Downtown

Cultural Hub of the City
Downtown Baltimore is a lively and urban neighborhood that serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the city. While not in immediate proximity to major campuses, it provides easy access to several educational institutions in the area. The streets are filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, cultivating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. As an urban neighborhood, Downtown Baltimore embodies a true city environment. It is characterized by high-rise buildings, diverse architectural styles, and a mix of commercial and residential spaces. The neighborhood's urban setting provides a wealth of employment opportunities, cultural experiences, and amenities within proximity. The area is primarily geared towards professionals, young adults, and students, with limited dedicated family amenities. Transportation options in Downtown Baltimore are include multiple bus routes and light rail stations, such as the Charles Center and Lexington Market.

Downtown Baltimore offers a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The neighborhood is home to numerous restaurants, bars, theaters, and music venues, offering a variety of dining, live performances, and cultural experiences. The neighborhood's proximity to the Inner Harbor and its waterfront attractions provides fun entertainment options. Residents of Downtown Baltimore can enjoy the benefits of city living, with easy access to amenities, employment opportunities, and cultural experiences right at their doorstep.
What Downtown Residents
Think About Their Apartments
overall
7.8
value
7.2
amenities
7.0
social
7.0
management
7.6
Median rents in Downtown
Studio
$
1,170
1 Bedroom
$
1,300
2 Bedroom
$
1,650

Living in
Downtown

Downtown — 7.8/10 Rating (based on 61 neighborhood reviews)
Mount Vernon has restaurants, bars, shops, and multiple grassy areas near the monument. It's a great place to walk around. It's a very communal space. Nearby schools are UB, UMD, MICA, and JHU Peabody. Bus transit near the monument. The Walters Art Museum is very close by. UB is about a 15 minute walk and 5 minute drive from 611 Park.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
611 Park Avenue
There isn’t too much near by in comparison to other locations in Baltimore, but it is in the middle of the city so it is easy to get places. There isn’t a grocery store nearby, which is probably the biggest con.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Mount Royal
UMd Police presence is fairly high, so the area feels reasonably safe. Fairly well lit, and fairly heavily traveled given its location with UB and UMd.
Have only been offered crack once in two years.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Mount Royal
Not as many food options as I would like but it is very conveniently located for UMB grad students, and close to the sports stadiums.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Redwood
On the very south edge of Mt Vernon. Pretty quiet, some good restaurants/a few bars around. Easy to casually go out, or travel a bit for more aggressive nightlife. Less safe area about 1 block south, but very safe north.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Chesapeake Commons
Area is nearby Mount Vernon, which is very charming. Good restaurants, nice walking area. If you are into night life, however, this apartment may not be for you. The area nearby the building is very quiet at night.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Standard at Preston Gardens
Great place to visit museums, restaurants, and historical monuments. Not too far from the law school, and the UMB Shuttle can get you to school in about 10 minutes
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
521 St. Paul Street
The neighborhood is not all that great. I feel weird walking around by myself. Also, there are no grocery stores or restaurants that I would feel comfortable walking to within walking distance of my apartment. so I usually have to drive everywhere. The only good thing is I live one block away from my school.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
University Housing at Fayette Square
It is nice being close to the hospital when working residency hours; however, there are not a lot of activities and bars/restaurants in the immediate vicinity compared to many other neighborhoods in Baltimore, but transportation is easy to those areas for social events. In addition, the most trafficked bar by residents (Pickles) is close by, given its proximity to the hospital.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Greenehouse Apartments
I love that I’m walkable distance to the in we harbor, orioles stadium, plenty of restaurants and of course the hospital. Definitely not a quiet neighborhood and you can hear the light rail unless you live in 10+ floor but overall perfect for someone who enjoys downtown living
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Camden Court Apartments
Pros:
Plenty of restaurants/bars
LGBT friendly
Close to MICA, UB, UMB

