Moving to Baltimore? With rich historical roots, great amenities, and affordable housing, Charm City has a lot to offer—in fact, it’s one of the most affordable places to live on the East Coast. If you’re planning a move to Baltimore, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to consider!
Is Baltimore a Safe Place to Live in 2027?
While Baltimore isn’t particularly known for its safety, The Greatest City in America is still safer than 2% of U.S. cities and 4% of cities in Maryland. Though crime rates are higher than the national average, recent studies have shown a 60% decrease in violent crime since 2022. Keep in mind that crime rates vary by neighborhood, too—areas closer to the city center tend to see higher crime rates, while neighborhoods farther out, like Locust Point and Mount Washington, generally see lower crime rates.
Inner Harbor
- Home Price: $642,762 median purchase price; $2,334 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, retirees
Situated just five minutes from Downtown Baltimore, Inner Harbor is home to many popular attractions and restaurants. This neighborhood’s close proximity to the water means residents can enjoy outdoor recreation alongside more urban amenities, making it an excellent choice for active lifestyles. Public transit is highly accessible in this safe Baltimore neighborhood, with several Charm City Circulator routes, bus stops, and light rail stations close by. This is ideal for commuting young professionals, as well as singles looking for things to do in Baltimore on the weekends. Those moving to Inner Harbor can find housing options consisting mostly of sleek apartment towers and affordable modern condos.
Things to Do in Inner Harbor
Explore fossils, gaze up at the stars in the planetarium, or check out the IMAX theatre at the Maryland Science Center. Climb aboard real military vessels like the USS Constellation for a tour at Historic Ships in Baltimore. See everything from Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to zebra sharks at the National Aquarium. Experience a breathtaking, sky-high view of the city from the Top of the World Observation Deck. Support a small, Black-woman-owned business and start the day with a fresh brew of Rwandan Drip Coffee and Overnight Oats from Matriarch Coffee. Get fresh seafood like Twin Lobster Tails, Lump Crab Fettuccine, or a Baltimore Fish Fry while you enjoy waterfront views at Rusty Scupper. Slurp down a bowl of Classic Shoyu or Chicken Paitan, or enjoy a Beef Donburi at Ramen Utsuke. Or try elevated dishes like Oyster Rockefeller Dip, Seafood Pot Pie, or Seared Sea Scallops at nautical-designed Blackwall Hitch.
Q: Is Baltimore a good place to live?
A: Baltimore is a wonderful place to live! With affordable housing options, safe streets, and a variety of amenities, there’s a place for everyone in B’more—whether you’re looking to rent or buy a home. The city offers fun things to do for all ages, convenient transportation options, top schools, and more!
Locust Point
- Home Price: $657,054 median purchase price; $3,194 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Located on the Patapsco River, Locust Point was once the harbor entryway for Polish, Irish, and Italian American immigrants, giving this area a vibrant multicultural feel. This historic Charm City neighborhood is also home to Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star-Spangled Banner. As for modern conveniences, Locust Point has a variety of restaurants, coffee houses, and bars, so singles and young professionals moving to this Baltimore neighborhood will always have plenty of things to do. Commuting is easy in this affordable East Coast neighborhood, whether by bus or water taxi. Homes for sale in Locust Point include row houses, condos, and more!
Things to Do in Locust Point
Experience a piece of American history firsthand and take a self-guided tour of the fort or stroll through the park at Fort McHenry. Play a game of tennis or give your four-legged friends some fresh air at the dog park at Latrobe Park. Learn about the stories of immigrants from around the world through authentic letters on display at the Baltimore Immigration Museum. Grab drinks like The Cool Bean or The Flock Cold Brew to pair with a Sweet Potato Bundt at Cool Beans Coffee. Order a Papas Bowl or Huevos Rancheros from the brunch menu at Little Havana. Get a plate of Chicken Biryani, Tandoori Shrimp, or Paneer Tikka at the Himalayan House. Fill up on a Vegekabob, Sliced Gyro Pita Wrap, or a Samos Platter made with your choice of protein at Samos Greek Island Grill. Or try craft beers with Neapolitan-style pizzas while you enjoy live music and events like the Annual Chili Cookoff at Diamondback Brewing Company.
Q: Is Baltimore safer than Chicago?
A: Baltimore is safer than 2% of U.S. cities, while Chicago is safer than 9% of U.S. cities, making Chicago the safer of the two. That said, Baltimore crime rates vary by neighborhood, and there are a variety of especially safe areas within the city to settle down in—including Locust Point, Inner Harbor, and more. Plus, Baltimore’s overall crime rates continue to decrease year over year.
Mount Washington
- Home Price: $399,353 median purchase price; $1,273 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’d like to live near the northwestern edge of the city, Mount Washington is one of the safest Baltimore neighborhoods you can pick. With bountiful green space like the expansive Irvin Luckman Memorial Park, Mount Washington is full of family-friendly activities for people moving to Baltimore with kids. Neighborhood parents will love the presence of the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, as well as schools like The Mount Washington School and nearby Summit Park Elementary School. The friendly, quiet vibe gives Mount Washington a country feel while still having a city zip code. Home styles in Mount Washington range from Colonial and Tudor homes to Craftsman ranches, so there’s something for everyone living in this cozy Charm City neighborhood.
