BaltimoreCity
You will soon notice that Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods, where two neighborhoods in the same area can feel completely different. Most of the homes in the city are rowhomes, but will also include detached homes, newer townhomes, and condominiums. The trend in Baltimore in the past several years has been “urban revitalization”--the renovation of existing rowhomes into modern, spacious, cosmopolitan dwellings in neighborhoods that are seeing an influx of young, professional people. This practice has carried into condominiums and detached homes in many areas as well. (And in case you’re wondering, the difference between rowhomes and townhomes is that rowhomes share the same front face, while townhomes each have their own individual fronts.)
There are several areas in Baltimore City that have become popular:
Ridgely’s Delight—Just west of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and an easy walk to University of Maryland Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Dental School. It’s also an easy walk to both stadiums and the Inner Harbor. It’s one of the most convenient neighborhoods to I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and one of the most popular.
Otterbein—Just on the opposite (east) side of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Otterbein has a very similar convenient location as Ridgely’s Delight. Many of the properties are relatively new, but keep the character of Baltimore’s established neighborhoods.
Federal Hill/Locust Point—Federal Hill has been a hotbed of young professionals for several years. A large amount of the homes have been completely renovated and updated, and with many one-way streets this area has a wonderful feel to it. This spirit of renovation and renewal has spread down Fort Avenue to nearby Locus Point. Both areas border the southern part of the Inner Harbor and have wonderful city and water views.
WashingtonVillage—An up-and-coming neighborhood, Washington Village is seeing a lot of rehabilitation and rising property values. Walkable to University of Maryland Hospital and its associated schools (especially the new BioPark), it also has easy access to I-95, both stadiums, and the Inner Harbor.
Downtown proper/Mount Vernon/Lexington Market—Closest to University of Maryland Hospital, Lexington Market is a growth area with easy access to the Metro, the Inner Harbor, and the stadiums. Mount Vernon is more established, with an artsy feel due to the Walters Art Gallery and the Peabody Conservatory of Music located there. Look for the original Washington Monument right in the middle of Charles Street (built before the one in DC). Just south of Mount Vernon is Downtown proper. Sitting above the Inner Harbor, it is also convenient to Little Italy, Fells Point, the stadiums, University of Maryland medical campus, Johns Hopkins medical campus, and I-95.
Charles Village/Hampden/Roland Park—Grounded by neighboring Johns Hopkins University, Charles Village is popular for students, artists, and young professionals. The rowhomes here are larger and reflect the area’s suburban past. Condominiums and apartments also fill the area. Roland Park consists largely of stately, detached homes, popular for established professionals. South of Roland Park and on the opposite side of the Hopkins campus from Charles Village, Hampden has enjoyed a renaissance fueled by young people and artists. 36th Street (“The Avenue”) is the centerpiece of the neighborhood, where residents come together for their daily coffee, groceries, carry-out, and restaurants. All three areas are an easy drive through the city to both University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins medical campuses.
Fells Point—Long known for its cobblestoned bar scene, Fells Point has grown to include boutiques, restaurants, and quaint streets lined with rehabilitated rowhomes. The result is one of the hippest places to live in the city.
Canton/Highlandtown—When they ran out of waterfront in Fells Point, they looked to Canton. Anchored by the shops, restaurants, and bars of historic Canton Square, and subsequently added to by a modern shopping center, Canton is quite the desirable area. Folks of all ages come for the wide array of rowhomes, new and old. Rooftop decks with water views abound. And as Canton saw its rebirth, those looking for the next hotspot continued east into Highlandtown, where renovations abound and younger buyers find their homes.
Cross Keys/Mount Washington—Mount Washington has long been known as a hip spot. Nestled near I-83 (but insulated from it with no direct access) this neighborhood boasts a wonderful array of detached homes, punctuated by apartments, condominiums, and rowhomes. Just to the south, Cross Keys is a gated community with shops, restaurants, and professional offices. The condos of Cross Keys are occupied by students of nearby Loyola, Notre Dame, Towson, and Johns Hopkins universities, as well as professionals of all stripes. Also convenient to I-83, the drive downtown takes mere minutes.
Patterson Park/Butcher’s Hill—North of Canton and Fells Point lays Patterson Park. Renovations began in the homes surrounding the park and have worked their way outwards consistently to expand and improve the area. These renovations have pushed east into Highlandtown and west into Butcher’s Hill. Still an “up and coming” neighborhood, Butcher’s Hill is quite close to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Overlea/Hamilton—Straddling the city and county line in northeast Baltimore is Overlea, a neighborhood largely made up of older, detached homes. Many have been renovated and rehabbed, and many more are in move-in, as-is condition. This neighborhood tends to be relatively quiet, with one-way streets snaking between the homes. Hamilton is just to the southwest, with more of a mix of detached homes and rowhomes. Both areas are in the Belair Road/Harford Road corridor with easy access to Northern Parkway, the Baltimore Beltway, and I-95.
Reservoir Hill—Reservoir Hill has seen a lot of activity as the city has partnered with real estate investors to revitalize the area. Consisting mostly of some of the largest rowhomes in the city, the area closest to Druid Hill Park has seen the most interest and the largest transition.
The Suburbs—North
Towson—This popular suburb at the intersection of York Road and the Baltimore Beltway is the home of Towson University. A much sought-after area, it consists of rowhomes, townhomes, detached homes, and condominiums of all shapes and sizes. Most of the homes in the area are somewhat older, but the neighborhoods have kept their charm. Many people are drawn to the area’s shopping and restaurants, but it also houses many county government buildings.
