Be Charmed by Charm City: Moving to Baltimore

Moving to a new place is a thrilling adventure, especially when the destination is as rich in history and culture as Baltimore, Maryland. Nicknamed “Charm City,” Baltimore buzzes with energy from its waterfront districts to the inner hills. If you’re setting your sights on moving to Baltimore, this comprehensive guide will help you get to know your new hometown. Uncover the best this coastal city offers.

Fast Facts About Baltimore

•     With 576,498 residents, it’s the state’s largest city
•     It covers 92.28 sq mi
•     Founded in 1729
•     Home to the nation’s first aquarium
•     Burned down in 1904
•     Sports legends Babe Ruth and Michael Phelps are from Baltimore
•     It has 225+ neighborhoods
•     The Star-Spangled Banner was written here

About Baltimore

Part of becoming a Baltimore resident is learning its character and culture as it shaped its history. In Baltimore’s case, that history goes back almost three centuries! A brief summary:

Baltimore began as a port town for shipping tobacco and other goods, but that quickly changed because of its strategic importance in the mid-Atlantic. Flour from inland Pennsylvania was shipped to Ireland, lumber came down the rivers for ships, and the bay provided fresh seafood. Many goods followed in and out of its port.

It built highly maneuverable ships, becoming a vital shipbuilding yard in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Its prowess at building blockade-busting ships led the British to attack this “den of pirates,” but not to success. The Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner,” which is now our National Anthem. 

To stay a thriving economic and trade center, it brought the first railroad company in the US, the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, or B&O as Monopoly players know it, here. Along with it came the first telegraph lines. Its industries were built and staffed by waves of immigrants throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. They continually added to Baltimore’s identity and contributed to the cultural mosaic the city displays today.

Baltimore also played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, having the largest community of freedmen before the Civil War. It’s home to the first African-American-owned newspaper. Thurgood Marshall began his legal career here before becoming the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

The city became an education hub with internationally recognized institutions like Johns Hopkins University, established in the 18th century. It’s also home to the Peabody Institute, which has produced musicians like Philip Glass and Tori Amos.

The city had to reinvent itself after the Great Fire of 1904, when over 1,526 buildings and 140 acres burned following an explosion. But it did so in a quick fashion, using it as an opportunity to boost the city’s infrastructure.

Throughout the 1930s, many of the city’s prized landmarks were built: The Peabody, Lyric Theater, and the Hippodrome, to name a few. Today, these landmarks are cultural hubs for Baltimore.

The nickname “Charm City” originated in the 1970s when the locals sought to boost the city’s reputation. Along with it came more highlights of Baltimore City life: a new science center, convention center, trade center, aquarium, and revamped Inner Harbor district. The idea was that Baltimore had unspoiled charm from its storied history and modern way of living.

Cost of Living in Baltimore

The central Mid-Atlantic states aren’t exactly known for their affordability. Sandwiched between Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, though, Baltimore is a lower-cost option for living. Its 2023 overall cost of living placed it about 7% under the US-indexed average. In even a greater steal, its housing market fell 40% below the national median and 64% under the state average! Check it out:

Weathering Life in Baltimore

Transitioning to Baltimore’s climate can be an adventure. You’ll need a diverse wardrobe to match the weather’s capricious nature. Locals experience all four seasons: hot and humid summers, picturesque autumns with fiery foliage, and sometimes cold and snowy winters. January averages 35F, while July has a mean temperature of 80F. Being on the waterfront adds humidity to the air, but on the upside, it moderates its climate.

America’s first umbrella factory was built in Baltimore– a sign of the torrential downpours you can expect in the rainy spring. Pack smart for the season and for the occasional summer thunderstorm. Seasonally, Baltimore averages about 19 inches of snow. The further from the coast, the more snowfall to expect.

Flooding can be a risk living in Baltimore, given the city’s waterfront location and low-lying areas. Factoring this in when moving to Baltimore, especially if you want a waterfront location.

Commuting in the Mid-Atlantic Hub

One of Baltimore’s prime advantages is its strategic location. Residents gain an easy commute to major Mid-Atlantic destinations like Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. The MARC Train connects through Baltimore to DC, while Amtrak runs routes to Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Many Baltimoreans utilize the comprehensive public transportation system, which is a combination of light rail, subway, buses, and water taxis. Anyone can ride for free on the Charm City Circulator bus system around the downtown district. And how many cities have a water taxi system? Baltimore’s single-price for everyday service gains purchasers access to 30 attractions and waterfront neighborhoods.

Plus, the central urban districts have privately operated electric scooters and bicycles for rent for fast pedestrian travel. Biking is gaining popularity thanks to an expanding bike lanes and paths network.

For further travel, the LightRailLink can get you to the Baltimore-Washington Airport and northern neighborhoods.

To buy bus, light rail, or metro subway passes, full route maps, and service updates, visit the MTA.

For those preferring to drive, major highways like I-95 and I-83 provide quick access to regional hotspots.

Navigating Baltimore’s Educational Landscape

For families moving to Baltimore, quality education matters. Baltimore City Schools is an extensive public school system with over 75,000 enrolled students attending 126 schools and programs. It’s one of the nation’s oldest and largest school systems. As such, it runs programs designed to cater to various learning styles. The truth, though, is Baltimore City Schools have underperformed for decades on statewide testing measures for reading and math proficiency.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have high-performing schools, as it absolutely does have some stand-out institutions. From the nation’s oldest all-girls public high school to a renowned school for the arts, Baltimore’s education scene is rich with history and innovation. Its Baltimore City College has an IB participation rate of over 75%; it also ranks as the state’s eighth-best high school and in the nation’s top 50 high schools. Baltimore Polytechnic and Baltimore School for Arts are also identified as high performers on the US News and World Report. 