Cons:
Not many grocery stores
Parking can be difficult, although there are garages, lots, metered parking
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Professional Arts Building
The surrounding area is nice and there are a number of different restaurants within a block of the complex. The area is safe and one can easily walk to Mt. Vernon or the Inner Harbor.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Charles Towers
There just isn't much around. No grocery stores or bars, only a few restaurants. You have to avoid a lot of areas and drive to other neighborhoods.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Prosper on Fayette
Loud and very little to do socially. It’s hard to not live in a neighborhood at all. Nice to be near school.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
4
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Sail Cloth Factory
As a small single woman I try to avoid walking in the neighborhood at night. We have seen several arrests and often have police activity on the street directly outside of our building. There are some restaurants in walking distance but not very many like you see in Fells Point or Fed Hill. There are several parking garages in the surrounding area that are comparable prices to others in the city and offer monthly passes and daily rates. Street parking minimal. Lots of foot traffic. Many city bus stops in the area.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Redwood
Pros:
-lots of great food near by (ethnic restaurants, minimal chains. its awesome!)
-cool bars and pubs in walking distance
- easy access to downtown
- easy access to 83
- easy access to purple line

Cons:
- no grocery store in walking distance
- street parking requires a pass, and your car has to be registered in MD in order to get that pass. in other neighborhoods like fells point this is not the case.
- rent is kind of pricey for what you get
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Mount Royal
Mt Vernon is a safe neighborhood with some of the best bars/restaurants of Baltimore (including Brewers Art, The Owl Bar, etc.). It really "feels" like a neighborhood. Main problem: no decent grocery stores on walking distance. Eddies is a disgrace of low quality produce and whole foods-like prices, so you really need a car to do grocery shopping.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
St Paul at Chase Condominiums
Downtown Baltimore is a weird place - very business and tourist oriented, not as hip as other neighborhoods. It’s also a pain to drive through. Easy access to other hip neighborhoods like fed hill, mt. Vernon , fells, etc. downtown kinda shuts down after business hours.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
26 S Calvert St
Super convenient for school but beyond that, not great
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
University Housing at Fayette Square
In general, it's pretty safe. As in any city, you have to be aware of your surroundings. Lots of fun bars to explore. No major grocery store near by, but have a couple small ones if you need to grab an item or two. Easy access to I-83.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
520 Park Avenue
Neighborhood consists of UMB schools,hospital, Camden yards and ravens stadium. Generally the neighborhood is not the safest because of hospital and clinic just around the corner, but being able to walk into Camden yards is great!
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Zenith
To the left is dilapidated and filled with an unsavory element that is unsafe for young women.

To the right is the law school, hospital, and a few shops. Overall very little that can be traveled to on foot. A food desert.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
University Housing at Fayette Square
This is a fairly safe and clean neighborhood. I checked the Sun's murder and rat complaint maps, and this area has little of either. Eddies of Mount Vernon is an OK grocery store, but I wouldn't go there for everything.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Saint Paul Regency
Love how many restaurants and coffee shops are in my neighborhood. Doesn't always feel that safe. Only grocery store is Eddie's. Good for a last minute shop but not ideal. Wish I had a car to make my life easier.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Stafford Apartments
Downtown Baltimore is loud. The fire department is right down the street. At one point there was a shooting on North Eutaw. Its not the safest area and it isn't close to any grocery stores or restaurants.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Redwood
Very close to the UMB schools, camden yards, ravens stadium, and inner harbor. About a mile or two from Federal Hill and Fells Point. Area is very safe compared to other parts of Baltimore.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Greenehouse Apartments
As in most places in Baltimore, you just need to keep an eye out and not go out by yourself at weird hours. I have felt fine around my apartment, and I walk to work without problems.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Charles Towers
I did not explore the surrounding neighborhood much, besides walking to campus. However, it is overall safe, with good lighting and campus security nearby.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Sail Cloth Factory
Pros: Close to transportation, safe, lots of nightlife/bars/food, beautiful setting, grocer nearby.
Cons: No drugstore nearby, noisy at night
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Gallery Tower
The architecture is really nice. Walter's Art museum is a short walk away. Can be noisy sometimes from ambulances.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Standard at Preston Gardens
Not great but it’s close to school and hippodrome
Keep reading
Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
405 W Redwood Apartments
It is safe for the most part but just like any other neighborhood, it has its not so good spots.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Queen-Anne Belvedere Apartments
Its a quiet town. Benefit is that I get the silence I need on weekends when law school is busy and consuming my weekend. Downside is that I need to Uber to other places when I want a bustling nightlife.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Saint Paul Regency
Lots of panhandlers and could use more green space. Other than that, pretty perfect. Beautiful churches, stately buildings, transit access.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
9 E Read St
It's right next to the school so you can't ask for a better commute. Also it's right next to Lexington Market and incredible restaurants so it has great food options. However, sadly I do not feel comfortable walking at night.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Prosper on Fayette
Pretty close to nearby small stores, medical offices, & the harbor. A little busy and noisy but overall decent.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
19 E Fayette St
Good bar/restaurant scene, right next to the train/bus station. Some crime but can't help that.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Mount Royal
The walk to and from the law school is extremely secure being practically on campus and so close to the hospital has a benefit of having a secure walk at night
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Greenehouse Apartments
This area of Baltimore is not necessarily super busy. The nightlife and restaurant scene is abysmal in this spot, but there are several, easy ways to get into Federal Hill or Fell's Point.

