CITY OF BALTIMORE

City Hall
100 N. Holliday Street
Baltimore 410-396-3100
www.baltimorecity.gov

Chamber of Commerce
111 S. Calvert Street
Baltimore 410-727-2820
https://gbc.org

During the decade of the 1980s, a sweeping transformation began within the City of Baltimore with the renovation Harborplace, now the site of unique shops and restaurants. The city’s restoration continued with the rebirth of the central business district, culminating in a remarkable renaissance. Today, Baltimore’s modern office buildings and corporate plazas, refurbished hotels, and bustling entertainment district provide a dynamic and exciting place in which to live, work, and play. The Inner Harbor area, once a deteriorating waterfront, has become the very centerpiece of the city’s flourishing tourism industry. This dynamic area is home to the National Aquarium, Pier 6 Concert Pavilion, the Baltimore World Trade Center, the Baltimore Convention Center, and the Maryland Science Center with its famous Davis Planetarium.

Traditionally one of the nation’s most important port cities, Baltimore still serves as a major transportation hub along the East Coast corridor. A progressive infrastructure features a network of major highways and toll roads. Amtrak passenger rail service combines with local commuter rail service as it provides weekday train service between metropolitan Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Convenient air travel is available from the Baltimore/Washington International Airport, taking its place among the world’s busiest air traffic facilities.

Services
Baltimore City residents enjoy access to some of the finest healthcare services and institutions in the world. In fact, the city enjoys an international reputation as a leading center for medical science, research, and development. More than 15 hospitals throughout the area provide professional services for both routine and emergency care, providing specialties from pediatrics to geriatrics. One of the largest and most influential of the region’s healthcare systems is Johns Hopkins Medicine, a network that includes three acute care hospitals.

The public school system provides quality educational opportunities for all students in an academic environment that integrates a strong core curriculum with opportunities for the gifted and the learning disabled. Parents who are interested in exploring the alternative of a private education in schools that are independent or religiously affiliated will discover many options. More than 30 colleges and universities—both public and private—are located in Greater Baltimore. Many institutions offer postgraduate and doctoral degrees, evening classes, and business or research resources to serve the widest possible cross-section of residents.

Quality of Life
As you might expect from a grand port city, nautical attractions are some of the most popular in Baltimore, including the warship exhibits and naval displays at the Baltimore Maritime Museum. The National Historic Seaport of Baltimore represents an entire partnership of organizations and attractions that invite visitors and residents to learn more about the maritime history of the city and the entire nation. Even the children’s museum follows the nautical theme with the name, Port Discovery. Water sports play an important role in the daily life of Baltimore residents. Among the common pastimes are fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, and day trips along the Chesapeake Bay.

Sports fans will feel immediately at home in Maryland, where they can jump to their feet and join the enthusiastic crowd in cheering a variety of professional, amateur, and collegiate sports teams. The Baltimore Orioles continue to draw sold-out crowds at Oriole Park at Camden Yard, while the Baltimore Ravens football team boast a world championship. The NFL Washington Redskins take on their competition at FedEx Stadium in Landover. Professional sports teams for lacrosse and soccer combine with popular teams in nearby Washington, D.C., for a calendar that brims over with exciting events. Racing fans will want to visit the tracks at the Laurel, Pimlico, and Timonium race courses for premier thoroughbred and steeplechase events.

The City of Baltimore has also served as a premier cultural center since the colonial era, with a tradition of strong support for the arts that continues today. The renowned Peabody Conservatory of Music as well as the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore attract talented students from around the world. Those who appreciate the theatre, symphony, and dance can enjoy world-class entertainment in wonderful performing arts centers like the Lyric Opera House, Morris Mechanic Theater, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, and Center Stage. In addition to active companies and groups, Baltimore residents organize and sponsor more than 100 annual events, musical concerts, and seasonal or cultural festivals throughout the calendar year. Many of the renovated residential neighborhoods are within walking distance from some of the city’s premier cultural resources like the Peale Museum, Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Maryland Historical Society.