Private and charter school options are also plentiful. In sum, families have many choices for their child’s academic journey.

Safety and Security in Baltimore

While Baltimore’s cultural richness is undeniable, safety concerns are at the forefront of many prospective new residents’ minds.

All cities will have areas with a higher crime rate. In Baltimore’s case, the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a particular spike in violent crimes, including homicide, assault, and robbery. Crime statistics from the Police Department indicate 64.2 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2022. And when you break down the numbers, it gets a little more concerning…Baltimore ranked second for homicide in the nation.

Wherever you move in Baltimore, staying informed of your surroundings is always wise. Use common sense and familiarize yourself with local resources and safety tips to enjoy a secure living environment.

Making Baltimore Your Home

[Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/baltimore-inner-harbor-boats-docks-5424693/]

Baltimore proudly has over 250 distinct neighborhoods, and many are affordable places to buy a home. December 2023’s median sale price for the Greater Baltimore area was $274,900. 

Of course, we can’t feature all of Baltimore’s neighborhoods, but a few stand out as popular places to work, live, or play:

•  Roland Park was the first planned suburb community in the US. Established in 1891, this historic area has charming homes and excellent private schools and is described as “quiet” and “kid-friendly.”
• Lively Fells Point is a historic waterfront community with cobblestone streets, public markets, and a restaurant scene that features cuisines from all over the world.
• Historic and beautiful Mount Vernon is Baltimore’s LGBTQ+-friendly district. It’s also a cultural hub for the city– visit an art museum in the 19th-century mansion of Garrett Jacobs, the Peabody Library, or the nation’s first Washington Monument.
• Charles Village was once home to Johns Hopkins University students but has since evolved into a more diverse neighborhood. A community association runs local garden walks, a music series, and a newspaper.
• Canton is popular with young professionals and families, with its waterfront location, beautiful parks, and an urban feel. 
•  The urban excitement of Bromo Arts District is a growing community with galleries, theaters, and other art-related attractions.
• The historic seaport of Inner Harbor is the attraction hotspot with the popular National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. Plus, it’s an urban living environment packed with restaurants and nightlife.

Whatever your lifestyle or interests may be, find it in a Baltimore neighborhood. Take the time to explore and get a feel for what each neighborhood offers in terms of amenities, community, and lifestyle to find your ideal Baltimore home base.

Embracing Baltimore’s Culinary Delights

Food lovers, rejoice! Baltimore will surprise you with what it throws down on a plate. At the front and center is the world-famous seafood. This is where Old Bay Seasoning originated, after all. Dig into the hearty Maryland blue crab dishes served at the restaurants that line the Inner Harbor. Explore the endless ways to serve an Oyster–there’s even a Crab & Oyster Trail!

Seafood reigns king, but it’s not the only reason Food & Wine and Zagat love the Baltimore culinary scene. Inside the city are historic public food markets and halls, a strong vegan-based dining culture, and a craft beer culture. It’s created local delicacies like Baltimore-style pit ham and Berger cookies. Plus, many venues are globally inspired, helping Baltimore’s cultural diversity shine on the plate.

Exploring Baltimore’s Cultural Bounty

Arts and culture are woven deeply into Baltimore’s fabric, with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters peppered throughout the city. The city’s music and theater scene constantly pulses with life. Enjoy entertainment from classical performances to cutting-edge indie artistry. Once you move to Baltimore, you’ll see endless opportunities to stay engaged and have fun. A few key attractions to check out:

•  The Inner Harbor will keep you coming back. This waterfront district includes three of the city’s top museums (the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and the American Visionary Arts Museum), a string of delicious seafood restaurants, and the best harbor views.
•  The Privateer Festival is an annual celebration of Baltimore’s waterfront heritage. Every year in Fell’s Point, join a vivacious street festival with live music, food vendors, and art demonstrations.
• The Baltimore Museum of Art is home to the world’s most extensive Matisse collection and 90,000 other works. It also boasts a sculpture garden and an African art collection.
• Baltimore loves a good game. It has two professional sports teams: the MLB Orioles and the NFL Ravens, so take your pick of exciting sports action.
• Artscape descends on Baltimore in a flurry of color, sound, and movement. The nation’s largest free arts festival is a fun annual tradition that includes the “art cars” on Charles Street, multiple stages, and endless fun.
• Fort McHenry is a popular tourist site, but locals love it too. It’s where the “Star-Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Catch amazing views and history while picnicking with your family.

Investing in Baltimore’s Economy

For professionals and entrepreneurs, Baltimore presents opportunities. The once-tobacco and flour shipping hub has flourished through three centuries because it’s always been willing to embrace innovation and adapt to the times. Consider how it had America’s first railroad line and telegraph line.

Modern Baltimore is a healthcare, education, and technology hub, with institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. Eight of the top ten employers by size are in healthcare or education.

Multiple research labs and federal agencies are centered around Baltimore, making it a destination for cutting-edge work in life sciences, biotechnology, and creative industries.

Leading companies like Under Armor, Morgan Stanley, and Exelon exemplify how Baltimore’s economy is based in many different fields. It relies upon logistics, agribusiness, and tourism to round out its economic profile. It’s still a hub for manufacturing and logistics with its busy port.

Building a Life in Baltimore

Baltimore is a city of stories, waiting for you to write your own alongside its proud history. So, pack your explorer’s spirit, get your crab mallet ready, and prepare to call Charm City home. As you move to Baltimore, remember to approach your new chapter with an open mind and curiosity. Find endless ways to build a fulfilling life, from exploring the favorite local coffee shops to sounding out the live music scene.