Thinking about buying a home in Baltimore? Charm City is a scenic, historic city with a balanced real estate market and homes consistently gaining value over time. Check out these five best Baltimore neighborhoods to buy a home!
| Neighborhood | Canton | Hampden | Locust Point | Mount Washington | Roland Park |
| Median Home Price | $606,972 | $295,673 | $657,054 | $399,353 | $580,728 |
| Safer than % of Baltimore Neighborhoods | 0% | 57% | 91% | 81% | 96% |
| Owner-Occupied Home Rate | 65.1% | 53.5% | 64.3% | 66.3% | 59.3% |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.0% | 6.3% | 2.0% | 2.6% | 2.1% |
Canton
- Home Price: $606,972 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Canton is a quaint, highly walkable place to buy a home on Baltimore’s harbor. Nestled against the Patapsco River, the real estate is unique and perfect for homebuyers seeking historical properties with a balance of greenery and waterfront spaces without sacrificing access to modern city living. Homes for sale in Canton mostly consist of brick rowhouses, but you’ll also find contemporary condos along the river. Active young professionals and families will enjoy the neighborhood’s bustling waterfront shopping areas and community events like the Canton WTMD’s First Thursday Festivals. In addition to waterfront views, delicious seafood, and a variety of things to do, Canton also boasts practical amenities, including the presence of great Baltimore schools such as Hampstead Hill Academy.
Things to Do in Canton
Go fishing off the pier, visit the Korean War Memorial, or take a walk on the trail at Canton Waterfront Park. See more than 20 unique art exhibitions throughout the year or attend a live music performance at Creative Alliance. Stroll through O’Donnell Square Park—which is surrounded by some of Canton’s best shops, bars, and restaurants—or take your pup on a play-date at Canton Dog Park. Attend community events like the Open Air Market at Canco, where you can shop for fresh flowers, handmade goods, and more. Savor delicious seafood like Pineapple Blue Crab Fried Rice or Captain’s Crab Cake Sandwich from the city’s renowned boat-shaped restaurant, Captain James Seafood Palace. Split a Canton Vegelicious Pizza, have a Hamburger Sub to yourself, or order desserts like Oreo Cheesecake and Baklava at Canton Pizza and Deli. Visit the Oyster Bar for a weekend brunch or attend Fried Chicken Sundays at Gunther & Co. Or chow down on a To Peach Their Own Burger, Alabama Slamma Chicken Sandwich, or Pad Thai, and pair your meal with discounted drinks during Happy Hour at of Love & Regret.
Hampden
- Home Price: $295,673 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Colorful properties and a quirky vibe make Hampden an attractive, unique place to buy a home in Baltimore—homebuyers moving to this bohemian neighborhood can choose from a variety of affordable townhomes and rowhouses. Residents enjoy the area’s community gardens, recreational parks with skating facilities, and abundance of colorful murals. This highly walkable neighborhood also has plenty of local events, like the fun-filled Hampdenfest and the annual Christmas lights extravaganza, Miracle on 34th Street. Hampden is excellent for families and retirees, as well as young families and recent graduates looking to settle down in a budget-friendly area. Indie galleries and trendy cocktail bars attract an artsy crowd, while families moving to this Baltimore neighborhood can appreciate the presence of high-quality schools like Hampden Elementary School. Plus, Johns Hopkins University—America’s first research university—is within walking distance, making Hampden a great option for students who don’t want a long commute.
Things to Do in Hampden
Drop into the halfpipe or practice your kickflips at Skatepark of Baltimore. Buy books, gifts, and more, or check out the John Waters Collection—work from the noted filmmaker and Baltimore native—at Atomic Books. Browse unique furniture and home goods, or sip on a latte in the coffee shop at good neighbor. Connect with other movie lovers at Warehouse Cinemas, where classic films come to life alongside a wide range of special events like Mystery Movie Night and sensory-friendly showtimes. Check out a popular Hampden, Baltimore restaurant and savor Middleneck Clams, Mussels & Pearl Couscous, and Butterflied Rainbow Trout at Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, featured in the film The Baltimorons. Order the Chesapeake Benny, Breakfast Burger, or Steak Tacos for brunch at Wicked Sisters. Get your pasta fix with plates like Cajun Shrimp Pasta and Jamaican Rasta Pasta, or try an authentic Jamaican-style Jerk Chicken at Chef BobbyD. Or crack open a Mallet American Lager, Black Currant Old Fashioned, or any of the other draft beers at Nepenthe Brewing Co.
Locust Point
- Home Price: $657,054 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Locust Point is a peninsula neighborhood in Southern Baltimore with a quiet yet urban feel and real estate market full of striking brick townhomes and rowhouses. Many of these rowhomes are some of the oldest properties in Baltimore, but Locust Point’s restaurants, bars, and shops help balance the historical vibe with modern conveniences. Other historic features of the neighborhood include the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and the Domino Sugar Refinery, a major local employer whose massive neon sign is a local landmark. In addition to a rich history, homebuyers settling down in Locust Point will be glad to know that properties there have steadily grown in value over time, which gives homeowners a chance to capitalize on their investment if they choose to sell in the future. This, along with the presence of high-quality neighborhood schools like Francis Scott Key Elementary Middle School, make buying a home in Locust Point a great option for families living in Baltimore.
