Living in Baltimore, Maryland, puts you close to some of the country’s best history, culture, and dining. The city of Baltimore is in north-central Maryland on the Patapsco River. When you choose to live in Baltimore, you’re just a short drive to the capital city, Annapolis, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Baltimore is also just a short train ride from Atlantic City, New Jersey, or New York City, New York.
Baltimore at a glance
Baltimore is home to over 550,000 residents. Compared to other nearby big cities and even the state of Maryland, Baltimore is more affordable when it comes to the cost of living. Maryland is 11.8% more expensive to live in compared to the rest of the United States on average, but Baltimore’s cost of living is almost 9% less than the country’s. Even the median home price in Baltimore is less than it is in the rest of Maryland. The median home price in Maryland is $361,900, and Baltimore’s median home price is $175,500.
So, is Baltimore a good place to live? With the world-famous Inner Harbor, renowned museums and attractions, hip and historic neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants, and endless entertainment options, there’s no reason not to move to Baltimore. We’ll give you a few more, though, just in case. Here are eight reasons to consider living in Baltimore.
What makes Baltimore a good place to live?
1. Baltimore has historic roots
This historic seaport is a paradise for history buffs. In 1814, Francis Scott Key penned “The Star Spangled Banner” (during the War of 1812) after witnessing the British attack on Fort McHenry and noticing the single U.S. flag still flying overhead at dawn. Baltimore, Maryland, is now the final resting place of Edgar Allan Poe.
Baltimore is also home to the Washington Monument, similar to the one in Washington, D.C., but built before it. Did you know that baseball icon Babe Ruth was also born right here in Baltimore? Baseball fans will love visiting the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum. The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum is also a fun and educational experience that’s an important part of Baltimore’s history.
Living in Baltimore puts you central to intriguing historical places to visit. Not to mention the historic neighborhoods…
2. Stunning architecture
Known for its historic row houses, Baltimore boasts charming neighborhoods. The factories and mills where workers once toiled are now cool lofts, condos, art studios, galleries, offices, restaurants, and stores. Bonus: Some of them are on the waterfront! One of the best parts of living in Baltimore is exploring the distinct differences between the row houses in different neighborhoods. Be sure to check out Federal Hill, Fells Point, Mid-Town Belvedere, and Mount Vernon.
3. Amazing cuisine
Selfish about shellfish? Maryland is the place for you. Whether you’re craving oysters on the half shell, a crab feast, or lobster rolls, Baltimore’s Chesapeake Bay cuisine has got you covered. The Maryland blue crab is one of the most-loved dishes in Baltimore, and it’s best served with loads of Old Bay. (Old Bay is a Maryland favorite and comes on most crabs!)
But it’s not all fresh seafood — foodies can find nationally recognized, award-winning restaurants and chefs, a budding craft brew and cocktail scene, and tasty food festivals in the city’s aforementioned hip, historic neighborhoods. Mount Vernon’s eclectic dining scene features Afghani, Spanish, and New American cuisine. When the lights go down, the hip and urbane ‘hood’s trendy cocktail bars, taprooms, dives, and gay bars come alive with dance music and live bands. If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out the Hampden and Canton neighborhoods. You’ll find all of Baltimore’s trending and top-rated restaurants here.
4. Enjoyable climate
Moving to Baltimore means you’re in for a full four seasons. In the spring, see over 80,000 tulips, dogwoods, old English boxwoods, cherry blossoms, azaleas, magnolias, wisteria, and more (for free!) at Sherwood Gardens, the most famous tulip garden in North America. Floral fans will also enjoy strolling around Cylburn Arboretum’s mansion, landscaped gardens, and the Mt. Washington Arboretum.
By summer, you’ll love the waterfront destination of Baltimore. Enjoy a stroll around Canton Waterfront Park or hop on the Baltimore Water Taxi, which takes you on a breezy cruise, stopping along some of the area’s harbors. Events like HONfest kick up in the warm summer months, and as the chilly air sets in, the indoor entertainment season kicks in with music, theater, and special exhibitions. During the fall, there are plenty of fun activities you can take part in, like going apple picking, visiting a vineyard or pumpkin patch, or driving around to see beautiful fall foliage.
It does get pretty cold in the winter — but Netflix and a lively nightlife should take care of that. Of course, living in Baltimore also offers you access to endless winter fun. As the weather gets cold, you’ll find many residents ice skating at Inner Harbor or exploring the holiday light displays at Miracle on 34th Street in the Hampden neighborhood.
5. Entertainment is plentiful
Why move to Baltimore, other than the unique housing and interesting history? Living in Baltimore, you’ll never run out of things to do. Situated on Baltimore’s beautiful waterfront is its downtown centerpiece — the Inner Harbor — surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the National Aquarium, Historic Ships in Baltimore (including the USS Constellation), the Maryland Science Center, and Port Discovery Children’s Museum in the historic Fish Market building.
And that’s just in the world-famous Inner Harbor! A wealth of art, history, and hands-on family fun options exist throughout the city. The city’s cultural gem is the Baltimore Museum of Art. Head to Baltimore’s cultural and historic center, Mount Vernon, to check out the Walters Art Museum, the ornate George Peabody Library, and the centuries-old Washington Monument in leafy Mount Vernon Place.
6. Baltimore is a sports city
Sports fans love Baltimore. Only a couple of blocks away from the birthplace of George Herman “Babe” Ruth is Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Built over an old railroad station, the father of baseball’s most legendary hero ran Ruth’s Cafe on what is now center field.
The area is also home to Super Bowl XLVII Champions, the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, there’s a bevy of college teams to root for and a couple of pro soccer teams — the Baltimore Brigade and Baltimore Blast — if that’s what you’re into. Downtown Baltimore is also home to many sports bars and casual restaurants where you’re sure to meet new friends! Sports are just one of the many pros of moving to Baltimore.
7. Great education
Baltimore boasts numerous public and private universities and colleges, including the University of Baltimore, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Loyola University Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University, which also has one of the best-ranked hospitals in the country. The Johns Hopkins Hospital is the teaching hospital and biomedical research facility of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
With so many exceptional college opportunities in the Baltimore area, some neighborhoods have also gotten a reputation as college towns. Mount Vernon is where you’ll find most college students since it’s also home to the University of Baltimore. Other college neighborhoods in Baltimore include Hampden and Charles Village.
8. Proximity to Washington, D.C.
n 45 minutes, you can take the commuter train for as little as $8 and find yourself in our nation’s capitol. Washington, D.C., has an abundance of historical attractions, world-class dining, and a whole collection of lively bars. Day and overnight trips are a popular way for Baltimore residents to spend their weekends.
Final thoughts
Why move to Baltimore? Because when you choose to live in Baltimore, you can easily explore many of the most exciting surrounding cities and states. Access to three different airports — BWI Airport in Hanover, Maryland, and both the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C./Northern Virginia — makes traveling (even internationally) a breeze.
Are you sold on Baltimore yet? Get started on your apartment search now and you can lock down a new apartment before you even set foot in Charm City.
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