Additionally, this area is not known to be a super safe area of Baltimore, but since we are located so close to the school, there is constant security around. I have never felt unsafe walking to and from school and my apartment.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Redwood
There is not much to do around University of Maryland, beside going in it. The location is good, if you don’t want to commute. However you are 5-10 minutes away from the harbor or 7 Uber dollars away from Fells Point with all the bars. I would choose it over many places for it’s safety and accessibility to other places if you have a day off.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Marlboro Classic & Redwood Square
Love how historic it is
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Mount Royal
It is very convenient if you don't have a car, as there are buses, the Johns Hopkins shuttle stop and subway. There is also a supermarket, several convenience stores and coffee shops.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Charles Towers
Has the metro close by - very approachable to the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus in 10 minutes.
MTA transport is very convenient as well.
Amazing locality
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Equitable Building
It’s right next to the school. Not the best neighborhood in town, but it is quite convenient for going to school.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Prosper on Fayette
It is right next to Camden Yards and M&T Bank. Love the location. Close walk to pickles for pregame Os!
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Zenith
Being a downtown area, the streets are quite busy during business hours, but the lack of bars and businesses open at night can make things feel a bit blighted. However Downtown Baltimore is within walking distance of the touristy Inner Harbor area, as well as the trendy Mount Vernon neighborhood, so activities are still very much accessible.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
39 West Lexington
Mid-Town/Mt. Vernon is the ideal neighborhood. It has everything--beautiful architecture, restaurants, bars, museums, the symphony public transit, and easy access to other areas of the city. It is very safe, and quiet on the residential streets. The drawback is the lack of a good grocery store within walking distance--I recommend taking the circulator down to Streets Market. I never want to move away!
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Algonquin Apartments
Mount Vernon is ok. As a first time resident of Baltimore/Maryland, I had no major complaints, didn't encoutner any safety issues, but also never felt extraordinarily safe. Decent amount of things to do. For someone young and single, I would live in Fells Point or Fed Hill instead.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
520 Park Avenue
Downtown area with easy access to the stadium, downtown and fed hill
Keep reading
Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Greenehouse Apartments
It's a great location for public transportation and to really see the heart of Baltimore. The beggars are a little much and I am asked at least once a day for money, even if I'm just going across the street. Lots of good bars and restaurants.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Queen-Anne Belvedere Apartments
Baltimore is not the safest city in the world. It has its issues but I haven't had any issues personally. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, you will be fine. Apartment staff seems to be on top of it in terms of security.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Centerpoint
Artistic, elegant, and old. There are many museums, music venues, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. It can get a little sketchy at times, since there are always people passing through. Best to not walk alone at night.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Severn
Living on the border of downtown/Mt. Vernon was great for walking to restaurants and the little park(s) around the monument. Never noticed a lot of noise, except for trains at night and the light rail which isn't very loud.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Chesapeake Commons
Mount Vernon in Baltimore is on the of the most beautiful locations in the city. There are a ton of eating and drinking options and it's very walkable. It also has the free city bus that will take you to the harbor.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Algonquin Apartments
Right in the heart of downtown, minutes walk away from the harbor and all of the restaurants. The galleria is also within walking distance as well and right near the courthouse so it is a very secure area.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Lenore
We feel secure next to the courthouse. This is the business area of Baltimore so the social scene is nearly nonexistent. We often travel to the adjacent neighborhoods that offer more activities.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Lenore
Mount Vernon is great, close to everything, plenty of things to do. I think one of the great benefits is that it is close to Penn Station as well as close to the circulator Purple route.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
St Paul at Chase Condominiums
Mt. Vernon is a fantastic location. The Stafford is close to the Hopkins Shuttle and plenty of places to get a drink of bite to eat. Best part of living here!
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Stafford Apartments
Quaint walkable euro style neighborhood with great restaurants and bars. Friendly neighbors, gayborhood, safe, convenient, no big grocery stores nearby
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
521 St. Paul Street
The neighborhood is good for those who work in the downtown area. In the immediate vicinity there isn't to much going on.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Lenore
Close to school but tough for safety recently.
Keep reading
Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Prosper on Fayette