Recognized by the National League of Cities for its innovative development programs, Baltimore is a city of proud residents. The city has often been called “the biggest small town in America” for the abundance of close-knit neighborhoods that claim distinctive histories, personalities, and architectural influences.

Take your time exploring the attractions and residential developments that make up this exciting, historic port city. You can see from this sampling of more than 200 identified local neighborhoods that the potential for diversity in lifestyle and environment is virtually unlimited.

BALTIMORE NEIGHBORHOODS

The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods
100 North Holliday Street
Baltimore 410-396-4735
www.baltimorecity.gov

Abell
Named for the Abell family, owners of the Baltimore Sun newspapers, this residential neighborhood follows a grid street pattern punctuated by a few diagonal roads that remain from the days of its development. Most of the housing is mid-size to large row homes that are mixed with late 19th-century frame homes remaining from the Victorian-era Village of Waverly. Since the 1950s, some of the community’s southeastern section has been zoned to accommodate an influx of light industry and educational institutions. Most commercial development is clustered along Greenmount Avenue.

Arcadia
www.arcadia-baltimore.org
The cohesive neighborhood of Arcadia reflects three distinct development periods that vary significantly in housing styles. From the area’s historic roots between 1898 and 1914 came single and duplex homes as well as tidy row houses, some with Tudor styling. It was not until the 1940s that the housing in and around Eastwood Avenue was developed. Constructed as red brick duplexes to overlook Herring Park, these homes follow a simple version of Colonial Revival styling. Arcadia still offers the epitome of 1920s suburban housing where each street offers dozens of home designs and styles.

Ashburton, East Arlington
Touting itself as “a good place to live,” the Ashburton-East Arlington neighborhood is characterized as a vital working-class community with a strong commitment by local homeowners to maintain property values through pride of ownership. Many residents of this well-established area have lived in Ashburton or East Arlington for decades or family generations. Row after row of well-maintained brick townhouses with beautifully manicured lawns on quiet tree-canopied streets give the community a feeling of suburbia in spite of its location in the very heart of the city.

Baltimore Highlands
www.baltimorecity.gov
Residents of this Baltimore neighborhood enjoy a prime location within a few minutes drive from many of Baltimore’s celebrated attractions. The neighborhood is convenient to Canton, Fell’s Point, Little Italy, Inner Harbor, Broadway, and Lexington Markets. Another point of pride in this area is the well-known Santon’s Supermarket. Started by Italian immigrants in their row home, the business grew rapidly and flourishes today as a 24-hour establishment that offers unusual services like senior discounts and door-to-door deliveries. Another landmark in Baltimore Highlands is Haussner’s Restaurant Masterpieces in Art and Fine Dining, showcasing the owner’s impressive collection of museum-quality art. Several Johns Hopkins Hospital institutions are located in the community.

Baltimore-Linwood
http://pattersonpark.com
This welcoming neighborhood enjoys a tranquil setting across the street from lush Patterson Park, one of the most beautiful recreational centers in Baltimore City. The 185-acre expanse offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds as well as scenic paths and the famous pagoda. With a rich history that spans 300 years, Patterson Park is unique in its appeal. Relaxing surroundings and many facilities for exercise and community gatherings combine with great diversity and the preservation of architectural themes to anchor the surrounding neighborhood. This “living museum” to Baltimore’s heritage is by far the “Best Backyard in Baltimore.”

Barre Circle
Originally established by immigrant laborers, Barre Circle offers a fine example of a restored, comfortable neighborhood. Most of the homes in this area tend to be narrow, two-story, redbrick row houses. During the 1960s, many of these properties were sold for just one dollar. Today, this “National Historic Community” stands as a charming urban neighborhood that has preserved much of its Victorian heritage. Barre Circle is a shining example of the hard work of individual homeowners and the success of the Fremont Urban Renewal Acts. Most of the homes in Barre Circle were constructed in the 1800s, although some were built as recently as 1980.

