Best Baltimore Neighborhoods: Charm City’s Finest, from Bayfront Views to Backyard Bliss

Interested in moving to Charm City? That’s not surprising! You’ll be able to take your pick of gorgeous harbor views, tasty eats that go way beyond the city’s famous crabs, and a whole lot of history available in many of the best Baltimore neighborhoods. But those are only a few things that draw people to one of Maryland’s biggest cities. Baltimore may have been around since the 1700s, but she’s got a strong heart, vibrant culture, friendly people, and lots of fun things to do. Arts, history, nightlife, shopping, and green space — it’s all here, in droves. So for many, moving to this charmer is an easy decision. 

Now comes the hard part: Deciding where to live. Luckily, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re a nearby resident thinking about living in Baltimore or making a move cross-country, this breakdown of our favorite Baltimore neighborhoods will give you a good overview of some of the best places to live in Baltimore. Just don’t be surprised if it makes you even more pumped for your move. 

Simple Baltimore Neighborhoods Map

If you’re wondering about the best neighborhoods in Baltimore, you have over 250 to choose from.

7 Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore 

It’s important to note that Baltimore boasts over 250 neighborhoods. More neighborhoods to choose from means more options to consider, so we’re here to give you a head start with the deets on some of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore to live (in our humble opinion). So, whether you’re hoping to make a home in one of the city’s characteristic row houses, a luxury townhouse, a brand new apartment building, or a historic home, you’ll have plenty of Baltimore neighborhoods to choose from. 

For each area, we’ll take a look at what the neighborhood has to offer in terms of types of housing, cost, overall vibe, neighbors, quality of schools, and popular things to do — all so you can weigh it against your own personal wishes and set of priorities on your Baltimore neighborhoods list.

Here are some helpful stats on Baltimore home and rental prices to reference as we cover each neighborhood. 

• RentCafe puts the average rent in Baltimore at around $1,650 a month.
• Zillow puts the average home value in Baltimore at around $190,700.

Located in Central Baltimore directly north of Downtown, Mount Vernon is full of things to do, historic charm, modern conveniences, walkability, culture, and easy commutes.

2. Hampden

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $306,800
• Great for: Outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Looking for an artsy, hip spot to call home? Fast-track Hampden to the top of your list. Located in North Baltimore between the Jones Falls Expressway and Wyman Park, this neighborhood is filled with young hipsters and longtime residents alike. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, making it easy to meet people. The main artery runs along W 36th Street, where you’ll find a lively restaurant and bar scene, cool independent shops, and people who like to stay out late. (Some local favorites include The Bluebird Cocktail Room, indie hotspot Atomic Books, and ice cream destination The Charmery.) 

Another Hampden perk? The neighborhood hosts some of the city’s best festivals, such as HONfest and Hampdenfest. Plus, you don’t need a car — this favorite among the best Baltimore neighborhoods has great walkability, several bus stops, and access to a Light Rail station within 15 minutes on foot. 

With all that in mind, it’s not surprising that home values in Hampden are on the rise. According to Zillow, average home values in the area — predominantly consisting of row houses and townhomes — are valued at around $306,800 (a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year on top of a dramatic multiyear rise). RentCafe lists average Hampden rent for a one-bedroom apartment at around $1,775.

As for the schools in Hampden, while Niche gives the neighborhood’s 60 public schools an overall C rating, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore School for the Arts, and Baltimore City College rank among the top 100 best public high schools in Maryland. 

Canton is one of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore, thanks to its waterfront location, great walkability, and spectacular seafood options.
(Source: Devonshire via Unsplash)

3. Canton

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,200
• Average home value: $367,700
• Great for: Housing, families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Located in Southeast Baltimore, Canton’s wide range of residents, things to do, and small-town community vibe make it one of Baltimore’s most popular neighborhoods. Folks here are more than happy to take advantage of the waterfront location, access to parks, good walkability, and spectacular seafood offerings. (Even if you don’t end up living in Canton, come here to get your sweet and salty crab fix at the Oprah-approved favorite Captain James Seafood Palace.) 

Canton Square is the walkable heart of the neighborhood, where you’ll find most of the area’s restaurants, shops, and cafés. Skirting the south side of Patterson Park, this family-friendly neighborhood is home to Canton Waterfront Park as well as one of the city’s top schools, Hampstead Hill Academy, a public charter school for pre-K through 8th grade. 

Expect a mix of traditional Formstone and brick row houses, waterfront condos, apartments, and townhomes that sport an average home value close to $367,700. Planning to rent? At around $2,200 per month, average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canton is higher than the city average but lower than you’ll find in the adjacent neighborhood of Fells Point. 

4. Mid-Town Belvedere

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $160,600
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, nightlife, history, diversity

Named for the Belvedere Hotel, the historic Beaux Arts gem at the heart of this intown neighborhood, Mid-Town Belvedere is an ideal option for culture lovers. Theaters, galleries, and concert venues are plentiful here. And with housing mostly comprising rentals and condominiums (including the now-converted namesake hotel), the district is popular with young professionals and students from the nearby University of Baltimore. 

