely on public transportation, priority can be given to communities along the light rail, while self-driving people need to pay attention to the convenience and cost of parking. Meanwhile, the walkability of the area is also a plus, as many people who are more interested in sustainable living prefer neighborhoods where daily activities can be done on foot.
5. Safety & Community Atmosphere: The security of the surrounding environment is a valuable basic attribute for any family or individual. Therefore, when selecting good places to live in Baltimore, we should understand the crime rate and safety record of the area to ensure the safety of the living environment.
Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore
Mount Vernon
Known for its historic buildings and cultural institutions, Mount Vernon is considered as the nicest neighborhood in Baltimore and it is also the cultural center of the city. The historic district is home to around 4,000 residents, with artists, musicians and academics making up a significant proportion. The cost of living in Mount Vernon is moderate and the area is close to the Maryland Institute College of Art and Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody School of Music. Whether you’re a student at the University of Baltimore or a young professional in Baltimore, you’ll be happy to call Mount Vernon your home. Living in Mount Vernon provides residents with a dense urban feel, with 88% of residents living in rentals.
In Mount Vernon, you’ll find the perfect combination of a fancy city atmosphere with centuries-old buildings and monuments. During spare time, you can visit landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Peabody Library and participate in a variety of cultural activities. Mount Vernon also has plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks to explore. Stroll down Charles Street, where The spice of Afghan restaurant The Helmand blends with Everyman Theatre posters to create a unique life spectrum, and more than 20 bars and independent bookstores attract young professionals with liberal leaning. The easy access to the airport from the light rail station keeps the city connected to the world. Despite the city has a poor reputation for safety, Mount Vernon is one of the safest areas in Bournemouth.
Federal Hill
Federal Hill is another best neighborhoods in Baltimore, specially for students, singles, and young professionals looking for an area with vibrant atmosphere and waterfront views. In Federal Hill, 60% of the millennial gene is active among the 7,500 residents. Beautiful waterfront views and stunning Baltimore city skyline, as well as its proximity to downtown, make its daily costs above the city average and drive housing rentals to more than $2,000 a month. Federal Hill has mild winters and warm summers, typical of Baltimore.
Federal Hill has Federal Hill Park, where you can picnic or hang out with your friends, or play catch with your four-legged furry friends. The Museum of Fantastic Art, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, and the Maryland Science Center are also worth visiting in Federal Hill. Public transportation in Federal Hill is well developed, simplifying daily travel, and thanks to I-95, residents of Federal Hill can quickly travel to other parts of Baltimore and even to Washington, D.C. Federal Hill is also very walkable, allowing people to enjoy nature and contribute to the environmental protection of the city while keeping fit. Federal Hill is a safe area in Baltimore, especially near the park.
Fells Point
Fells Point is one of the oldest areas in Baltimore and a good place to live in the city. This Baltimore neighborhood boasts cobblestone streets and a seafaring heritage, adding a unique charm to the city. Fells Point has an ancient atmosphere, but it still has a bustling nightlife, and you can see a variety of bars and restaurants on the street. The lively annual sailing festival is held here, and The Horse You Came In On, the oldest bar in the United States, provides plenty of space for people to socialize. However, such contrasting regional characteristics haven’t prevented Fells Point from having a high safety index.
Living expenses in Fells Point is moderately expensive, but still has some expensive waterfront homes. In Fells Point, loft rooms are popular. Fells Point features water taxis with direct access to the inner harbour, and it is also a perfect pedestrian-friendly area. It can be said that Fells Point is ideal for those who love history and nightlife.
South Baltimore
South Baltimore (SoBo) is one of nice Baltimore suburbs for students, young, single professionals. This area has a large number of residents between the ages of 25 and 35, which is good news for those who are single and ready to integrate into the area. At the same time, the Port Covington development has generated local employment and is suitable for young people to pursue careers. It is not far from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, convenient for students to commute. Although South Baltimore offers almost everything young people want, it’s still worth to better considering when it comes to affordability.
South Baltimore is home to a lot of Ravens fans. If you are one of them, the joys of living in South Baltimore are endless. You can also go to the Horseshoe Casino to try your luck or skills. When it comes to the natural scene, there are beautiful riverside parks, perfect for picnicking, walking, jogging and even swimming.
