Charm City is more than just its famous harbor—it’s historic Baltimore neighborhoods with iconic row houses, revitalized areas with warehouse lofts, districts with charming brick roads, and plenty of other reasons that will make you want to move here. Not sure which Baltimore neighborhood you should call home? Here are our picks for the 7 best Baltimore neighborhoods.
The 7 best neighborhoods in Baltimore
1. Federal Hill
Young professionals, singles, and newlyweds nest in the renovated 19th-century brick row houses of Federal Hill. This lively, tightly knit urban community is also home to a multitude of bars and restaurants. At the heart of historic South Baltimore is the newly overhauled Cross Street Market, offering fresh meats, produce, flowers, and baked goods. The historic marketplace was built in the 19th century and runs the full length of Cross Street in between Light Street and Charles Street. Location, location, location: Fed Hill is within walking distance of the Inner Harbor and Downtown Baltimore, which makes it easy to walk to work or to a pro-sporting event. It’s not hard to see why we picked it as one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods.
Popular points of interest in Federal Hill
2. Fells Point/Harbor East
Baltimore’s newest (and one of its finest) destinations, Harbor East, is just a short walk away from the centerpiece of downtown, the world-famous Inner Harbor, and next-door neighbors with Fells Point, home to some of the city’s best bars. The beautiful waterfront near the Baltimore Convention Center and the stadium complex is smattered with hotels, restaurants, shops. It’s also home to attractions like the USS Constellation, the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, and Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, and Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fells Point has plenty of things for the 21+ crowd to do, and its location along the water makes everything a bit more scenic. Perhaps best of all, Fells Point and Harbor East are both neighbors with Baltimore’s Little Italy, so you’re never too far from some homemade pasta and wine.
Popular points of interest in Fells Point/ Harbor East
- Thames Street Oyster House– Traditional mid-Atlantic seafood
- The Point In Fells – Comfort food eats, in a casual environment
- Blue Moon Cafe – Breakfast food served in a bright, funky atmosphere
3. Canton
Once bustling with industrial waterfront activity, Canton became a ghost town when the local rust belt industry dried up. But in the past 15 years, this area just east of downtown has seen an unprecedented urban renewal as yuppies, retirees, divorcees, and young, professional urbanites move into its luxury harborfront condos and brick and formstone row houses. Factories have been turned into condos, art studios, offices, restaurants, and stores. Canton Square is the heart of the ‘hood–eclectic restaurants, watering holes, and shops dot O’Donnell Street. Nearby, you’ll find Patterson Park (once the country’s largest urban park), Canton Waterfront Park, Greektown, Butcher’s Hill, and “ha!”, the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District.
Popular points of interest in Canton
- Bo Brooks Crabhouse & Tiki Bar – Mom-&-pop waterfront spot with outdoor tiki bar and fresh seafood
- Looney’s Pub Canton – Irish-style bar & grill
- Claddagh Pub – Baltimore’s origins Irish soccer pub
4. Brooklyn
A true community feeling mixed with easy access to the freeways and the tourist traps in the Inner Harbor, Brooklyn is a great neighborhood to call home. Along Potee Street is where you’ll find all your restaurants, shops, and conveniences. The neighborhood features two massive parks—Farring-Baybrook Recreation Center and Arundel Village Park—that collectively boast athletic fields, murals, dance classes, and open space trails. It’s nestled along the Patapsco River, so there are water views, too. Believe us when we say it’s one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods.
Popular points of interest in Brooklyn
- Chesapeake Arts Center – A destination for cultural classes, art, and theater
- The Hanover – Amazing barbecue and vibes
- Diablo Doughnuts – Doughnuts described as “sinfully delicious”
5. Hampden
Hey, hon! Blue-collar Bawlmer meets hipster kitsch in Hampden, where mills have been converted into everything from living quarters and art studios, to galleries and restaurants. Are you sensing a theme yet? Otherwise, there’s (surprise!) more row houses and a modicum of Victorian abodes. Hampden’s main thoroughfare centers on 36th Street–“The Avenue,” with its cool shops, hidden gems, and offbeat restaurants and cafés. There’s easy access to the Light Rail whenever you feel the need to transit up to downtown. Arguably, the coolest part about Hampden is that John Waters’ shot his films like ‘Cry-Baby’ and ‘Hairspray’ in the area. Heads up–everyone calls each other “hon”–so much so that the ‘hood hosts an annual street fair called HONfest that celebrates the Baltimore lifestyle and stereotype. It also hosts Miracle on 34th Street, a holiday lights extravaganza that can be seen from space!
Popular points of interest in Hampden
- Cafe Hon – Campy American diner with gift shop for all your “hon” souvenirs
- Rocket to Venus – Retro, sci fi restaurant that’s known for their wings
- The Food Market – Comfort food created by award-winning chef Chad Gauss
6. Charles Village
Anything goes in the ethnically and racially diverse neighborhood of Charles Village. Students, families, recent graduates, blue-collar residents, hipster couples, immigrants, and retired folks dwell in vibrant “painted-ladies”-esque Victorian row houses, mixed in with high rises and (you guessed it!) warehouse lofts. This ‘hood has a small college town feel with a bohemian and urban twist. Plus, it’s close to Baltimore’s intellectual center, Johns Hopkins University, and the city’s cultural gem, the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Popular points of interest in Charles Village
- The Charles Theatre – An arthouse multiplex and the oldest theater in Baltimore
- Taste This – A modern take on classic Southern cuisine
- The PaperMoon Diner – Funky diner serving breakfast, burgers, and vegetarian options
7. Mt. Washington
Suburban quiet meets urban vitality in the peaceful area known as Mt. Washington. Here, individuals, couples, families, and empty-nesters abide in small bungalow homes, large Victorian houses, and garden apartments. Residents of this Baltimore neighborhood are invested in the community and aren’t going anywhere any time soon. The hub of the ‘hood is the historic Mt. Washington Village, featuring boutiques, antique stores, cozy eateries, and salons. Nowadays, the Light Rail has replaced the streetcar this community was built around. It’s close to Cylburn Arboretum’s mansion and landscaped gardens as well as Mt. Washington Arboretum’s native flora. Plus, Lake Roland Park is a quick jaunt north.
Popular points of interest near Mt. Washington
- Mt. Washington Tavern – American fare with a Chesapeake Bay theme
- Ethel’s Creole Kitchen – The best creole cuisine featuring jambalaya and gumbo, with regional specials
- The Walters Art Museum– A museum campus with five historic buildings and 36,000 art objects
Fun facts about Baltimore
- Baltimore is home to Edgar Allan Poe’s burial grounds.
- The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is where the flag that inspired the national anthem was crafted.
- Fort McHenry is the birthplace of the national anthem, when the fort was defending the Baltimore Harbor during the war of 1812.
- Second only to Ellis Island, the Port of Baltimore was the second largest point of immigration in the US.
- The Baltimore brewing company, The National Bohemian, invented the six pack. The company was later purchased by Pabst Brewing Company.
Moral of the story: Baltimore is historic and charming. Baltimore is a wonderful place to live and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American history. Living in Baltimore also means having access to some of the best destinations for eats, drinks, and entertainment. Consider one of these top Baltimore neighborhoods as you plan your move.
Will your next apartment be a classic rowhouse or a trendy warehouse? The choice is yours in Baltimore!
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