Maryland Baltimore
Moving to Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, is a vibrant, historic city offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and diverse cultural attractions. With a strong sense of community and an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, Baltimore appeals to young professionals, families, and retirees seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.
The city boasts a robust economy driven by industries such as healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing. As home to Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore is a hub for innovation and research, providing ample career opportunities. The city’s diverse housing options, ranging from historic row homes to modern apartments, ensure that residents can find a place that suits their lifestyle.
Baltimore’s rich heritage is evident in landmarks like the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, and Fort McHenry, where the national anthem was penned. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Baltimore offers plenty of green spaces, such as Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park, as well as water activities along the bay. Whether you're interested in exploring museums, attending sporting events, or enjoying the city's culinary scene, Baltimore provides a high quality of life with a strong sense of history and community.
Baltimore by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Discover Baltimore: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Baltimore, Maryland, offers a dynamic urban lifestyle filled with rich history, diverse culture, and an abundance of attractions. Whether you're exploring its iconic waterfront, enjoying world-class cuisine, or immersing yourself in its vibrant arts scene, Baltimore is a city that has something for everyone.
Downtown Baltimore
Downtown Baltimore serves as the city’s cultural and commercial hub, offering a mix of historic sites, modern attractions, and a bustling waterfront. The Inner Harbor is lined with museums, restaurants, and shops, and its lively atmosphere is perfect for a day of exploration. With its walkable streets, family-friendly activities, and frequent events like outdoor concerts and food festivals, downtown Baltimore provides a vibrant urban experience year-round.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
One of Baltimore’s most iconic landmarks, Fort McHenry is best known for inspiring the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Visitors can tour the historic fort, explore the exhibits at the museum, and learn about the pivotal role the site played in American history during the War of 1812. The stunning views of the harbor make it a must-see for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Patterson Park
For those who love the outdoors, Patterson Park offers a peaceful escape within the city. This 137-acre park features walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and even a lake for boating. It’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or participate in seasonal events like the Patterson Park Master Plan festivities. Whether you're looking to relax or stay active, this green oasis provides a beautiful setting for outdoor recreation in the heart of Baltimore.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Baltimore, Maryland, is a haven for sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, offering a wide variety of recreational activities for all ages and skill levels. From youth sports programs to professional leagues and scenic parks, Baltimore encourages an active, healthy lifestyle.
Youth Sports
The Baltimore Recreation and Parks Department provides a wide range of youth sports programs, including soccer, baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, and tennis. These programs are designed to help young athletes develop skills, build teamwork, and experience the excitement of competition in a supportive, community-focused environment. With excellent facilities and dedicated coaches, Baltimore offers plenty of opportunities for youth to thrive in sports.
Professional Sports Nearby
Baltimore is home to major professional sports teams, making it a vibrant city for sports fans:
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Baltimore Ravens (NFL): The Ravens offer thrilling NFL action with passionate fans filling M&T Bank Stadium for each game.
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Baltimore Orioles (MLB): Camden Yards is one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks, where fans can enjoy a game while soaking in the history and energy of Orioles baseball.
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Washington Capitals & Washington Wizards (NHL & NBA): Just a short trip down the road, Washington D.C. hosts the Capitals and Wizards for exciting hockey and basketball action.
Outdoor Recreation
Baltimore’s natural beauty and green spaces make it an ideal city for outdoor activities throughout the year:
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Patapsco Valley State Park: A sprawling natural area with over 16,000 acres of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors just a short drive from the city.
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Cylburn Arboretum: A 200-acre urban oasis with walking trails, gardens, and wildlife, ideal for nature walks and quiet reflection.
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Inner Harbor: The scenic waterfront is perfect for leisurely walks, boat tours, and enjoying the views of Baltimore's skyline. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities here as well.
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Golf: Baltimore has several scenic golf courses, including the prestigious Woodholme Country Club and Mount Pleasant Golf Course, offering stunning views and a challenging game for all levels.
Whether you're looking to catch a game, join a sports league, or explore the great outdoors, Baltimore offers endless opportunities to stay active and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
Adventures
Adventures
Baltimore, Maryland, is a vibrant city filled with thrilling adventures for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. From its historic landmarks and scenic waterfront to unique natural areas and exciting urban explorations, Baltimore offers a wide array of activities for all interests and skill levels. Whether you're hiking through lush parks, kayaking along the harbor, or discovering local history, adventure awaits around every corner.
While Maryland may not have beaches like Florida, its water experiences are uniquely tied to the state's rich maritime culture:
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Inner Harbor: Explore Baltimore’s picturesque Inner Harbor by kayak or paddleboard. This historic waterway offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and famous waterfront landmarks, including the National Aquarium and historic ships like the USS Constellation.
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Patapsco River: The Patapsco River offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking through lush landscapes, with scenic views of the riverbanks and the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a peaceful spot for an afternoon on the water.
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Sailing in the Chesapeake Bay: Baltimore is located on the Chesapeake Bay, making it the perfect starting point for sailing adventures. Whether you take a guided sailing tour or venture out on your own, the bay offers a variety of routes to explore, from charming seaside villages to expansive open waters.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Baltimore, Maryland, offers a rich calendar of seasonal events that highlight the city's vibrant culture, diverse community, and love for the arts and outdoors. Whether you’re attending waterfront festivals, enjoying holiday traditions, or exploring local markets, Baltimore is packed with exciting events year-round for both locals and visitors.