Mid-Town Belvedere
The Mid-town Belvedere takes its name from the landmark Belvedere Hotel, a Beaux arts palace built in 1923 and now an art condominium offering efficient units with a rent gradient starting at $1,200 for a one-bedroom that appeals to Washington’s commuting creative class. Meanwhile, it is close to Baltimore Penn Station, which provides great convenience for people to commute and travel.
Mid-town Belvedere, a melting pot of art and multicultuality, is also another best suburbs of Baltimore. Residents living in this place can have easy access to dining, cultural and entertainment options, including many restaurants, festivals and venues such as Ingira pancakes at the Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant and music at the Lyric Opera House, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the Baltimore Theatre Project.
Downtown
Downtown represents Baltimore’s urban pulse and business heart and it is one of the best areas in Baltimore. It is home to a large number of high-rise buildings, corporate headquarters, government offices, shopping malls and cultural attractions. Among them, the Transamerica Tower and the Baltimore Convention Center are the landmarks of this area. There are plenty of high-end apartments in Downtown Baltimore, many with sky pools, and the rents are relatively high. Nearly 95% of the area’s population choose to rent an apartment.
For Morgan State University students who live here, the campus is just a 10-minute walk away. Downtown has a good public transportation system, including metro, light rail and buses. A variety of restaurants including local specialties crab cakes, steakhouses, seafood restaurants and international cuisine. At one Turkish restaurant, Cazbar, the food is delicious, there are many beautiful lanterns and the atmosphere is great. Harborplace Mall and The Gallery Mall are the main shopping spots in Baltimore Downtown. In addition, Downtown also has several theaters, including the Everyman Theater and the Arena Theater. At the same time, the racetrack is a major stop for many Broadway touring shows.
Canton
Canton is a sporty and pet-friendly harbor community. Aside from South Baltimore, Canton is another Ravens fans gathering place. The popular Canton Dog Park welcomes your lovely furry friends to run, play and enjoy the nature of Baltimore. In Canton, there is the perfect combination of city life and suburban amenities. You can see old red-brick townhouses juxtaposed with modern upscale apartments. Every home in Canton is unique, some are brand-new luxury apartments, others are filled with history on the outside and newly renovated on the inside.
Canton is close to the I-95 freeway, but public transportation is relatively limited. For shopping, the Shops at Canton Crossing is a must go place. For enjoying the natural scenery, the Boathouse Canton Restaurant is perfect for watching the sunset. Canton also offers outdoor festivals and concerts that take place throughout the year. From water sports to dog parks, and from ice cream shops to the annual Baltimore Seafood Festival, Canton is indeed one of the best areas to live in Baltimore, MD. In this area, you’ll be able to live in one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods and get the best of Baltimore.
Hampden
Known for its quirky shops and annual honesty festival, Hampton is a beloved arts community and one of the coolest neighborhoods in Baltimore. The Hamptons are very safe and have a close-knit community atmosphere. It’s mostly vintage townhouses and converted condos, and the Hamptons are more affordable to rent than the waterfront. Hampton is a pedestrian-friendly community accessible by public transportation, which brings great convenience for people to commute and travel. Featured bistros, vintage shops, art galleries, and artisan coffee shops are numerous. Baltimore Museum of Industry and Hampden Skate Park are the famous tourist attractions in Hampden, Baltimore, Maryland. HonFest is an annual festival that celebrates Baltimore culture. The Hamptons have mild winters and are pleasant all year round.
Remington
Remington is one of Baltimore’s rising neighborhoods, favored by young people and artists for its burgeoning creative industries and independent businesses. Remington’s old factory was converted into R. House Food Court. Each chef here offers unique cuisine from Japan and Korea to Mexico and Italy. This food court usually has events, such as trivia nights or live music. There are many local craft shops and bookstores. Remington also hosts independent film screenings and public murals and art exhibitions, providing an opportunity to experience Baltimore culture.
Remington is proximity to Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus, which makes it a popular and nice area of Baltimore for students looking to rent off-campus housing. Many of the old industrial buildings here have been converted into loft apartments and old townhouses, providing people with a variety of options. Prices and rents are relatively low, with the average monthly rent around $1,400. Walking and biking are easy ways to get around Remington, and the area is also close to I-83 for easy access.