Dining ranges from the city’s signature seafood destinations to truly global cuisine, from upscale French dishes at Marie Louise Bistro, to Ethiopian dishes at Dukem Restaurant and, tucked away in the elegant Ivy Hotel, Magdalena Maryland Bistro.

Green space is somewhat limited in this urban neighborhood, but residents can find small treasures like Pearlstone Park, a two-acre work of art in its own right, adjacent to the Maryland Institute College of Arts. Weekend day trips are easy with the Maryland Zoo, Mount Vernon Children’s Park (try the hedge maze!), and Druid Hill Park, a 745-acre landmark just a quick bike ride away.     

Looking for the best neighborhoods in Baltimore? Look no further than Fells Point, a historic neighborhood popular with singles, professionals, and young families.

5. Fells Point

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,575
• Average home value: $333,300
• Great for: Outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

Love history? Point your compass toward Fells Point, a historic neighborhood popular with singles, professionals, and young families. Established in 1763, it’s one of the city’s oldest areas, boasting more than 300 buildings on the National Historic Register (including The Robert Long House, Baltimore’s oldest standing residence). Colorful, historic row houses populate Fells Point, and many now house neighborhood shops, restaurants, pubs, and taverns. 

Most homes here are old — like 18th- and 19th-century old — at least on the outside; it’s part of the neighborhood’s historic appeal. Inside, many have undergone remodeling to feature modern looks and amenities. Newer-built apartments and luxury townhomes are also available. The average home value is around $333,300. Rent averages around $2,575 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, as well — some of the highest in the city. 

With a walk score of 96 and available bus transportation, Fells Point offers the opportunity for residents to get around without relying on a car. And there is plenty to do here, including walking tours, visits to the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum, or chowing down at the Thames Street Oyster House. You can even grab a drink with the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe at the Horse You Came In On Saloon, Baltimore’s oldest pub and a hotspot for live music.

6. Tuscany-Canterbury

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $253,700
• Great for: Families, housing, outdoor activities, nightlife, history, diversity

This National Historic District is a quiet, peaceful enclave of winding streets and shaded yards, just north of the Homewood campus of Johns Hopkins University and a quick drive to the vibrant hub of Charles Street (another hotspot in one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods). Housing ranges from elegant estates to the 1960s-era Highfield House condominium, a mid-century modern icon designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. Longtime locals covet Tuscany-Canterbury for its historic charm and character — a neighborhood that lives up to its name with a welcoming European vibe. 

Although you won’t find many restaurants here, the neighborhood isn’t completely bereft of cuisine. The Ambassador Dining Room, in the (you guessed it) historic Ambassador Condominium, dishes up delicious Indian classics for lunch and weekend brunch. Locals love dining on the patio in the spring. Stop by the nearby Kanom Cafe for coffee and a croissant, or maybe a light lunch of salad and a sandwich. 

As for parks and recreation, the wooded Stony Run Trail is a popular 3-mile route for tranquil walks under the trees. For more lively pursuits, try Wyman Park, an 88-acre preserve bounded by the Stony Run stream and a walking path that was once the track for the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. Sports fields are filled with soccer, baseball, and other teams in the warmer months. 

Federal Hill is one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods for walking around, with an impressive walk score of 96. Be sure to check out the variety of homes, from historic brick row houses to luxury condos and newly built apartments.

7. Federal Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $335,400
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute

This small but sweet neighborhood, just six minutes south of Downtown Baltimore is a local fan favorite for its excellent Inner Harbor views, great shopping, eclectic restaurants, cobblestone sidewalks, and beautiful historic buildings. Boasting a walk score of 96, Federal Hill is one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods for people who want to pump their legs. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s close to the waterfront. 

Homes here run the gamut from historic brick row houses to luxury condos and newly built apartments. If you’re buying a historic home, consider one that’s already renovated. Be aware, though, that the neighborhood’s designation as a federal historic district translates to a lot of rules and restrictions in the name of building preservation. 

And although Federal Hill is said to have some of Baltimore’s best shopping, there’s truly so much more to do here. Popular spots include the American Visionary Art Museum, a unique outdoor museum focusing on self-taught art; Cross Street Market, a collection of local vendors from eateries to boutiques to florists; green space at Federal Hill Park; and waterfront activities at Rash Field — to name just a few.

FAQs — Best Baltimore Neighborhoods 

Once you’ve decided which of these Baltimore neighborhoods is right for you, call on PODS to help make your move a flexible one.

Planning Your Move to One of the Best Baltimore Neighborhoods

Whether you’re embarking on a long-distance move or a local moving adventure, early planning and flexibility will be your two best friends. Consider PODS your third. As your personal moving and storage team, PODS is here for it all — before, during, and after your move. No two moves are the same, and that’s why PODS designs a move that works for you. You can make your move more flexible with PODS portable moving containers, with scheduling for delivery and pickup on your terms. And with PODS’ customized service, it’s easy to change dates, opt in for storage, and move to one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods at your own pace. 

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Alex Keight is a frequent contributor to the PODS Blog who has moved 20+ times because she loves to experience new places.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.