Ashlin

Eastern Ave cuts through the South-Eastern quadrant of the city and is a major traffic through-way and central to commerce in the area. Near the historic Fell's Point area, it's a touristy boutique-style shopping hub with constant pedestrian activity. As you progress East, the avenue gradually becomes less walkable and more industrial/commercial. There are plenty of trendy bars and restaurants to occupy a young crowd. Although I feel relatively safe here, I personally feel that the street is too crowded and not quite calm enough to live on. The parking is metered and usually hard to find an empty spot--suggest parking on a free side street.

Baltimore is primarily sectioned into quadrants, and St. Paul is one the division streets that runs right through the center. It's one the most well-known streets, very well kept, safe, and easy to access from highways and attractions. The structures are mostly very large historic row homes. So large, in fact, that a single unit can be renovated into multi-room apartments or left intact as a very spacious family dwelling. Ample free street parking with space for private parking in the alleyways. The next street to the West is Charles, which is a hub of nightlife, boutique shopping, and restaurants. St. Paul is a very busy main artery, so you must be accustomed to the "street noise" which will never cease. I lived on this street for a few years and miss my apartment dearly.

This street is a true testament to how segregated Baltimore can be and how drastically life changes from block to block. A family member owns a home near the park, and it is great city living. The blocks near the park are quiet, family-oriented, with ample free head-in parking and well-kept sidewalks and facades. The home interiors are charming, renovated, and provide a community atmosphere for cooking out in the back alley yards. Restaurants and shops are walkable, and the huge park is just steps away. The northern blocks of North Kenwood, however, are dilapidated and crime-ridden. Stay away!

Water street is small in length, it's rough cobblestone path--almost an alley--bush up against some of the larger structures in downtown Baltimore. There are several historic bars along Water street that unanimously open their doors to allow patrons to gather and mingle in an outdoor party-like atmosphere. Typically, on weekends, each end of the narrow street is closed to traffic and live music fills the air while the young crowd drinks beer from plastic cups. If you visit, aim for happy hour around 6pm when the crowd is fresh and nearby streets are opening up their free parking.

For about 4 years, I had an apartment at the intersection of St. Paul and Read streets, so I traveled Read frequently. It's not a commuter street, so it's quiet with free parking. Mostly historic apartments toward the East. Mostly renovated, cute historic homes in the North-West with a real sense of street pride and community... in fact, they even hold a yearly street festival open to everyone. Read intersects with popular North/South commerce routes, so restaurants and shopping are nearby.

The quaint row homes are so beautifully renovated and the overall vibe of the street feels safe, rustic, and romantic. I kick myself for not buying a row house here 15 years ago--I know they've tripled in price. The Fell's Point neighborhood is alive with bars, shops, restaurants, and historic waterfront culture. Fantastic city living.

I lived at the intersection of S. Broadway. To the West is underdeveloped industrial buildings with a few bars sprinkled throughout. It's a great, safe street for free parking. I suspect the new Western construction will revitalize this area and conversion from warehouses into awesome loft-style apartments has already started. To the East, Aliceanna is lined with touristy boutique shops and antique dealers, which makes for a great neighborhood walk.

If you're visiting Fell's Point and don't know the secret side-street parking spots, you should head straight for Thames. There's a huge, new garage where you can safely park for only $3/day. The street itself is lined with historic waterfront shops, bars, and restaurants and the original cobblestone construction will have you feeling like you've "arrived" at your destination the minute you step out of your car. I have spent entire evenings without leaving Thames well-lit, safe, bustling scene.

South Broadway is the hub of waterfront clubbing and bar-hopping in the evening, and a stir of boutique shopping during the day. Unique restaurants of all genres pepper the neighborhood. Ample pay parking, some free if you circle around once or twice. There are fun and crowded festivals a few times/year and always a jovial, good-time vibe no matter what the day or hour. Lots of interesting, historic apartments and row homes makes for a wonderfully charming neighborhood to live in. I'm sad I left!

As just about any North/South downtown street in Baltimore, Guilford gets dramatically safer and more affluent towards the Inner Harbor. I lived right on the threshold line of tolerance and safety near the intersection of Mt. Royal. Many people have yet to discover the abundance of free parking within walking distance of the harbor and Gallery mall. I used to safely walk to the Athletic club also located on this street.