Baltimore

About Baltimore

Located on Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland. The city is known as a melting pot of cultures and neighborhoods, ranging from soaring skyscrapers and brick row houses to the famous Inner Harbor.

Baltimore has plenty to offer, with world-class cultural attractions, professional sports, outdoor activities and much more. The city is also within driving distance of beaches and ocean resorts, and the major metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C., are an easy drive or train ride away.

Baltimore: Home to Famous Residents

If you're planning to become a Baltimore resident, you're in good company — there's a long list of iconic people who have called this city home. Francis Scott Key wrote the patriotic anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" in Baltimore, and abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass was also a resident. Babe Ruth, baseball's home-run king, started his impressive career in Baltimore before moving on to the Boston Red Sox. Other famous people who lived here include Billie Holiday, Edgar Allan Poe and H.L. Mencken.

Baltimore Neighborhoods

Baltimore is often labeled "the city of neighborhoods" and has hundreds of officially-designated districts. Here are just a few of the neighborhoods you'll want to check out:

Guilford

Guilford is one of the most sought-after communities in Baltimore, due mainly to its spacious homes, expansive gardens and green spaces. If you're in the area during the spring, Sherwood Gardens offers the opportunity to witness the mass blooming of a variety of tulips.

Charles Village

The most famous icons of Charles Village are its colorful Victorian row houses, which are home to a diverse population of families, retirees and young couples. The funky, friendly vibe of this neighborhood draws in many artists and creatives, as does its proximity to the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Federal Hill

Federal Hill is home to a mix of young professionals and retirees, with both groups attracted to the active, urban lifestyle the area offers. The neighborhood is very pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to access downtown and the Inner Harbor on foot.

Homeland

This neighborhood was founded in the 1920s and is one of the oldest planned communities in the nation. The homes have a variety of architectural styles, and the local architectural committee is devoted to preserving the original character of the area.

Baltimore Schools

Baltimore has three main school districts, Baltimore City Public School District, Baltimore County Public School District and Seed School of Maryland. Generally, you can expect that your child will attend the school nearest your home. There are also many private institutions in the city, including schools with specialized study tracks.

Baltimore is home to a large number of post-secondary schools, so you have a variety of options if you're planning to pursue higher education. John Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland and the University of Baltimore are just a few of the schools in the area.

Resources for Moving to Baltimore

Here is some helpful information to make your move to Baltimore as easy as possible:

• Utilities: The Baltimore City Department of Public Works manages water services, and you can expect to be billed quarterly. Baltimore Gas and Electric is the city's main electricity provider.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city of Baltimore collects both trash and recyclables, and you can also coordinate bulk pick-ups.
• Transportation: Public transit is available via bus, light rail and subway. The Charm City Circulator offers a free shuttle bus service in certain areas, seven days a week.
  

Baltimore Housing

Overall, the cost of housing in Baltimore is significantly lower than the U.S. average. There are a variety of housing options in and around the city, ranging from large multi-family homes to single-family homes.