With Baltimore claiming the title as one of the most unique cities in America, it’s no wonder why you’re considering Charm City as your new home base. Live in Baltimore, and you’ll be a stone’s throw away from iconic graffited streets, attractions like the American Visionary Art Museum, festivals like the HONFest, and one of the world’s oldest markets, Lexington Market.
But where exactly should you set up camp in Baltimore, especially when you have over 250 neighborhoods to choose from?
The best neighborhoods in Baltimore offer a blend of urban and suburban charm, as well as parks, shopping centers, and restaurants within easy reach.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Baltimore?
Baltimore City, affectionately known as “Charm City,” is home to over 250 unique neighborhoods. Each one offers its distinct atmosphere and amenities.
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#5: Federal Hill
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Federal Hill, situated south of downtown Baltimore, is named after Federal Hill Park, a hilltop park offering panoramic views of the skyline and the Inner Harbor.
The neighborhood boasts a mix of historic row houses, luxury condos, and newly built apartments. The American Visionary Art Museum and Cross Street Market are among the main cultural attractions.
The neighborhood is generally safe, but caution during late-night hours is advisable, like with any urban setting. Transportation is well-supported, with accessible bus routes and the Charm City Circulator providing convenient options for commuting. Additionally, the proximity to I-95 makes it easy for residents with cars to navigate the city.
- Rent Price: $1,900 – $4,000 per month
- Home Sale Price: $180,000 – $950,000
- Location: South Baltimore, overlooking the Inner Harbor
- Points of Interest: Federal Hill Park, Cross Street Market, waterfront attraction.
- Ideal for: Young professionals
- Pros: Accessible nightlife, proximity to downtown, waterfront views
- Cons: Limited green spaces, parking challenges
#4: Canton
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In the southeastern part of the city, Canton is recognized as a family-friendly option among Baltimore neighborhoods. This is due to its waterfront location and the blend of traditional and contemporary homes it offers.
The neighborhood is home to recreational places, including Waterfront Park and Patterson Park, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Canton Square, the neighborhood’s central meeting place, has various boutique shops, bars, and restaurants.
Canton offers residents a safe living environment, a sense of community, and convenient access to public schools. Public transportation options, including bus routes, are available, making it feasible if you rely on public transit. Also, the waterfront promenade is a delightful option for walking or biking.
- Rent Price: $1,600 – $4,500 per month
- Home Sale Price: $280,000 – $1,200,000
- Location: Southeast Baltimore, along the waterfront
- Points of Interest: O’Donnell Square, Canton Waterfront Park, Canton Crossing
- Ideal for: Young professionals and families seeking waterfront living and urban amenities.
- Pros: Scenic waterfront, trendy nightlife, diverse dining options.
- Cons: Limited parking, higher demand for housing.
#3: Fells Point
Fells Point has a rich history among Baltimore neighborhoods and is celebrated for its charming old-world allure and contemporary amenities. In addition to its rich architectural heritage, Fells Point offers many taverns and eclectic restaurants serving delicious Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters.
This Baltimore area also boasts a vibrant shopping scene, mixing small local shops and big-name brands in both Fells Point and Harbor East.
Conveniently located near the Jones Falls Expressway, it’s easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. Public transportation options include bus routes, and water taxis provide a unique and scenic commute to nearby areas.
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- Rent Price: $1,500 – $3,000 per month
- Home Sale Price: $250,000 – $900,000
- Location: Southeast Baltimore, along the harbor
- Points of Interest: Broadway Square, Thames Street, Fells Point Historic District
- Ideal for: Young professionals and individuals seeking historic charm, vibrant nightlife, and a lively waterfront atmosphere.
- Pros: cobblestone streets, maritime history, cultural diversity, a hub for nightlife
- Cons: weekend crowd, limited parking, potential noise levels
#2: Mount Vernon
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Mount Vernon, frequently hailed as the city’s cultural epicenter, is a diverse neighborhood renowned for its historic landmarks and rich cultural events.
The neighborhood’s history dates back to the 1970s when it was known as Baltimore’s main gay village. Today, it’s renowned for the Mount Vernon Historic District, which boasts historic mansions, churches, and other 19th-century buildings.
The neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, including old Victorian row homes, carriage houses, modern condos, and tall high-rises. Mount Vernon is considered a relatively safe environment with a mix of professionals, artists, and students contributing to a diverse community.
Mount Vernon is also very well-connected by public transit and bus routes, and the Charm City Circulator serves the area. Its central location makes it convenient for commuting, with close proximity to major highways and easy access to downtown Baltimore.
- Rent Price: $1,100 – $2,000 per month
- Home Sale Price: $180,000 – $1,300,000
- Location: Central Baltimore, just north of downtown
- Points of Interest: Washington Monument, Walters Art Museum, Mount Vernon Place
- Ideal for: Professionals, artists, and those seeking a culturally rich urban experience.
- Pros: culinary diversity, cultural hub, architectural beauty
- Cons: limited green space, limited parking
#1: Ellicott City
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Ellicott City is a highly-regarded suburb situated in Howard County, recognized for its exceptional public schools and reasonable rent prices. This suburb is also rich in history and offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
Ellicott City is filled with historic single-family homes, complete with spacious yards and several bedrooms. Attractions like the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum and Clark’s Elioak Farm offer educational experiences for all ages.
Ellicott City is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore, and its suburban lifestyle provides relief from the urban bustle. While public transportation options are limited, the neighborhood is well-connected by major roadways, including I-70 and Route 40, making it suitable if you have a car.
- Rent Price: $1,800 – $4,200 per month
- Home Sale Price: $400,000 – $1,700,000
- Location: Southwest of Baltimore, nestled in Howard County
- Points of Interest: Historic Main Street and Patapsco Valley State Park
- Ideal for: Families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle
- Pros: 19th-century architecture, antique shops, family-friendly, natural beauty
- Cons: high cost of living, limited public transport
Summary
If you plan on moving to Baltimore, you might need to downsize to keep up with Baltimore’s high cost of living (8% higher than the national average, to be exact).
If you lack space for all your belongings in your new home, a storage unit is the best solution. This provides easy access to your items while keeping them safe from agents that could cause irreversible damage.
Neighbor, a self-storage marketplace, is the only provider that offers safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units in all 50 states. So, whether you choose to move to Baltimore or a surrounding city, Neighbor’s will have you covered.