Belair-Edison
www.belair-edison.org
Offering the atmosphere of a village within the city, Belair-Edison anchors residential neighborhoods with a commercial center. Nestled in northeast Baltimore, the area clusters around the main thoroughfares of Belair Road and Erdman Avenue. Well-built, reasonably priced homes just minutes from downtown and acres of parkland make this a desirable area. Herring Run Park spans the northern section of Belair-Edison, and Clifton Park with its municipal city golf course adds scenic beauty and open space. Hundreds of homes face Herring Run Park, and many houses feature sweeping front porches, sunrooms, stained-glass windows, and oak flooring.

Beverly Hills
http://livebaltimore.com/neighborhoods/beverly-hills/#.VuMA4PkrLIU
Well-organized, well maintained and tightly knit, the neighborhood of Beverly Hills in the Greater Lauraville area can be identified by the sign on Walther Avenue. Residents enjoy a prime location within walking distance to Herring Run Park as well as local shopping and services. Approximately 300 homes dot the neighborhood, primarily English cottages and bungalows. Most homes feature the American “arts and crafts/post and beam” structure with front and back porches, fireplaces, hardware flooring on the second story, and hillside landscaping.

Bolton Hill
https://livebaltimore.com/neighborhoods/bolton-hill/
Creating an urban haven within the bustling cityscape, Bolton Hill is characterized as a neighborhood with tranquil, tree-shaded streets. Quaint, small parks with fountains complement the fine period architecture of elegant 19th-century mansions and modern townhouses. Most of the residences provide outdoor living spaces that have been crafted into beautifully maintained hidden retreats or formal gardens. Bolton Hill is ideally located within walking distance to many of the Baltimore’s most celebrated cultural attractions including the Mount Royal Arts District, the Maryland Institute of Art, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Butchers Hill
www.butchershill.org
One of the city’s most diverse areas, Butchers Hill was once home to prosperous butchers, merchants, professionals, and other tradesmen. Today, the neighborhood population represents a wide cross-section of occupations, interests, age groups, and cultural backgrounds. Strains of everything from classical to jazz, urban contemporary, and alternative music might be heard from any open window in this area near Fells Point and Johns Hopkins Hospital. The neighborhood is located a few blocks North of Fells Point, on the western side of Patterson Park just one mile east of the Inner Harbor and its many attractions.

Canton
Formerly occupied by mill and factory workers, the waterfront neighborhood of Canton still retains the colorful diversity of its ethnic heritage in the interesting shops and wonderful restaurants that line the commercial district. The appeal of owning property in close proximity to the water has driven the construction of condominiums and apartments that offer avid sailors the convenience of boat slips right outside their front doors. People who work downtown can even commute on a water taxi. Patterson Park provides 150 acres of open space and greenery, although the Canton Waterfront Park & Fishing Pier Park, two marinas, and a public boat launch are also popular.

Charles Village
www.charlesvillage.org
Surrounded by Roland Park, Guilford, Bolton Hill, and Mt. Vernon, the 100-block area known as Charles Village offers a wide selection of housing styles. Many of the two- and three-story row homes are rich in architectural character, featuring sweeping front porches, large windows, iron masonry, and gables. The Homewood campus of The Johns Hopkins University is located in Charles Village, which makes it popular with students or professors. The Baltimore Museum of Art is nearby, and residents tend to shop close to home in the Rotunda Mall. Every residential neighborhood in Charles Village boasts unique characteristics, including the Old Goucher College Historic District in South Charles Village.