Things to Do in Locust Point
Listen to live music, try traditional Kruschiki cookies, and browse through vendors and activities at the Locust Point Festival. Bring your four-legged friend to play and run free at Locust Point Dog Park in Latrobe Park. Visit the Battle of Baltimore site—which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to America’s national anthem—and sign your kids up for educational events at Fort McHenry. Learn about Baltimore’s diverse roots and see stories of local immigrants who helped shape the city at the Baltimore Immigration Museum. Get coffee and breakfast sandwiches in the morning or tapas, wine, and craft beer in the evening at Bodega & Vino, a charming community gathering place. Enjoy some of the best seafood in Baltimore, with menu staples like Lobster Tail, Fish & Chips, and Hush Puppies at Locust Point Steamers. Spice things up with the Chicken Curry, Shrimp Vindaloo, or other Himalayan entrees from The Himalayan House. Or savor delicious Greek dishes like Sliced Gyro, Grilled Souvlaki Skewers, or Veggie Dolmades from Samos Greek Island Grill.
Mount Washington
- Home Price: $399,353 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Mount Washington is a peaceful area known for its Colonial-style homes, spacious yards, countless trees, and convenient location less than 15 minutes from Downtown Baltimore. Clearly-marked pedestrian walkways showcase the community’s resident-first, family-focused values, as does the presence of highly-rated local schools like The Mount Washington School, The Bryn Mawr School, and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Commuters can easily access other parts of the city via I-83 and the MTA Light RailLink, while local medical professionals can work at nearby Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital or Sinai Hospital. And with plenty of retail options, plus outdoor recreation at nearby parks, Baltimore community gardens, and the Jones Falls Trail, Mount Washington has something for everyone!
Things to Do in Mount Washington
Check out everything from family movie nights to gardening workshops at the Mount Washington Arboretum. Search for your next read or attend author events at The Ivy Bookshop. Play tennis, rollerskate, or walk your dog at Irvin Luckman Park—or get a family membership to access a private swimming pool, basketball court, volleyball court, and more at Mount Washington Swim Club. Attend Oktoberfest, join a virtual studio artist tour, or create your own art at Baltimore Clayworks. Wake up with a breakfast of Avocado Toast, Buttermilk Pancakes, or the Skinny Egg Sandwich at The Corner Pantry. Order Cajun Creole dishes like Authentic Gumbo, Slow Roasted Baby Back Ribs, and Jambalaya at Ethel’s Creole Kitchen. Dig into a Hawaiian Delight pizza, Spinach Ravioli, or a Gyro Platter at Pepe’s. Or make memories on your date night by ordering the Sashimi Boat for Two, Chicken Yaki Udon, and Seafood Tempura from Chiyo Sushi.
Roland Park
- Home Price: $580,728 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Roland Park in North Baltimore is one of America’s first “garden suburbs,” featuring wide, well-lit streets lined with bike lanes, as well as beautifully-manicured gardens and large established trees. Homes for sale in Roland Park range from late Victorian-style to more modern Craftsman-style houses. Widely considered one of the most safe, affordable places to live in Baltimore, it wins high marks for its top-rated schools, which include the public Roland Park Elementary/Middle School and the private Waldorf School of Baltimore. The area is also home to St. Mary’s Seminary and University, and easy access to I-83 and nearby light rail and bus stations make Roland Park an ideal Baltimore neighborhood for commuters. On top of that, the Roland Park Civic League provides opportunities for residents to get involved in the community!
Things to Do in Roland Park
Attend LEGO club or Family Storytime, check out the monthly film series, or find books for the whole family at the Roland Park Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Tour a Gilded Age mansion and see paintings, rare books, and gorgeous gardens at Evergreen Museum & Library. Exercise as a family with duckpin bowling lanes, tennis and squash courts, and a fitness center at the original location of the Baltimore Country Club. Find fresh, local produce, shop stores like Williams Sonoma and Warby Parker, or grab lunch at The Village of Cross Keys shopping center. Share a round of Miss Mimosas with friends and order a plate of Chicken n’ Cheddar Green Onion Waffles or Hot Honey Fried Chicken Deviled Eggs for brunch at Miss Shirley’s Cafe, as seen on the Food Network’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Enjoy a plate of Chili Chicken Nepali Appetizers, Chicken Tikka Pizza, or Veggie Stromboli from Belvedere Towers Cafe. Order Paneer Tikka Masala, Tandoori Shrimp, or Lamb Vindaloo at family-owned Indian restaurant Namaste Baltimore. Or expand your kids’ pallets with French dishes like Pate Maison, Truite Amandine, and Culotte de Wagyu at Petit Louis Bistro.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