Inner Harbor & Harbor East
The Inner Harbor is one of Baltimore’s most iconic landmarks, and Harbor East is a newly developed high-end residential and commercial area. The Inner Harbor & Harbor East area consists mostly of high-rise condos and modern luxury homes, with average rents reaching $3,000 per month. Water taxis are also a feature of the area, and public transportation is convenient. The historic President Street station is said to be the place where President Abraham Lincoln stopped to escape an assassination attempt.
The National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center are popular tourist attractions. There are also plenty of live music venues and arenas in the Inner Harbor, such as Soundstage, Rams Head live and CFG Bank Arena. Harbor East offers upscale shopping, dining and a beachfront lifestyle. Seafood restaurants and high-end restaurants abound, such as Phillips Seafood. The popular Harborplace shopping centre and boutiques are also waiting to be explored. Harbor East’s constant growth and secure presence makes it one of the safest areas to visit. For those looking for luxury and convenience, Inner Harbor & Harbor East are the nice places to live in Baltimore.
Roland Park
Roland Park is a leafy suburban community with stately homes and top universities. For students attending St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Rowland Park is an ideal place to live because it is so close to the campuses that you don’t have to spend time in transportation. Roland Park is also close to Johns Hopkins University and other top hospitals. Roland Park is one of the safest areas in Baltimore. The cost of living in Roland Park is high due to the large size of the houses and the variety and ease of access to the surrounding amenities. Most residents here own their own homes, and renters make up only 30% of the district’s population.
Rowland Park has a variety of restaurants and shops, but the most attractive thing about this neighborhood is its quiet. If you like a tranquil night, then Roland Park is the right choice for you. The famous Stony Run park is situated here, which is a paradise for cyclists and joggers. It’s also very golf-friendly, offering a Baltimore country club with a golf course, as well as a gorgeous looking eating area for those enjoying upscale weekend fun. Rowland Park is perfect for families looking for a suburban life in the city. Charming, tranquil, luxurious and academic, Rowland Park is the perfect place to stay in Baltimore if you can handle the 40-minute commute to downtown Baltimore.
Wyman Park
Wyman Park is a small neighborhood between the Hampden and Johns Hopkins University Homewood campuse in North Baltimore. Wyman Park is full of a strong academic atmosphere; university professors and medical school staff living here account for 40% of the community’s population, which is considered as another best neighborhoods in Baltimore for families and students. Johns Hopkins Hospital is around 15-minute walk from Wyman Park. Meanwhile, residents are within walking distance of the shops and restaurants on Hampden’s famous “Boulevard”, the Rotunda, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. The number of people renting in the area is not much different from the number of people living in their own homes. The neighborhood consists mainly of row houses which are located near the park of the same name. The park offers plenty of open space for people to have fun or walk dogs. Wyman Park is also considered an ecological oasis and is home to the famous Wyman Park Dell native woodland.
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Conclusion on The Best Baltimore Neighborhoods
In a nutshell, each of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore is unique. Whether the historic Mount Vernon, vibrant Federal Hill, Canton and Fells Point, Mid-Town Belvedere and Downtown, which are close to schools and work, and Roland Park, which is safe and full of natural charm and excellent schools, those nicest Baltimore neighborhoods offers an ideal living environment for people with different needs.
FAQs About The Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD
What are the best places to live in Baltimore, Maryland?
The best neighborhoods to live in Baltimore are Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, and Fells Point, which are ideal for for students, singles, young professionals. Meanwhile, Mid-town Belvedere, Canton, Hampden, and Roland Park are also the nice areas which boast a more family-friendly atmosphere.
What are the best neighborhoods in Baltimore for students?
The best neighborhoods in Baltimore for students are Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Remington, Roland Park, and Wyman Park.
What are the nicest neighborhoods in Baltimore for young professionals?
The nicest areas of Baltimore for young professionals are Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point, South Baltimore, Mid-Town Belvedere, Downtown, Canton, Hampden, Remington, and Inner Harbor & East Harbor, which contain well-developed transportation, easy accessed amenities and welcome community atmosphere.
Is South Baltimore safe?
Yes, South Baltimore is a safe area in Baltimore. It has a large number of residents between the ages of 25 and 35, and the neighborhood has been carefully developed and transformed with a low crime rate.
What is the safest area to stay in Baltimore?
For the safest areas in Baltimore, Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Hampton, Inner Harbor & East Harbor, and Roland Park are the recommended ones which are with high safety index, friendly atmosphere, convenient transport, and nice amenities.
