14 Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore conjures up images of the Inner Harbor lined with seafood restaurants and delicious steamed crabs. The city grew from a sleepy town to a metropolitan epicenter with boutique hotels, trendy neighborhoods, street markets, and festivals. Baltimore is also rich in history and culture. Fort McHenry is the birthplace of the American national anthem written during the War of 1812. The city is also home to the last Civil War vessel afloat, the USS Constellation.

Not sure where to start your apartment search? Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore, whether you want to live in a trendy community or a quiet enclave.

1. Woodberry

The quiet neighborhood of Woodberry attracts locals looking for residential living along a historical backdrop. Homes date back to the 1880s, though there are plenty of new townhouses and apartment buildings as well. The area is also home to former mill buildings turned studios, condos, and apartments. Druid Hills Park attracts locals looking for green space and the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Bikers, walkers, and residents can be found moving along the Jones Falls Bike Path.

You don't need to commute to Downtown Baltimore to indulge in the local dining scene. Woodberry Kitchen and La Cuchara are celebrated for their inventive and upscale dishes and cocktails.

2. Glenham-Belford

The neighborhood of Glenham-Belford is situated in Northeast Baltimore. The community is named for the business corridors of Belair Road and Harford Road. Families and young professionals settle in for quiet living with tree-lined streets and a suburban feel. You're just minutes from nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Local dining options include Hamilton Tavern, a local hangout for innovative pub food and cold beer. The nostalgic Lost in the 50's Diner offers casual dining with a retro feel.

3. Cherry Hill

The working-class neighborhood of Cherry Hill, Baltimore, is situated in the southernmost area of the city. It's convenient to BWI Airport, public transportation, and bike and scooter share options. Cherry Hill is close to Downtown Baltimore and is a kid-friendly community. Best of all, with close proximity to the waterfront, it offers some dazzling views.

Head to Middle Branch Park for 150 acres of waterfront recreation. Residents bring picnics and enjoy skyline views and walking paths. You can also fish from designated piers. A handful of casual dining options are available around Cherry Hill. Chris Chicken and Trout is a popular option for fried chicken, fish, and the local favorite, shrimp cheesecake.

4. Brooklyn

Brooklyn is situated in south Baltimore near the Inner Harbor. Convenient highway access makes commuting to work and other attractions easy. You’re also not far from the sightseeing hub of Inner Harbor. Locals and visitors explore the Maryland Science center and planetarium, National Aquarium, and sweeping views of the city from The Top of the World Observation Level. It's also a hot spot for bars, eateries, and live music.

5. Riverside

Riverside is a famous Baltimore neighborhood attracting renters looking for row houses and modern apartment buildings. The area lies south of Federal Hill and is centered around the namesake Riverside Park. Locals enjoy 17 acres of a public park with lookout views of the South Baltimore peninsula and the sparkling Patapsco River.

Young professionals call Riverside home and enjoy walking to restaurants, shopping, and pubs. You can skip the car and live, work, and play in Riverside with the help of public transportation and rideshares. Stop by Bookmakers Cocktail Club and Blue Agave Restaurant for some of the best dining in the neighborhood. Attractions around Riverside include the Baltimore Museum of Industry and Federal Hill Park.

6. Fells Point

The historic Fells Point neighborhood boasts 300 buildings on the National Historic Register. This Baltimore neighborhood is also home to the oldest standing residence in Baltimore City, the Robert Long House. You can tour the property by reservation and learn more about the history of Fells Point and the greater Baltimore area.

Fells Point attracts young professionals looking for hip pubs, taverns, seafood, and live music. Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters are popular staples among neighborhood restaurants and eateries. You'll also find plenty of galleries, boutiques, and harbor views. Notable attractions around Fells Point include the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum exploring African-American natural history.

7. Canton

Canton, Baltimore is among the city's trendiest neighborhoods. Locals enjoy walking to gastropubs, pastry shops, and lively seafood restaurants. A waterside promenade runs near Canton Waterfront Park and the Korean War Memorial. Crab shacks, oyster bars, and eateries attract crowds for waterside strolls and annual festivals. The annual Canton Waterfront Park showcases the city's favorite restaurants and signature seafood dishes.

Development in Canton is booming with row houses, new-construction apartment buildings, townhomes, and waterfront condos. Waterfront living drives up the cost of your rent, though the trade-off may be worth the expense. During the summer months, live concerts are plentiful around Canton, as well as outdoor community fitness centers.

8. Frankford

Frankford is situated in northeastern Baltimore near the Beltway. Residents have a quick commute to Downtown Baltimore for shopping, recreation, and dining. Development in the area includes new construction townhomes, mid-century row houses, and apartment complexes. Frankford is also home to an array of ethnic eateries and dining options. Laurels Tropical Cuisine offers Jamaican dishes, while Mount Everest Restaurant serves up Nepalese cuisine.

9. Charles Village

Charles Village is situated in north-central Baltimore near Johns Hopkins University. This Baltimore neighborhood is popular with college students looking to relax after class in low-key pubs and casual eateries. Choices include Ottobar and Charmington's, not to mention the vast array of coffee shops. It's common to see university students and staff lounging at Wyman Park Dell or exploring the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Architecture lovers feel right at home in Charles Village. Housing options range from eclectic to old-fashioned, with front porches and stained glass windows. The neighborhood is very walkable and easy to get around. Spend the weekends bar hopping and enjoying architecture before heading out to connect with the rest of Baltimore.

10. Grove Park

The quiet neighborhood of Grove Park attracts locals looking for residential living without leaving the city. Renters have their choice of apartments, homes for rent, and greenspace. The area is attractive to young professionals and families looking for quick access to the city without compromising the space, peace, and quiet they're looking for.

11. North Harford Road

The Baltimore neighborhood of North Harford Road offers a suburban vibe. Apartments and duplexes can be found near shopping and dining along Hartford Road. Streets are walkable and easy to navigate, although you'll need a car to make the most out of living in Baltimore. Locals aren't far from Double Rock Park and the tranquil Parkwood Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Dining options around North Harford Road include Giovanna's Italian Kitchen with traditional pies, Sicilian Pizzas, and pizzas by the slice. Over at Love Joy's Market, specials include Grilled Beer Brats & Kraut, Old Bay Baked Cod, and Blackened Catfish.

12. Hampden

The Baltimore neighborhood of Hampden was built around the Jones Falls mills, which once housed the city’s local millworkers. During the 1990s, artists and musicians began to move into the area, transforming the fabric of the community. Today, 36th Street attracts locals looking for craft brews, hip boutiques, vintage stores, and dining options.

Hampden is also home to unique annual events. In June, women dress up in "Hon" regalia to honor their unique neighborhood. It's a term of endearment that's short for "honey." The Avenue, or 36th Street, fills with crowds looking for live music, drinks, and parades.

13. Fifteenth Street

The Fifteenth Street area of Baltimore is situated near Greektown and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. This quiet, residential neighborhood offers a laid-back lifestyle with few urban amenities. Most locals hop on I-895 to reach the rest of Baltimore or commute to nearby areas for dining and shopping.

14. Brewer's Hill

Brewer's Hill, Baltimore, is situated in the Southeast District of the city. The neighborhood was named for two previously operating landmark breweries, including National Brewery and the Gunther Brewery. Rowhouses, new construction apartment complexes, and luxury townhomes can be found in the area. Canton Crossing is the central hub for shopping, restaurants, and bars.

Restaurant and bar options include Bill Hill Tavern for intimate dining and cold brews. For cocktails, locals enjoy Gunther & Co. and Knotty Pine for affordable drinks and bar food.

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