Greektown

Greektown is a neighborhood located in the southeast region of Baltimore near I-95. I-95, O’Donnell Street, East Lehieght Street, East Lombard Street, Oldham Street and Eastern Avenue generally form the borders of this neighborhood. In typical Baltimore fashion, most of the homes are attached single-family “row homes”. The condition of the homes varies widely. In addition, you will find a variety of multifamily buildings and commercial buildings as well.

The proximity to both I-95 as well as I-895 and the related noise will deter many from considering this neighborhood. In addition, there is a set of railroad tracks that cut thru Greektown. Schools, shopping and restaurants are lacking, although there are a few places along Eastern Avenue. Lehigh and Gough Park is the only dedicated green space located within the neighborhood. There are a few large parcels of land that may be developed at some point in the future as the economy improves.

Like many neighborhoods in large cities, crimes against people and property can occur at any time and crime rates can vary from street to street and day to day. As always, check recent crime statistics to make an informed decision on any neighborhood you are considering living in or visiting.

Overall this may be a neighborhood worth looking into, especially for professionals working at the nearby John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

Once known simply as The Hill, this area along a stretch of Eastern Avenue has been home to Baltimore's thriving Greek-American community since the 1930s. Thanks to a sucessful petition effort by its residents, the Baltimore City Council changed the area's name to Greektown in the mid-1980s. It is bounded by Lombard Street, O'Donnell Street, South Haven, and I-895.
Greektown is notable for it's combination of residential and business space, enlivened by a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is managing to maintain it's traditional base in Greek-American culture while incorporating both European and non-European influences. Greektown consists of single family town houses, many restaurants, authentic Greek coffee houses and bakeries as well as many other types of small businesses. It is a diverse community of largely blue-collar people of numerous ethnic derivations. While still mostly Greek and other European descendants, other ethnic groups are represented by growing subcommunities of Indians, Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics and a growing GLBT community that enjoys the rich heritage and low crime rate.
Greektown still acknowledges it's Greek-American roots annually by hosting the Baltimore Greek Festival and Parade, attracting people from across the city to sample Greek food, music, and dance.