Chinquapin Hollow, Chinquapin Park
www.baltimorecity.gov
Overlooking the Chinquapin stream valley from Chinquapin Parkway, the hollow is characterized as a tranquil, wooded area of mature trees and greenery protecting a spring-fed stream that attracts everything from mallard ducks to fox and raccoons. Chinquapin Park offers a gently hilly terrain where shade trees create a leafy setting for solid, redbrick row homes in a variety of styles. Named for the park that borders the neighborhood on the east, Chinquapin Park offers an idyllic environment for family living. The well-kept park is a favorite spot for picnics and relaxing strolls.

Cold Spring, NewTown
www.baltimoremd.com/coldspring
Distinguished as one of Baltimore’s most innovative communities, the Cold Spring NewTown area was conceived in the 1970s as a “town within a town.” Planners wanted to create a self-contained community that would meet nearly every need. Manicured lawns, mature greenery, lovely trees, tot lots, tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, walking paths, and a bird sanctuary are some of the features that make the area so attractive to newcomers. Other desirable features include Ruscombe Gardens senior center, Ruscombe Mansion Health Center, the Waldorf School of Baltimore, and close proximity to beautiful Cylburn Arboretum and Sinai Hospital.

Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello
www.baltimorecity.gov
This large community takes its name from three early 19th-century estates and offers a primarily residential haven. The area’s development began with a mingling of small cottages and larger suburban frame homes with simple brick row houses. The result is an architectural mix that is unusual for an established Baltimore neighborhood. Most areas were developed either as solid row houses or frame houses with no blending of styles. Many of the modern row houses feature sweeping front porches and front lawns, while two-story “daylight” homes were designed to draw natural light into every room. City College and The Alameda parklike boulevard remain landmarks in this historic, well-kept neighborhood.

Federal Hill
www.federalhillsouth.org
Named for the hill on which it sits, Federal Hill is a historic community overlooking the Inner Harbor. Many of the charming, three-story townhomes were built during the 19th century and feature Victorian details like stained-glass windows, iron grills, and ornate masonry. These homes have been beautifully restored by proud residents who appreciate living in a neighborhood that offers walking distance to many of the city’s finest attractions. Many superb restaurants are located on Federal Hill along with the popular Cross Street Market that offers a wide variety of fresh foods and produce.

Fells Point
www.fellspoint.us
The first neighborhood to earn landmark status was Fells Point, saved by dedicated local preservation groups from demolition. It has now become a favorite destination for those who are drawn its nautical setting and lively atmosphere. The character of the neighborhood shifts dramatically from day to night and from weekday to weekends or holidays. When the sun sets, the area boasts some of the city’s most popular nightspots and hosts festive parties. Hundreds of bed and breakfasts, eateries, businesses, trendy shops, and popular restaurants join more than 70 taverns and pubs to complement the residential neighborhoods with commercial development. Major bus lines serve the area.

Garwyn Oaks
www.baltimorecity.gov
One of the Baltimore’s older communities, Garwyn Oaks is remarkably stable with a truly rich sense of community created by residents who have lived in the area for decades or even generations. Nestled in an atmosphere of leafy trees, flower gardens, open space, and wide streets, the tranquil streets are unusually attractive. Home styles are diverse, covering the periods of the neighborhood’s development. Garwyn Oaks is a balanced, close-knit community that blends growing families with seniors and retirees. Backyard cookouts, couples on an evening stroll, and children on bicycles are common sights.

Greektown
Characterized as a thriving, self-contained community that harmonizes residential and business elements, Greektown primarily consists of single-family townhouses. This area is well known for its fine restaurants, authentic Greek coffeehouses, bakeries, and wide variety of small business. Through the decades, the area has attracted a diverse population. Modern Greektown reflects the open attitude that welcomed residents of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In spite of the pleasing mix that makes up today’s neighborhood, the traditional Greek influence is still evident in the commercial community and also provides colorful special events around cultural themes.

