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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best Baltimore neighborhoods for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Baltimore City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Baltimore’s most popular neighborhoods.
This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with sneak-peeks into popular destinations, as well as housing info and schools in the area (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Baltimore and beyond).
A Little About Baltimore and its Neighborhoods
Baltimore is a quintessential American city and a melting pot of its own. Beautifully diverse, Baltimore has 72 designated historic districts that were traditionally occupied by distinct ethnic groups (like Little Italy and Chinatown).
This city is steeped in American history. Out of B’more came the Fort McHenry poem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ which became the American national anthem in 1931. Nearly one-third of the city’s buildings are designated as historic in the National Register, which is more than any other U.S. city.
A few years ago, Baltimore was acknowledged by The New York Times as one of the top 52 places to visit in the world. With tons of trendy restaurants, renowned museums, beloved sports teams, and vibrant up-and-coming energy, Baltimore has turned into a top spot to live.
With hundreds of identified districts, Baltimore has been dubbed a “city of neighborhoods.” So where do you start? Below, we’ve narrowed the hundreds down to five. Keep reading for an insiders’ scoop on the best places to live in Charm City.
Hampden
One of Baltimore’s hip neighborhoods, Hampden is home to a large number of millennials and young professionals interested in the area’s artsy shows, bars, and breweries. But Hampden’s interesting character and friendly atmosphere also draw many families to the area.
Neighbors know each other by name and tight rowhouses make interactions frequent, giving this eclectic neighborhood a small-town feel. And the regular street festivals on 36th Street bring the community even closer.
What’s Happening in Hampden
The recent redevelopment of the Pepsi Company in Hampden is just one sign of this neighborhood’s growth and development. Even though this neighborhood offers many amenities, Hampden’s biggest appeal to many of its residents is its location. Sitting close to the train station, locals can access tons of amenities and commute to work easily.
The neighborhood features plenty of parks for the kids and the pups. Trendy places like Woodberry Kitchen draw in hungry crowds. And 34th Street is lined with Hampden’s tastiest offerings. Join in on the festivities every September during HampdenFest, which features live music and tons of local art, food, and drink.
Schools in Hampden
Schools in the area include Hampden Elementary School, Calvert School, and Independence High School among others.
Homes in Hampden
Hampden offers a variety of housing options from rowhomes to single-family homes and apartments. The area shows off the city’s historic charm with character-rich houses built in the Victorian style.
Federal Hill
One of Baltimore’s top neighborhoods, Federal Hill welcomes families, young professionals and entrepreneurs alike. The neighborhood sits in a prime location at a walkable distance from the Inner Harbor and Downtown and features many surrounding restaurants, museums, and city attractions.
The neighborhood is lively and tight-knit. Right in the heart of Historic South Baltimore, Federal Hill is known for its beautiful homes and easy commutes to the heart of the city. Residents in the area also love Federal Hill’s parks and waterfront amenities.
What’s Happening in Federal Hill
Along its cobblestone streets, Federal Hill features many creative eateries and local bars. Check out some of the local-favorites like Hersh’s, Little Havana, Matsuri, 3 Bean Coffee, and Blue Agave. Looking for a cozy late-night destination for an evening read of friendly gatherings? Visit The Book Escape, where you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into the charming Shop Around the Corner from the film, You’ve Got Mail.
Whether it’s a weekend or weeknight, there’s plenty to do in Federal Hill. The neighborhood’s historic Cross Street Market was built in the 19th-century and sells fresh meats, produce, flowers, and baked goods. Check out the American Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, or the Maryland Science Center for a sampling of Federal Hill’s cultural, historical, and educational offerings.
Schools in Federal Hill
Schools in the area include The Crossroads School, Thomas Johnson Middle School, and Digital Harbor High School among others.
Homes in Federal Hill
From luxury condos to 19th-century brick row homes, housing in Federal Hill is an aesthetic blend. In this varied housing market, you’ll find homes that sell between $150K and $6M.
Mount Vernon
Centered around the magnificent Washington Monument (which actually came before D.C.’s), Mount Vernon is full of historic landmarks and buildings. This neighborhood is home to numerous 19th-century mansions that have been converted into museums, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Residents and tourists commonly lounge on the central park squares surrounding the monument. Here, many of the neighborhood’s community events are hosted around the surrounding lawns.
What’s Happening in Mount Vernon
Filled with museums, venues, and theaters, Mount Vernon is Baltimore’s most popular cultural district. See some of Mount Vernon’s proudest spots with a visit to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the George Peabody Library, the Walters Art Museum, and the Baltimore Center Stage state theater.
There are plenty of citywide favorites when it comes to dining and drinking in this top neighborhood too. Check out Dooby’s, The Land of Kush, Tio Pepe, and The Brewer’s Art for a sampling of Mount Vernon’s finest flavors.
Schools in Mt. Vernon
Schools in the area include City Springs Elementary School, Thomas Johnson Middle School, and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School among others.
Homes in Mount Vernon
With plenty of brownstone and old, exposed brick, finding a gorgeous home in Mount Vernon won’t pose a challenge. Prices are high here, but this neighborhood is in high demand and offers great investment opportunities still.
Fells Point
Visiting Fells Point is like stepping into a time capsule. The neighborhood is one of the oldest in Baltimore, and its cobblestone streets, brick townhouses, and views of the harbor preserve its historic and charming vibe. Despite its old character, the very walkable Fells Point is certainly not stagnant, and hip shops, restaurants, and bars fill up with lots of young locals.
What’s Happening in Fells Point
Fells Point offers plenty of great drinking and dining destinations. One of the top places you should visit for dinner is Thames Street Oyster House which serves fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. The neighborhood has its own classic style of bars, with tons of taverns, and pubs. Visit One-Eyed Mike’s or The Elk Room speakeasy for some delicious craft cocktails.
Stop through some of the area’s local shops like B’more Betty and Zelda Zen. For a feel of Fells Point history, check out the Frederick Douglass-Issac Myers Maritime Museum. Or peak into Baltimore’s less flattering past with a Fells Point Wicked History Pub Tour.
Schools in Fells Point
Schools in the area include The Crossroads School and The New Century School among others.
Homes in Fells Point
Fells Point features a range of housing options. You’ll find affordable rowhomes and pricier new constructions. Many homes in the area have been given a little face-lift, but still preserve their original historic feel.
Canton
Regarded as one of the best places to live near Baltimore, Canton is peaceful and full of residents from all different stages of life. The neighborhood took a hard hit and turned rusty after industrial work dried up, but the past decade has brought major changes to the area. Canton is now full of luxury harborfront condos, old-brick row houses, and converted factories that are full of hip studios, offices, and restaurants.
What’s Happening in Canton
Known for the Canton Waterfront Park, Canton offers tons of outdoor activities like jogging and biking trails, picnic areas, and sports arenas. Each summer, these green spaces fill up with friendly locals attending community events like the popular Baltimore Seafood Festival.
Check out the heart of this neighborhood–Canton Square–and its interesting mix of restaurants and bars. Canton is also home to Patterson Park, which held the record of the country’s largest urban park for several years. Or explore the popular Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District for a night of amusing productions.
Schools in Canton
Schools in the area include St. Casimir Catholic School and Hampstead Hill Academy among others.
Homes in Canton
You’ll easily find beautiful row houses, historic homes, and luxury condos in Canton. There are plenty of options at various price points, which is why Canton has become the happy home to such a diverse group of locals.
There you have it: 5 best neighborhoods in Baltimore!
We hope this guide to the best neighborhoods in Baltimore was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Baltimore, and we would love to help.
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