Reasons to Move to Baltimore, MD
Published by Chris Townsend
Reasons to Move to Baltimore, MD
Founded in 1729, Baltimore is rich in more than just history. Both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods have so much to offer residents – from walkable communities to rejuvenated downtowns teeming with unique architecture and an expanding number of locally owned shops and restaurants. With its perfect blend of modern and historic attractions, friendly people, energetic nightlife, and gorgeous architecture, it’s no wonder why Baltimore is nicknamed “Charm City.”
If you’re considering making a big move to Baltimore, Maryland, you’re not alone. The Baltimore metropolitan area is home to nearly three million people, and the population keeps growing each year. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of life in the city, or a more relaxed, small-town feel, Baltimore and the surrounding communities have something to offer everyone. More people leaving DC move to Baltimore than any other city. Still unsure if Baltimore is right for you? Check out our list of 7 reasons to move to Baltimore, MD:
Diverse Neighborhoods
As the third most populous county in the state of Maryland, Baltimore County has a neighborhood for nearly every type of lifestyle. From the waterfront neighborhoods of Middle River and Dundalk, to the urban amenities in Owings Mills and Townson, there is something for everyone. Prefer something more rural? Try Monkton. Or, to relish in Baltimore’s rich history, consider Catonsville.
Baltimore county’s neighborhoods are positioned within a close proximity of each other, making it effortless for residents to enjoy them all. For example, you can kayak at the crack of dawn in the Gunpowder River, hit up the mall in the afternoon, and head down to catch a Baltimore Orioles game on the Metro in the evening. Revitalization efforts are also in the works all throughout Baltimore, meaning the city is only going to get more exciting and diverse over the next couple years.
Family-Friendly
With top-rated educational facilities, affordable housing, and numerous kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is an excellent place to settle down and start a family. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is very walkable and offers the remarkable National Aquarium, along with numerous other museums, science centers, and family-friendly restaurants. The many historical sites throughout the city offer learning opportunities for the whole family, transporting you back in time. There is also no shortage of green spaces in Baltimore, with West Shore Park in Inner Harbor that features the famous Walter Sondheim Fountain and Pierce’s Park, an interactive park that offers musical instruments, climbable structures, and even a tunnel through a living willow tree!
Aside from Inner Harbor, there are a number of other family-friendly neighborhoods throughout Baltimore, including Belair-Edison, a diverse and inviting community snuggled within hundreds of acres of parkland.
Chesapeake Bay Cuisine
If you love all things shellfish, crab, or seafood in general, Baltimore is the place for you. Whether you’re carving lobster rolls, oysters, or an entire seafood feast, the Chesapeake Bay cuisine in Baltimore has you covered. Aside from fresh, delicious seafood, food enthusiasts can also enjoy award-winning chefs and restaurants throughout Charm City, a thriving craft beer and cocktail scene, and tasty food festivals year-round.
For instance, Mount Vernon’s unique dining scene offers Spanish, Afghani, New American food, and more. When the sun sets, the cocktail bars, dive bars, gay bars, and taprooms come alive with live music and dancing.
Four Seasons
When you move to Baltimore, you’ll get to enjoy a full four seasons – something that cannot be said for many other places in the country. In the springtime, head over to Sherwood Gardens to see one of the most renowned tulip gardens in North America, along with cherry blossoms, wisteria, dogwoods, magnolias, old English boxwoods, azaleas, and so much more. You can also take a stroll at the Mt. Washington Arboretum or the mansion, trails, and landscaped gardens at Clyburn Arboretum.
Summer months bring in numerous festivals in Baltimore, including the Chesapeake Crab and Beer Festival, Vegan Soulfest, Latinofest, Baltimore Moonrise Festival, and Baltimore Pride. In fact, Baltimore has some of the regions greatest summer festivals. While it can get somewhat cold in the winter, the climate is considered moderate compared to many other areas of the country. Though, this is the time when indoor entertainment thrives in Baltimore, including theater, music, and limited exhibitions.
Attractions and Entertainment
Baltimore is full of monuments, markets, museums, and numerous other sights for both locals and tourists to enjoy. You’ll never run out of things to do when you move to Baltimore. Some of the top attractions you’ll certainly want to check out during your first few months in the city include:
- Lexington Market: Founded in 1782, this is not your average market. It is the oldest market in the country, offering a range of foods and wares that you won’t find anywhere else. Located right in Baltimore’s downtown area, Lexington Market is just steps away from Camden Yards (home to the the Baltimore Orioles).
- National Aquarium: One of the most prominent attractions in the city, the National Aquarium has a wide variety of animals – from tarantulas to dolphins. They also offer special discounted days where you can visit for a much cheaper rate than regular price.
- Geppis Entertainment Museum: This museum features a number of comic books, both historical and new. It is a great place to visit for anyone who loves anything superhero or comic-book related.
- Edgar Allen Poe House: If you’re a fan of Edgar Allen Poe’s literary works, you’ll definitely want to check out his home. Preserved as a historical landmark, his home is now a museum that you can visit.
- Fells Point: This is one of the most historical neighborhoods in the city – complete with cobblestone streets, the oldest bar in the city, and so much more!
- Power Plant Live!: Located in downtown Baltimore, Power Plant Live! Offers a blend of nightclubs and bars for those 21 years old and up. Live music performances and bull riding are the norm here.
- M&T Bank Stadium: Home to the Baltimore Ravens, this stadium is beautiful. You can catch a game or, in the summer, purchase a ticket to one of the many large-scale music concerts they host.
- Hippodrome Theatre: For the theater lovers, the Hippodrome Theatre offers traveling Broadway plays, musicals, and various other shows.
Artscape
A yearly art festival in the Mount Royal neighborhood of Baltimore, Artscape is so integral to the culture in this city that it deserves its own section. This annual event began in 1982 and, since then, has become the largest free arts festival in the United States. Yes, you heard that right – FREE. If art of any kind is of interest to you, you’ll love Artscape and, best of all, it’s a cultural immersion that won’t hurt your bank account.
Artscape is a three-day event, attracting over 350,000 people across all age and backgrounds to the fourteen square blocks around the Maryland Institute College of Arts (MICA) campus where it is held. From fashion designers and fine artists to venues packed with film, theater, opera, and dance, you’ll enjoy art and music from all over the world. Over the years, the event has boasted acts such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Miguel, Robin Thicke, and Joan Jett. If you move to Baltimore, you’ll get to enjoy this legendary event ever year right in the comfort of your own backyard.
Proximity to Washington, DC
About an hour and a half drive or 45 minutes on the commuter train and you’ll land in our nation’s capital. Easy and convenience access to three different airports – Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C., BWI Airport in Hanover Maryland, and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – makes domestic and international travel nearly effortless.=
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