The Guide to Living in Baltimore, Maryland
An iconic Mid-Atlantic port city with unmatched history and charm
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
The History of Baltimore, Maryland
Established in 1729 as one of the American colony’s earliest and most important ports, Baltimore, Maryland represents one of the most historic and most dynamic destinations in all the Mid-Atlantic.
Named in honor of the Cecil Calvert, a founding proprietor of the Province of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland derives its name from the Irish phrase Balle an Ti Mhoir, or “town of the big house.”
As with many destinations throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Baltimore, Maryland played an important role in American history. Beginning in the colonial period from the mid-1600s to the mid-1700s, Baltimore, Maryland played an important role in early American history as an important destinations for trade and commerce.
After incorporating as the City of Baltimore, to which it remains to this day an independent city, Baltimore, Maryland served as an important theater during the War of 1812, including the location of the Battle of Baltimore where Francis Scott Key wrote a poem that would become "The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the United States, was built in 1830, cementing Baltimore's status as one of America’s most important and modern cities. Baltimore's Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States.
Today, Baltimore, Maryland remains one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most dynamic cities, and is home to some of the region’s most historic homes and historic neighborhoods, including Fell’s Point, Federal Hill, Guilford, and Roland Park. Further, as the most populous city in Maryland, Baltimore is home to some of the Mid-Atlantic’s most important public and private institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes Baltimore, Maryland
Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes in Baltimore, Maryland
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
“With its historic neighborhoods and distinct waterfront culture, Baltimore, Maryland is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most exciting destinations.”
Fells Point in Baltimore, Maryland. Image courtesy of Yianni Mathioudakis.
TRAVEL GUIDE
A Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland
Featuring historic charm and unmatched energy, Baltimore, Maryland offers an exciting opportunity for the discerning urban explorer
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Frequently Asked Questions about life in Baltimore, Maryland, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.
WHAT ARE THE TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
The National Aquarium and the Baltimore Museum of Fine Art are among the many interesting sights and attractions in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is home to U.S. Civil War-era warship the USS Constellation as well Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles.
WHY IS THE CITY OF BALTIMORE DIFFERENT FROM BALTIMORE COUNTY?
The City of Baltimore is an independent city located in the state of Maryland. Baltimore County, which surrounds the City of Baltimore, comprises the suburbs of the City of Baltimore. The City of Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and, like other independent cities throughout the country, operates as its own political entity while also being within the geographic boundary of Baltimore County.
HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
According to the 2020 Census data, the City of Baltimore, Maryland has a population of 585,708 people, including a median age of 35 and a median household income of $52,164.
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
Property taxes for Baltimore, Maryland are calculated per every $100 of assessed value and are broken out into three separate segments and across two specific jurisdictions. For Baltimore County, Maryland, the county rate is $1.100, the state rate is $0.112, and the municipal rate is $0.00. For the City of Baltimore, the county rate is $2.2480 and the state rate is $0.112, and the municipal rate is $0.00.
WHAT IS BALTIMORE, MARYLAND FAMOUS FOR?
As one of the largest and most historic cities in the Mid-Atlantic, Baltimore, Maryland is famous for its distinct architectural style and sports teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, and its identity as a major port city.
HOW FAR IS BALTIMORE, MARYLAND FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Baltimore, Maryland is approximately 40 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. For daily commuters, the MARC train offers direct access from Baltimore, Maryland to Union Station in Washington, D.C.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
The median sale price for a single family home in the City of Baltimore, Maryland is $180,000, which is about half the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Baltimore, Maryland presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
Baltimore, Maryland has many great restaurants. Perhaps the most well known is Woodberry Kitchen, which is credited as one of the first true farm to table restaurants. Another great restaurant is Thames River Oyster House in Fell’s Point. In Hampden, The Bluebird Cocktail Room offers an enviable ambiance for an elevated craft cocktail. And in Roland Park, Petit Louis Bistro offers French bistro fare in a cozy neighborhood environment.
IS BALTIMORE, MARYLAND A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?
Baltimore, Maryland is generally regarded as a good place to live for its proximity to Washington, D.C., its distinct culture, and its lower cost of living relative to other major metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
As the biggest city per capita in the state of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland is as diverse as it comes. From trendy waterside neighborhoods like Canton and Fells Point to leafy suburbs like Roland Park, Guilford, and Charles Village chances are Baltimore, Maryland has something that fits your taste and style.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR BALTIMORE, MARYLAND?
Residents of Baltimore, Maryland would associate with one of two school districts: Baltimore City Public Schools or Baltimore County Public Schools. Baltimore, Maryland is also home to a number of prestigious private schools and universities, including Johns Hopkins University and Gilman School.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Find a Trusted Design Professional in Baltimore, Maryland
Explore the very best Residential Architects, Custom Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in Baltimore, Maryland
Caves Valley Estate of Owings Mills, Maryland. Image courtesy of Townsend Visuals.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Vincent Greene Architects
Vincent Green Architects is a Residential Architecture Firm in Baltimore, Maryland
Tilt House of Lovettsville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Tom Holdsworth.
BROOKLANDVILLE, MARYLAND
place architeture:design
place architecture:design is a Residential Architecture Firmr in Baltimore, Maryland
Charlcote House of Baltimore, Maryland. Image courtesy of Monument Sotheby’s International Realty.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Mona Hajj Interiors
Mona Hajj Interiors is an Interior Design Firm in Baltimore, Maryland
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
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