Things to Do in Mount Washington
Enjoy breathtaking views of a pond, waterfall, plant life, and more along the 250-yard trail at the Mt. Washington Arboretum. Get a membership and cool off in the summer with a dip in the pool at the Coppermine Meadowbrook Swim Club. Browse books for sale or attend events like author appearances and poetry readings at The Ivy Bookshop. Take a pottery class, explore ceramic art in the gallery space, or attend art shows and other events at Baltimore Clayworks. Enjoy Harry’s Bistro Burger, the Chimichurri Lamb Burger, or the Simply AJ10 while you play trivia or a game of pool at The Abbey Burger. Grab a table and order Jambalaya, the Hot CatStack, or Maryland Crabcakes at Ethel’s Creole Kitchen. Make a reservation and savor Rockefeller Grilled Oysters and Crunchy Lemon-Herb Baked Rockfish at Mt. Washington Tavern. Or chow down Edamame, Chicken Tempura, or one of the many sushi rolls available at Chiyo Sushi.
Q: What is the most affordable neighborhood to live in Baltimore?
A: One of the most affordable Baltimore neighborhoods is Mount Washington. This area not only boasts rent prices that are 12% lower than the national average, but also provides close proximity to great schools, parks, and more!
Riverside
- Home Price: $655,102 median purchase price; $2,804 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Riverside is a sought-after neighborhood offering an inviting mix of affordability, walkability, and convenient access to Downtown Baltimore. Residents enjoy a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere, with restaurants, entertainment, and everyday amenities just steps from their front door. The area features a mix of historic row houses and apartments, providing the convenience of city living while maintaining a quieter, more relaxed residential feel than the bustling downtown core. Riverside residents also have convenient access to the Northwest Harbor as well as major roadways like I-95 and Cal Ripken Way—making it easy to travel around the neighborhood for both recreation and work. The MTA Maryland Commuter Rail is another great solution for quick commutes throughout the rest of Charm City.
Things to Do in Riverside
Purchase fresh-cut flowers, locally-grown produce, sweet treats, and more at the BMI Farmers Market. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a picnic in the pavilion, or walk down a trail at Leone-Riverside Park. Engage with the interactive exhibits focused on the city’s manufacturing roots or attend the Industry Social Club at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Learn about the history of a distillery’s grounds and sip on distilled spirits, including whiskey and rye, at Sagamore Spirit Distillery. Order an Espresso Con Panna or Almond Joy Espresso to go with a Breakfast Burrito at Koba Cafe. Have a waterfront dining experience with delicious entrees like Butcher’s Hill Cheesesteak, Baked Ziti, or a Cheese Pizza at Di Pasquale’s Harborview. Enjoy Italian favorites like Linguine Al Nero Di Seppia or Capesante—and don’t forget to sample the Coravin Wine menu—at Limoncello Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar. Or sink your teeth into filling plates like Cheeseburger Egg Rolls or a Fat Boy Fried Chicken Sandwich at Riverside Taphouse.
Q: What is the cost of living in Baltimore?
A: The cost of living in Baltimore, MD is 1% higher than the national average and 16% lower than the Maryland average. While you may see higher costs for utilities, groceries, and miscellaneous goods and services, you can expect to save on everyday expenses like housing, transportation, and healthcare in Baltimore.
Roland Park
- Home Price: $580,728 median purchase price; $1,625 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
An historic North Baltimore neighborhood, Roland Park has the honor of being the first planned suburb community in the U.S. Today, fantastic restaurants, retail shops, and a close-knit community make Roland Park a great spot to call home for anyone looking to buy a home in Baltimore. Houses for sale range from historical late-Victorian properties to more modern Craftsman-style homes, with a variety of other options in between. The presence of the well-performing Roland Park Elementary School, as well as a number of private schools nearby—like the Waldorf School of Baltimore or the all-girls Roland Park Country School—make this neighborhood perfect for Baltimore families with young children. Meanwhile, public transit is easy to access with light rail and bus stations nearby, which makes Roland Park an ideal Baltimore neighborhood for commuting young professionals, as well.
Things to Do in Roland Park
Tee off at one of the best courses in the nation at Baltimore Country Club’s The Five Farms Golf Course. See musical and live theatre productions, or enroll your kids in a summer intensive or after-school program with Charm City Players. Attend make-and-take crafting events like a build-your-own board game night, or check out books for the whole family to enjoy at the Enoch Pratt Library. Enjoy more than 200 acres of gorgeous gardens and towering trees in the natural oasis of Clyburn Arboretum. Share a round of Miss Mimosas with friends and order a plate of Chicken ‘n Cheddar Green Onion Waffles or The Crabby Omelet for brunch at Miss Shirley’s Cafe. Try the Salade De Coeur De Palmier, Steak Tartare, or Creme Brulee at Petit Louis Bistro. Savor delicious Indian food in Baltimore with dishes like Vegetable Korma, Lamb Curry, and Chicken Tikka Masala at the family-owned Namaste Baltimore. Or get a taste of Nepali and Himalayan classics like Pani Puri, Jhol Momo, or Laphing at Sherpa Street Eats.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Baltimore?
A: One of the safest Baltimore neighborhoods is Roland Park. Safer than 96% of neighborhoods across the city, Roland Park offers low crime rates, top schools, easy access to public transportation, and a variety of fun things to do. If safety is your priority, other good neighborhoods in Baltimore to consider moving to include Inner Harbor, Locust Point, and more.
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Relocating to Baltimore? Extra Space Storage has several storage facilities in Charm City with a wide selection of storage units that can help with your transition. Find affordable storage near you!
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