Guilford
http://guilfordassociation.org
Designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead after the turn of the century, Guilford has retained its status as one of Baltimore’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Newcomers will discover a fine collection of impressive homes and lavish estate properties. Gracious Tudor, Mediterranean, and colonial architectural styling predominates in homes constructed primarily of stone, brick, or stucco. Many of the lots feature sweeping lawns and meticulous landscaping. The Sherwood Gardens, fine galleries, and private clubs are close to home. The community is also located in close proximity to the beautiful campuses of Loyola College and the College of Notre Dame. Convenient shopping is available at the Rotunda and the Village of Cross Keys.

Harwood
http://charlesvillage.org
Predominantly residential, the Harwood neighborhood offers small to mid-sized row homes that were built during the first quarter of the 20th century. Both commercial and industrial activity have flourished in the southern portion of the community. The Waverly Tower Shopping Center provides a pleasing selection of shops and services close to home. Harwood played a key role in Baltimore’s baseball history during the years when teams, leagues, and playing sites frequently moved around the city. The first field named Oriole Park was actually located near 29th Street and Greenmount Avenue in 1889.

Homeland
www.homelandassociation.org
Developed in the 1930s, the residential community of Homeland is located in north-central Baltimore. This area features the classic styling of sturdy, well-built homes on carefully landscaped properties that offer seclusion and natural beauty. A small series of spring-fed ponds enhance the area’s natural charm, and warm summer evenings draw out residents for a stroll down the tree-shaded streets. The housing selection covers an appealing variety of architectural styles, and many homes are constructed of stone, brick, stucco, or poured concrete. Most feature slate roofs and chimney pots.

Hunting Ridge
www.huntingridge.org
At the very western edge of the city lies a community that boasts the atmosphere and feeling of a mountain retreat. Hunting Ridge is distinguished by huge old oak trees and narrow streets along neighborhoods filled with charming homes and row houses. The result is an atmosphere that is peaceful and somewhat secluded yet close in community spirit. Dubbed by the original developer as “the suburb of beautiful trees,” Hunting Ridge offers the rare combination of natural beauty within an urban setting.

Lauraville
http://bmoremainstreet.com/
Constructed over a period of years by a number of developers, Lauraville offers a neighborhood where most of the homes are single-family and detached. Frame and cedar-shingle are the most common styles in a community where the street patterns are delightfully irregular. Planners decided to protect the area’s legacy of beautiful, leafy shade trees. Teachers, poets, nurses, actors, lawyers, classical, musicians, bankers, and factory workers have all been drawn to this neighborhood for its sense of intimacy and “hometown” feeling. The lovely Herring Run Park is close by, offering open fields, mature trees, a flowing stream, and multi-purpose trails for hiking and biking.

Little Italy
www.littleitalymd.com
The name says it all in this lively enclave in the very heart of Baltimore’s downtown renaissance between the Inner Harbor and Historic Fells Point. Warm and inviting, the community is proud of its strong Italian heritage. More than 20 of Maryland’s finest Italian restaurants and trattorias are nestled in this colorful, engaging neighborhood. Newcomers can look forward to an active community life where they can watch a bocci ball contest, attend a social event in the Cultural Center at Saint Leo’s, join a roller-blade street hockey game, and enjoy the Taste of Little Italy each September.

Moravia-Walther
http://livebaltimore.com/neighborhoods/moravia-walther/#.VuMByvkrLIU
Over the decades, Moravia-Walther has managed to preserve its original image as a picturesque, well-maintained community. The housing selection reflects pride of ownership. Many homes offer front and rear porches, fireplaces, hardwood floors, and garages as well as street parking. The community lies within walking distance of Lake Montebello, Herring Run Park, local Moravia-Walther draws together a diverse population in a close-knit spirit.

Mt. Vernon, Belvedere
One of the first examples of planned urban space, this designated National Historic District features a center square flanked by the Peabody Conservatory and the Walters Art Gallery. Mt. Vernon serves as the city’s cultural center as well as a showcase for mid-19th century architecture and gracious urban living. This neighborhood of ten square blocks surrounds Mt. Vernon Place and the original Washington Monument. Housing is available in a wide variety of styles, including small row homes, elegant Victorian mansions, handsome townhouses, and spacious apartments. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Mt. Vernon’s quaint boutiques, art galleries, and coffeehouses. Baltimore’s bustling business district as well as the Mt. Royal Arts district are just a few minutes from home.

