Looking at rentals in Baltimore? Home to cultural sites, fresh seafood, top-rated universities, and beautiful brick rowhouses lining cobblestone streets, B’more is a vibrant coastal community for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Check out these five best places to rent in Baltimore!
Charles Village/Abell
- Home Price: $967 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 26% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 70%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the most affordable places to live in Baltimore is Charles Village/Abell. This walkable neighborhood offers quirky cafes, beautiful gardens, museums, the colorful rows of Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies, and an energetic vibe from the large student population at Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, residents can mingle with each other at community events like Charles Village Festival, Charles Village Garden Walk, and 32nd Street Farmers Market. With access to education like Margaret Brent Elementary School, Mother Seton Academy, or The Community School and quality hospitals like MedStar Union Memorial Hospital just outside the neighborhood, families can rest assured Charles Village/Abell is a great spot to settle down.
Things to Do in Charles Village/Abell
Looking for the best bookstore in The City That Reads? Mark your monthly calendar and pick up a new comic book or novel at the volunteer-run bookstore, The Book Thing of Baltimore. Walk your dog, play ping-pong, or jog through lush greenery at the Wyman Park Dell. Explore a wide range of 18th-century and Contemporary art collections, or visit the Sculpture Gardens at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in B’more arts and culture by attending musical performances, independent film screenings, and thought-provoking exhibitions at 2640 Space. Order breakfast staples like the Vegan Lox Bagel, Grilled Cheez, and a cup of Lavender Mazagran at the combined coffeehouse and bookshop, Red Emma’s. Looking for soul food in Baltimore? Dig into dishes like Taste This Hennessy Salmon, Smothered Pork Chop, and a side of Honey Old Bay Wings at Taste This. Chow down Korean comfort dishes like Beef Bulgogi, Yukgae Jang Soup, and Honey Seoul Chicken at Ajumma. Or indulge in traditional Jamaican dishes like Callaloo & Salt Fish or Curry Shrimp with a Jamaican Raggae Rum craft cocktail at St. Mary’s Restaurant & Bar.
Federal Hill/Montgomery
- Home Price: $1,486 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 62%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Located next to the Patapsco River, just a stone’s throw away from Inner Harbor, historical Federal Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore for young adults. In addition to stunning views of the city, this highly walkable neighborhood offers plenty of fun activities for all ages with museums, parks, an active nightlife scene, and great restaurants. Residents who commute frequently can also take advantage of major roadways like I-95 and great public transportation options like the bus and light rail services from the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
Things to Do in Federal Hill-Montgomery
Get fresh produce from the Farmers’ Market, explore local eats, or tune into live music performances at Cross Street Market. Walk your dog, play basketball, or enjoy a picnic with harbor views at the iconic Federal Hill Park. Admire funky pieces and glistening sculptures from self-taught artists at the American Visionary Art Museum. Shop colorful and eclectic gifts, Russian handcrafted decor pieces, and jewelry at Tradestone Gallery & Gift Shop. Looking for the best breakfast in Baltimore? Order fun plates like Maryland Crab Benedict, G&G’s Country Scramble, or Bacon & Apple Specialty Pancakes at Blue Moon Cafe. Grab a patio seat and order seafood dishes like Blackened Tuna Bites, Half Stuffed Lobster, and Fish Tacos at Watershed. Cool off from the heat with handmade ice cream like the Cuban Coffee Oreo, Dirty Grasshopper, or Honey Baklava at Bmore Licks. Or munch on American comfort fare like Mushroom Risotto, Jerk Half Chicken, or The Tenderloin sandwich at The Outpost American Tavern.
Fells Point
- Home Price: $1,362 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 56%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a hip, eclectic, waterfront community just minutes away from Downtown Baltimore and Little Italy, check out Fells Point. One of the original three Baltimore settlements, Fells Point is now considered one of the best Baltimore neighborhoods for singles and young professionals thanks to its activity and attractiveness. Families and young adults frequent the antique shops, local eateries, and stunning architecture along the cobblestone walkways of Fells Point Main Street. On top of that, residents can look forward to having a great time at community events like Fells Point Fun Festival, Fells Point Oyster Festival, and Fells Point Maritime Festival.