Lutherville/Timonium/Cockeysville—Popular for its proximity to I-83 and easy access into Baltimore City, the York Road corridor of Lutherville/Timonium and Cockeysville has possibilities for those looking to find apartment space as well as those looking for single family homes. The established, stable neighborhoods attract young families, while many singles (including a healthy population of students) seek out the apartments.
Rodgers Forge—A short trip up Charles Street just minutes over the Baltimore City/County line and you will find Rodgers Forge. Primarily built in the 1950s (although many have been recently renovated and updated), Rogers Forge features mostly all-brick townhomes. Some of these townhomes are quite large, especially considering the time they were originally built. This area has become very desirable for its close proximity to Towson, Loyola, Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins Universities. It’s also a short trip down nearby I-83 or Charles Street to the heart of the city, often taking less than 15 minutes. The neighborhood has attracted many professional people and students seeking a suburban feel inside the beltway with an easy drive to work, school, and fun.
Parkville/Carney/Perry Hall/Nottingham—Moving around the top of the beltway from west to east, these areas offer ample opportunities for rowhomes and townhomes, as well as detached homes and condominiums spanning a wide range of ages and prices. More convenient to the east side of the city, it is a short drive to I-95 as it cuts through the city.
The Suburbs—South
Arbutus/Halethorpe—Where Baltimore City meets Baltimore County, Arbutus and Halethorpe consist mainly of older homes, many of which are quaint, well-kept detached homes with modest yards. Many younger buyers are attracted to the largely stable neighborhoods and some of the most reasonably-priced homes in the area.
Glen Burnie—While most Baltimore area natives think of the Ritchie Highway corridor just south of the Baltimore beltway, Glen Burnie actually covers a larger area with quite a range of opportunities. Bargain hunters often search the single-family homes just to the
East of BWI airport, while those looking for quiet and calm look farther to the south. Modern condominiums pepper the area and provide moderately-priced alternatives.
Ellicott City/Columbia—One of the region’s most popular suburban areas, Columbia is known for its well-planned, open layout and its convenience to both Baltimore and Washington, DC. Neighboring Ellicott City is a mix of old and new, with downtown Ellicott City being home to restaurants, antique shops, boutiques and 1800s-era homes. The newer areas are home to modern designs of all styles, often priced at a premium. The Howard County schools are in high demand.
The Suburbs—West
Reisterstown—A farming community that has grown up; there are opportunities for lower-priced properties mixed with modern designs. Reisterstown Road, the main strip, runs parallel to I-795. This is the most convenient way to the Baltimore beltway.
Pikesville— Along the Reisterstown Road corridor near the Baltimore beltway, Pikesville “hangs together” more than many other areas. With many long-time residents, the area boasts a number of fantastic neighborhoods of well-cared-for homes. Investors have also taken a liking to the area and offer townhome and condominium rentals.
Owings Mills—Owings Mills had been a farming suburb, which grew up along Reisterstown Road between Pikesville and Reisterstown. It features Owings Mills Mall and the final stop on the Baltimore Metro, which runs into Baltimore (with a stop convenient to University of Maryland at Baltimore) and stops practically at the front steps of Johns Hopkins University Medical Center. Owings Mills New Town, a planned community nestled up against the Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area, sprang up in the early 1990s and is home to a wide range of people—couples, families, singles of all types. Most of the homes are less than 15 years old and include detached homes, townhomes, and condominiums surrounding the New Town Shopping Center. Corporate and private landlords also make all types of homes available for rental.
Randallstown—Along Liberty Road, stretching from the Baltimore Beltway out towards the Carroll County line, Randallstown is an older community peppered with new construction. It has become popular for its convenience to the beltway and its reasonable pricing.
Windsor Mill/Woodlawn—Just to the south of Randallstown are the Woodlawn and Windsor Mill areas. Home to the Social Security Administration, Woodlawn sits between the Baltimore beltway and the Baltimore City line. An older community, the home prices tend to be more attractive to first-time buyers. Nearby Security Square Mall provides ample retail shopping. Travel Security Boulevard just outside the beltway and you will find yourself in Windsor Mill, a new community reminiscent of Owings Mills New Town. Modern detached homes, townhomes and condominiums offer opportunities to those looking for convenience to Baltimore but with a somewhat lower price tag than Owings Mills New Town.
Catonsville—The corridor created by Route 40 and Frederick Road as they move from Howard County to Baltimore County, Catonsville has a lot of options. Some areas feature out-of-the-way privacy with convenience to main roads, while others sit among the hustle and bustle of downtown Catonsville. Some of the best opportunities lie just inside the Baltimore beltway, while still west of the Baltimore City line. Being farther south than Windsor Mill and Woodlawn, travel time to downtown Baltimore is cut by several minutes depending on proximity to the beltway.
The Suburbs—East
Essex/Dundalk/Rosedale—Long the blue-collar heart and soul of the steel mills, shipping yards, automotive plants and rail yards, the east side of Baltimore County has been rediscovered by those looking for convenience to jobs in the city but not the prices found on the west side. Rowhomes are the central feature of the area, but there are also many neighborhoods of older detached homes with yards and modern amenities. There are also many opportunities for water-oriented homes along the tributaries snaking their way to the Bay.
This is just a basic list of many of the most popular areas in the greater Baltimore area. I would be happy to provide a personalized recommendation based on your specific needs and help you find the right home in the right location for the right price. We at the Yaffe Team look forward to earning your business.