Mt. Washington
www.mountwashingtonvillage.com
Nestled against the steep hills of North Baltimore, Mt. Washington is distinguished as the most rural neighborhood within the city. Stately trees and sprawling lawns are common sights in this beautiful community. Many of Mt. Washington’s charming Victorian homes with their second-story turrets and wrap-around porches reflect the pride of ownership and decades of care. Secluded and removed without being remote, Mt. Washington is easily accessible from the Inner Harbor to the south and Baltimore County to the north via Interstate 83. Residents enjoy shopping and dining at the charming shops, boutiques, galleries, and cafes in Mt. Washington Village.

Northwood, Original Northwood
www.baltimorecity.gov
Many of the residents of this northeastern community have called Northwood their home for decades or even generations. Housing styles include detached, single-family, colonial-style residences and well-kept older townhomes set on quiet, tree-lined streets. Well-situated in the cityscape, Northwood provides an address that lies in close proximity to the stores of Northwood shopping Center and a variety of excellent recreational facilities. Just south of the neighborhood lies Memorial Stadium and the peaceful setting of Lake Montebello. The historic district of Original Northwood represents the largest unified collection of the architect, John A. Ahlers. Incorporating the natural terrain into his designs, Ahlers used slate roofing to blend homes with the canopy of oaks and elms.

Otterbein, Harbor Walk
www.baltimorecity.gov
The Baltimore neighborhood of Otterbein claims the distinction of being an original “dollar” homesteading project. Pioneer homesteaders were able to win homes in a city lottery and restore or renovate them with the assistance of low-interest municipal loans. Many of the residences in Otterbein are older two- and three-story row homes that have been remodeled and updated. Harmonizing with these vintage homes is a selection of newer homes, townhomes, and condominiums that were thoughtfully designed to complement the original styling of the neighborhood. With its small shops and cozy restaurants, brick sidewalks, and old-fashioned streetlights, Otterbein is very appealing to those who appreciate a quaint, comfortable atmosphere in close proximity to the Inner Harbor and the central business district. Harbor Walk provides a townhouse community that was designed to blend with  the adjoining Otterbein neighborhood of historic Federal-period townhouses

Roland Park
www.baltimorecity.gov
One of the first planned suburbs in the nation, Roland Park is also considered to have one of the finest landscape designs of any residential community. Providing the setting for the novel, “The Accidental Tourist,” the community is characterized
as a well-established neighborhood of meandering streets and spacious Victorian homes. Wrap-around porches and brown cedar shingles are typical characteristics of the homes in Roland Park, which also features a variety of impressive Tudors and Georgian-style manors. Baltimore Country Club and Stony Run Park add green space and natural beauty. Residents enjoy the friendly, customer-oriented local stores along Roland Avenue or the wide variety of shops located in the Village at Cross Keys and the Rotunda. Interstate 83 ensures an easy commute into downtown Baltimore.

Woodbury
http://aboutwoodberry.com
Ideally located just minutes from downtown Baltimore between Druid Hill Park and Cylburn Arboretum, the Woodbury area offers a number of unique neighborhood settings in the Jones Falls Valley. Secluded by the park and the Jones Falls expressway, this area has developed a strong sense of community spirit.  Most of the older homes are brick or brown fieldstone, although some add the charm of ornate Victorian-inspired trim. By the 1950s, Woodbury’s higher elevation began attracting television networks. Surrounded by the beauty of nature in the 700-acre Druid Hill Park and the 176-acre arboretum, the community enjoys a forested environment and historic status. Many artists call this area home, converting mill buildings into studios.