Things to Do in Fells Point
Tour the Patapsco River and admire the cityscape with the Baltimore Water Taxi. Browse the latest novel titles and signed books, or join a book club at the intimate corner store, Greedy Reads. Take a family day trip to observe sharks, watch a dolphin show, or learn how to care for rescued marine animals at the National Aquarium. Sift through vintage records, CDs, and even video games at neighborhood staple, The Sound Garden. Explore different cuisines like Polish deli, seafood, and Thai street food at Broadway Market. Dig into casual Asian dishes like Tofu Brah, The Neighborhood Bird Bun, and a side of Pho Spiced Cheesesteak Egg Roll at Ekiben. Chow down fresh seafood plates like South Atlantic Red Shrimp Ceviche, North Atlantic Monkfish, or Cast Iron Crab Cake while enjoying the waterfront view at Thames Street Oyster House. Or try craft drinks like the Bridesmaid’s Tears, Smashville Sour, or Caffeinated Cowboy at the country’s longest continually-running saloon and one of Edgar Allan Poe’s favorite drinking spots in Baltimore, The Horse You Came In On Saloon.
Hampden
- Home Price: $1,048 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 47%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Originally a residential community for mill workers, Hampden began welcoming artists and creatives in the ’90s. It’s now one of the hippest and best neighborhoods in Baltimore for young professionals. The heart of Hampden is in The Avenue on 36th Street—which houses quirky shops, unique art studios, restaurants, parks, and colorful murals, attracting arts and kitsch lovers from all over “Bawlmer.” Additionally, Hampden hosts community events like the HONfest in the summer. This safe neighborhood also borders I-83 and has several public transportation options like the MTA bus or light rail, making it easy for residents to travel within and outside the neighborhood. Parents will also love Hampden’s schooling options like Hampden Elementary School, Hampden Christian School, and the Academy for College and Career Exploration.
Things to Do in Hampden
Find unique comic books, novels, quirky art posters, or toys and games at Atomic Books. If you’re looking for weird gift ideas, check out eccentric home decor pieces, taxidermy antiques, and natural history items at Bazaar. Skate with friends, jog, or visit the community garden in Roosevelt Park. Join lovely farm animals for storytime in the morning, say hello to endangered penguins, or observe animals on a guided Twilight Stroll after dark at the Maryland Zoo. Enjoy a quiet morning with a hand-poured La Muralla coffee or Lavender Latte with a Ham Jam breakfast sandwich at Artifact Coffee. Explore reinvented American dishes like Pei Mussels, the Wicked Rachel, and Shrimp and Crab Pasta at Wicked Sisters. Chow down casual dishes like Korean BBQ Cheese Steak Fries, a Pork Banh Mi sandwich, or a Vietnamese Rice Bowl at The Local Fry. Or get to know your coworkers over craft beers like Primordial Mayhem, Strawberry Lord Bones, or Space Jellyfish at Nepenthe Brewing Co.
Mount Vernon
- Home Price: $855 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Baltimore neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 81%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the best areas to rent in Baltimore is Mount Vernon. Located in central Charm City, residents can find historical landmarks, cultural joints, and a diverse and friendly community. Mount Vernon residents can choose to rent affordable homes including beautiful brownstones, rowhomes, and apartments in this historic neighborhood. Additionally, there’s access to great schools like The Loyola School, Inc., Baltimore Leadership School, and Baltimore School for the Arts—all within walking distance. Plus, residents get to celebrate annual festivals like the lighting of the Washington Monument, Flower Mart, and Summer in the Squares concerts.
Things to Do in Mount Vernon
Admire intricate Greek Revival architecture, explore all five tiers of the stacks, and read a book at the historic George Peabody Library. Learn about ancient paintings and artifacts from Asia to Europe through exhibitions like Across Asia: Arts of Asia and the Islamic World or Quiet Beauty: The Watercolors of Léon Bonvin at The Walters Art Museum. Watch live music performances from jazz to classical music at An Die Musik LIVE. View the original manuscript of The Star-Spangled Banner, or browse through interesting galleries like The Jim Henson Exhibition—the creator of The Muppets—at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Explore vegan and vegetarian soul food with dishes like Kush BBQ Ribs, Akara, and the Chickpea Burger at The Land of Kush. Order unique pizza flavors like the Chx-Tex Pizza and Seafood Lover’s Pizza with a side of Loaded Street Tacos at Piazza 27 Baltimore. Craving a cup of coffee in Baltimore at midnight? Enjoy a fresh cup of Vietnamese Coffee, Chocolate Viet, or Spicy Mocha from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. at The Bun Shop. Or expand your palate with traditional Ethiopian dishes like Dukem Kitfo, Key Wot, and Doro Wot Fitfit at Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