Getting to Know
Downtown

Neighborhood Boundaries
dining
Bouillabaisse Cafe
Café Poupon
Ceremony Coffee Roasters
HomeSlyce 336
Koffee Therapy Cafe
Nina’s Espresso Bar
WOW Food Cafe
grocery
CVS Pharmacy
Rite Aid
convenience
CVS Pharmacy
fitness
Brick Bodies
Charles St Barre
parks
Charles St Barre
CorCycle Studio
coffee
Café Poupon
HomeSlyce 336
bus
320 (bus)
56 (bus)
rail
Light RailLink (light rail)
Metro SubwayLink (metro)
parking
Landmark Parking Park Charles at Charles Center
About your Neighbors
Data from the 2013 American Community Survey
• Downtown contains the 5 digit ZIP code(s) of _____. ___% of residents are renters, and the rental vacancy rate is typically ____%, which is _____________ than the national average.

• ___% of units are in 20+ unit buildings, with ___% having being built in the past 10 years. 2BR+ properties make up roughly ___% of the market, with the balance in 1BR and studios.

• Most people in Downtown _____ own a car.

• The median gross rent in Downtown is $_______. ____% of Downtown residents are 24-35, ___% are below 24, ___% are 36-50, and ___% are older than 50.

• Roughly ___% of Downtown residents are students (___% grad, ___% undergrad), and ___% are unemployed or retired. The median income in Downtown is $_______.

• Most units are heated by ______________, and ___% of ACS survey respondents said that they pay extra for one or more utilities.

Best Apartments
in Downtown

The Zenith
Studio $1,318
1 Bed $1,384
2 Beds $1,744

Check availability
The Fitzgerald at UB Midtown
Studio $1,425
1 Bed $1,382
2 Beds $1,994

Check availability
The Standard at Preston Gardens

Check availability
Harbor Way East

Check availability
39 West Lexington
Studio $1,500
1 Bed $1,770
2 Beds $2,085

Check availability
414 Water Street
1 Bed $1,450
2 Beds $1,895
3 Beds $2,800

Check availability

Nearby Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Guide
Charles Village
Residential Living with a Heavy Student Population
Neighborhood Guide
Canton
Low-key Neighborhood with its Own Social Scene
Neighborhood Guide
Wyman Park
An Ideal Blend of Urban and Rural Living
Neighborhood Guide
Tuscany-Canterbury
A Baltimore Treasure
Neighborhood Guide
Pigtown/Washington Village
Affordable Neighborhood with a Rapidly Growing Population
Neighborhood Guide
Otterbein
Small, Historic Neighborhood with Character
Neighborhood Guide
Inner Harbor
The Heart of Charm City
Neighborhood Guide
Fells Point
Fun, Walkable Neighborhood by the Water
Neighborhood Guide
Locust Point
Comfortable Downtown Living Just Off the Beaten Path
Neighborhood Guide
Guilford
Quiet, Family-oriented Neighborhood
Neighborhood Guide
Mid-Town Belvedere
"The Crown Jewel" of Baltimore
Neighborhood Guide
Riverside
Picturesque Views of the Water
Neighborhood Guide
Sharp-Leadenhall
A Neighborhood Full of Pride
Neighborhood Guide
Fallstaff
Family-Oriented Environment
Neighborhood Guide
Mount Washington
Quaint, residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Baltimore
Neighborhood Guide
Little Italy
Cultural and Ethnic Icon
Neighborhood Guide
Hampden
Close-knit Community with a Young, Hip Vibe
Neighborhood Guide
Federal Hill
Young, Lively Neighborhood with Picturesque Views of the Inner Harbor
Neighborhood Guide
Butcher's Hill
Popular for Young Professionals
Neighborhood Guide
Jonestown
Home to Baltimore City Landmarks