Baltimore Craft Beer Festival
Every September, craft beer enthusiasts gather at the Baltimore Craft Beer Festival to celebrate the city’s thriving craft brewing scene. Held at the Inner Harbor, the festival features tastings from local breweries, live music, delicious food vendors, and games. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the fall season and discover some of the best brews Baltimore has to offer.
Artscape
Each July, Baltimore hosts Artscape, the largest free arts festival in the United States. This three-day event spans the city’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, offering visitors a chance to explore over 150 artists' booths, interactive art installations, live performances, and food trucks. It’s a celebration of creativity that brings together artists, musicians, and dancers from around the world.
Lighting of the Washington Monument
During the holiday season, Baltimore celebrates with the annual Lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon. This festive event marks the start of the holiday season, featuring performances by local choirs, hot cocoa, and a spectacular light display that transforms the monument into a beautiful holiday spectacle.
Community Resources
Baltimore, Maryland, provides residents and visitors with access to a wide range of high-quality healthcare services. From world-class hospitals to specialized treatment centers, Baltimore’s healthcare system is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care for every stage of life.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
Johns Hopkins Medicine is one of the world’s leading healthcare systems, offering comprehensive services that include emergency care, cancer treatment, cardiovascular care, neurology, orthopedics, and pediatric services. Johns Hopkins Hospital, consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the nation, is a cornerstone of healthcare in Baltimore and beyond, providing cutting-edge research and treatment options.
Johns Hopkins Medicine
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is a major academic medical center known for its specialties in trauma care, cancer treatment, cardiac services, and neurological care. UMMC is home to a state-of-the-art trauma center and a comprehensive cancer institute that offers advanced therapies such as radiation oncology, chemotherapy, and surgical interventions.
University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)
Located within Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center offers world-renowned cancer care, including innovative treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials. The center is recognized for its patient-centered approach, focusing on individualized care for cancer patients.
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Baltimore, Maryland, is home to a strong educational system that provides excellent options for students from kindergarten through college. With top-rated public schools, respected private institutions, and proximity to renowned colleges and universities, Baltimore fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for families.
K-12 Schools:
Public Schools
The Baltimore City Public Schools district is committed to providing a high-quality education for all students, offering a variety of specialized programs to meet diverse learning needs. Baltimore’s public schools are known for strong academic programs, arts and music opportunities, and community involvement. Notable schools include:
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Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly) – A prestigious high school known for its focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and academic excellence.
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Baltimore City College High School – One of the oldest public high schools in the U.S., offering strong academic programs, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and an emphasis on college readiness.
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Patterson Park High School – A school with a focus on college preparation and career pathways, offering unique programs in health sciences and business.
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The Baltimore School for the Arts – A specialized public school offering students in-depth instruction in dance, theater, visual arts, and music.
Private Schools:
Baltimore also offers a variety of private schools with specialized curricula and smaller class sizes. Notable private institutions include:
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Gilman School – A highly regarded private, all-boys school offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and strong extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Friends School of Baltimore – A Quaker school that emphasizes social justice, academic achievement, and personal integrity, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for students from preschool through 12th grade.
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St. Paul’s School for Girls – A private girls' school known for its academic excellence, athletics, and strong commitment to empowering young women.
These private schools offer individualized attention, rigorous academics, and a focus on character development.
Colleges:
Baltimore is home to a number of respected higher education institutions, making it a prime location for students pursuing advanced degrees:
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Johns Hopkins University – One of the top universities in the world, known for its excellence in research, medicine, engineering, and the humanities. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines.
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University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) – A leading academic health center that offers programs in law, medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and social work, providing top-tier education and clinical training.
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Morgan State University – A historically Black university offering strong programs in the arts, sciences, and engineering, with a focus on fostering academic excellence and community engagement.
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Loyola University Maryland – A private Jesuit university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, humanities, and education, known for its commitment to social justice and ethical leadership.
Baltimore, Maryland, offers its residents and businesses reliable utility services, essential government resources, and community programs that help maintain the city’s high quality of life. Here is an overview of the key services and agencies that ensure Baltimore operates smoothly.
Utilities:
Water and Sewer Services
The Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW) provides high-quality drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management services to the city. DPW focuses on sustainability, water conservation, and infrastructure maintenance, implementing programs like water quality testing and community education on water conservation practices. Baltimore’s water system is recognized for its safe and reliable service, consistently meeting stringent federal and state regulations.
Electricity and Gas
Electricity in Baltimore is primarily provided by BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric), offering reliable service and energy-saving programs. BGE also provides outage management tools, allowing residents and businesses to report and track power outages in real time.
Natural gas service is also provided by BGE, ensuring safe and efficient gas delivery to both residential and commercial properties in Baltimore.
Government Agencies:
Baltimore operates under a strong local government structure, with a Mayor-Council system. The Mayor of Baltimore serves as the head of the city’s executive branch, working alongside the City Council to oversee public services, infrastructure, and policy development. Baltimore’s government prioritizes public safety, economic development, education, and environmental sustainability to maintain the city’s vibrant and diverse communities.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.