This place isn’t called Charm City for nothing; Baltimore is chock-full of neighborhoods, attractions, and people that bring its nickname to life. Sports fans, history buffs, and seafood aficionados will have plenty to cheer about in this city. Check out our guide to moving to Baltimore, complete with popular neighborhoods, cost of living facts, and what to do when you arrive in your new city.
Cost of Living
Here are some facts and figures about the average cost of living to keep in mind before moving to Charm City.
- Rent: the average cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,400 and $1,610 for a 2-bedroom. These rates make Baltimore the 24th priciest place to live in the U.S.
- Transportation: monthly transit passes will cost around $68 on average. We’ll go into more detail on transportation options later.
- Food costs: residents in Baltimore spend 12.1% of their household budget on food, similar to the national average. Of this food budget, 53.3% is spent on meals at home, and 46.7% is spent on dining out.
- Taxes: sales tax in Baltimore is 6%.
Utilities
- Utilities: the average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment is around $164.
- Baltimore Gas and Electric Company: Gas and electricity
- Baltimore City Department of Public Works: Water and sewage
- Baltimore County Collection Connection: Trash and recycling
- Internet: internet services range from $50-$100. Below are the largest providers in the Baltimore area.
Weather
Baltimore experiences all four seasons, so be prepared for snow, rain, sunshine, and everything in between. Winter months can see average temperatures in the 20s and 30s, and snowfall is guaranteed. Summer sees average temperatures in the 70s and some thunderstorms, but the city is kept reasonably cool by the harbor.
Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore
Of course, where you live affects your overall cost of living, so here are a few popular areas that Baltimore residents like to call home.
- Inner Harbor: Ready for a high-rise condo with a view of the water? That’s exactly what you’ll get when you live in the Inner Harbor. Although it’s the most touristy spot in the city, the crowds are there for a reason. Living in this hood means you’ll be in walking distance to upscale shopping, the waterfront, ample public transportation options, and the USS Constellation maritime museum.
- Canton: Head down O’Donnell Street, the main thoroughfare in this hood, and you might have a tough time deciding where to stop first. It’s lined with hyper-local watering holes, eateries, and shops. This hood is sandwiched between Patterson Park, which was once the largest urban park in the country, at its northern end, and the Canton Waterfront Park, an 8-acre park with views of Fort McHenry, at its southern border.
- Fells Point: Just a mile east of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point is another waterfront neighborhood. Though not as touristy, this hood is actually a National Historic District. Its historic roots mix with its modern, hip restaurants and bars to make this neighborhood the perfect blend of old and new. Grab Chesapeake crab or some oysters at Thames Oyster House; it won’t disappoint.
- Federal Hill: This nationally-recognized historic district is home to Federal Hill Park, which offers one of the best views in the city. In addition, the hood is stacked when it comes to local dining and entertainment options; try Bookmakers Cocktail Club for dinner and live music or check out the 100+ bottled beer choices at Ropewalk Tavern while enjoying their dueling piano show on Friday and Saturday nights.
Looking for something else? Check out our other picks for the best neighborhoods in Baltimore.
Don’t Miss
Catch a professional baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but be sure to stop by the unofficial tailgate party in front of, and inside, local-favorite Pickles Pub. You’ll want to stroll through historical Lexington Market, a staple in Baltimore since 1792 housing more than 90 vendors. While you’re there, grab some of the city’s best crab cakes and raw oysters at Faidley Seafood. Visit Edgar Allen Poe’s grave site, explore the architecturally stunning George Peabody Library, and attend more than 20 annual festivals that take place throughout the city.
Transportation
The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Baltimore. It features both buses and light rail trains, and goes throughout many of the city’s neighborhoods. Parking can be limited, especially in the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill neighborhoods, so be sure you need that car before moving with it.
How to Get to Baltimore
From out of state, catch a flight into Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Forget taking a taxi, hop on the MTA light rail from the lower level of the terminal building near Concourse E and head straight into downtown Baltimore.
Relocating to Baltimore from NYC
If you’re coming from NYC, you might notice that Baltimore is a bit smaller than New York. After flying into BWI Airport, take advantage of the MTA and scoot around the city to get to know each nook and cranny. You might find that the smaller area allows you to do more in your free time.
Relocating to Baltimore from DC
From the nation’s capital, hop on the Acela Express Amtrak and enjoy a quick, 40-minute ride into Baltimore. If you’re moving with lots of belongings, consider driving your car (if you have one) or renting a moving truck and making the short drive yourself.
Relocating to Baltimore from Chicago
Catch a flight from either of Chicago’s airports into BWI Airport and you’ll be in Baltimore in just an hour and a half. Similar to Chicago, you can hop on the light rail from the airport and catch a ride to Baltimore’s city center.
Tips for Moving to Baltimore
- Do: attend Artscape, a 3-day art, music, and performance extravaganza. It’s also America’s largest free arts festival.
- Don’t: go all football season without seeing two-time Super Bowl Champions the Baltimore Ravens play. Their home games are a huge event for locals, and you’ll want to experience the tailgate.
- Do: take advantage of the Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle and water taxi service provided by Baltimore city.
- Don’t: miss the annual Baltimore Carnival, a festive, two-day event hosted by the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Baltimore.
- Do: explore the food scene. Baltimore was recently named by USA Today as one of the “5 underrated food cities on the East Coast” and you’ll want to find out why.
This waterfront city has so much to offer that you might wonder why you’re not living there already. Baltimore has plenty of neighborhoods (225 of them in fact!) so be sure to choose the one you like for your next apartment. Is a condo with harbor view what you’re looking for, or is it a neighborhood full of local pubs and history? The choice is yours in Baltimore, so get started on your apartment search!
* Featured image courtesy of Visit Baltimore.
Related content
