9 Baltimore Neighborhoods for College Grads

Baltimore is called Charm City for a reason. Just an hour and a half outside of both DC and Philly, Baltimore has no shortage of vibrant neighborhoods, incredibly fresh seafood, and professional opportunities recent graduates. The biggest decision besides which kind of row house you want to live in, is where should that row house be located? We’ve got some ideas for you.

Hampden

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Blue-collar Bawlmer meets hipster kitsch in this northwestern neighborhood where mills have been converted into everything from living spaces and art studios to galleries and restaurants. This funky neighborhood, bordered by Johns Hopkins University and the I-83 corridor, is home to traditional row houses, duplexes, single family homes, and a modicum of Victorian abodes. Hampden’s main thoroughfare centers on 36th Street, aka “The Avenue,” with its cool shops, offbeat restaurants and cafés, and street art. Location, location, location: Hampden is a mere 10 minutes to downtown by Light RailLink, car, or bus. 

Arguably the coolest part about Hampden is that John Waters’ shot his films Cry-Baby and Hairspray in the area. Heads up “hon,” Hampden hosts an annual street fair called HONfest that celebrates the Baltimorese lifestyle and stereotype. It also hosts Miracle on 34th Street, a holiday lights extravaganza that can be seen from space!

Charles Village

The ethnically and racially diverse neighborhood of Charles Village is home to everyone from students to families, blue-collar residents to hipster couples. This area has a “college town” feel with a bohemian twist. It borders Baltimore’s intellectual center, Johns Hopkins University, and the city’s cultural gem, the Baltimore Museum of Art. And, as if you needed other reasons to move here, you’ll also find plenty of vintage stores, laid-back bars, and restaurants catering to college students and the young professional crowd.

Federal Hill

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A diverse mix of young professionals, singles, and newlyweds nest in the beautifully renovated 19th-century brick row houses of Federal Hill. This lively, tightly knit urban neighborhood has plenty of things to do and a multitude of bars and restaurants to feed anyone’s appetite. At the heart of historic South Baltimore is the newly overhauled Cross Street Market, which serves as a hub for dining, nightlife, and entertainment.

This highly walkable neighborhood is just south of Downtown Baltimore along the Inner Harbor, which makes commuting to Baltimore’s business district or walking to a Ravens or Orioles game a piece of cake. Federal Hill Park offers fabulous waterfront views for picnics and runs. Fed Hill also hosts a few annual street festivals that celebrate food and local music. Needless to say, you’ll never run out of things to do in this Baltimore neighborhood.

Fells Point

Many of Baltimore’s best bars, pubs, and taverns are in historic Fells Point, including Max’s Taphouse and RYE. It’s also home to delicious dining (hello Chesapeake Bay cuisine!), and shops, which make it popular among young professionals and singles. Here, cobblestone streets, views of the harbor, and brick townhomes put the “charm” in Charm City. 

Harbor East

Baltimore’s newest (and one of its finest) destinations, Harbor East is just a short walk away from bustling downtown, the world-famous Inner Harbor, and the always-charming Fells Point. The Harbor’s waterfront is smattered with hotels, restaurants, shops, and touristy attractions like the USS Constellation, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, and Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Bottom line: Inner Harbor is where you go; Harbor East is where you live.

Mid-Town Belvedere

Affordable brownstones, apartments, and condos make Mid-Town Belvedere a popular spot for recent grads. It’s also close to the University of Baltimore and the Maryland Institute College of Art, for those who are interested in grad school. Commuting to work is a breeze with easy access to public transit in this neighborhood. Plus, there’s plenty of places to go out at night, like Grand Central Nightclub, which hosts trivia, dancing, karaoke, and drag shows.

Mount Vernon

Home to the Washington Monument, this hip, urban neighborhood offers affordable living and plenty of things to do for recent grads, singles, and young professionals. In addition to landmarks, the city’s cultural and historic center’s walkable streets are peppered with theaters, museums, and art galleries. Mount Vernon’s eclectic dining scene is complemented by its nightlife, where you can move from cocktail lounge to hole-in-the-wall; gay bar to taproom. Most of the residences are (you guessed it!) row houses. Here, you can quickly commute to Downtown, while still being able to enjoy green space at nearby St. Mary’s Park.

South Baltimore

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South Baltimore (aka SOBO) is a friendly, diverse community, popular with the younger crowd for its affordability. Close to the Inner Harbor, the area is easy to get around, as it boasts access to public transportation and walkable streets. Located west of the Riverside neighborhood and south of Federal Hill, South Baltimore is in close proximity to Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. In lieu of a yard, there’s Riverside Park, where you can swim, picnic, and jog in warmer months. The 15-mile Gwynns Falls Trail offers hiking, as well.

Canton

If you want to live in a converted factory, luxury harborfront condo, or row house, Canton — the area just east of Fell’s Point that has undergone a revitalization in the past 15 years — is for you. Canton Square is at the heart of the hood, where eclectic restaurants, watering holes, and shops dot O’Donnell Street. 

In addition to nightlife and eclectic eateries, Canton is a haven for outdoorsy folks, with Baltimore’s first park, Patterson Park. It features a pool and community garden, ice skating rink, boat lake, dog park, Audubon wildlife habitat meadow, and more.  Canton Waterfront Park, with its eight acres of heavenly harbor views, boat ramp, and fishing pier is a great option for summer strolling, and Canton Dog Park is where Fido can run free. 

Canton is also close to Greektown, Butcher’s Hill, and the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District. Plus, its proximity to the I-95 corridor makes getting out and around fairly easy, and you’re still just a short drive from downtown.

Whether you want an iconic row house, trendy warehouse, high-rise condo, or single-family home, find your next place on Zumper and start planning your move to Baltimore.