The Top Neighborhoods for Renters in Baltimore in 2025

When it comes to finding the perfect apartment rental in Baltimore, you’re not just picking an address—you’re choosing a lifestyle. From historic rowhouses-turned-apartments to modern mid-rises near the waterfront, Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for every renter. In this guide, we’ll walk through several standout areas for apartment hunters, giving you insight into average rents, neighborhood character, local highlights, types of rentals available, and key occupancy stats. With this information, you’ll be better equipped to navigate Baltimore’s housing landscape and find the right neighborhood for your needs.

An overview of Baltimore’s rental landscape

Baltimore’s median rent often sits in the moderate range compared to other East Coast cities, with one-bedroom apartments generally starting around $1,100–$1,300 in many central neighborhoods. The city’s housing stock is varied: historic rowhomes, rehabbed loft spaces, modern apartment complexes, and mid-century buildings converted into multifamily units. Baltimore’s strong rental culture means many neighborhoods hover around a 50%-60% renter occupancy rate, ensuring a robust community of fellow tenants.

1. Canton

Houses for rent in Canton | Apartments for rent in Canton

Average rent: Around $3,000 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Canton’s prime waterfront location and charming square serve as social hubs, surrounded by boutique shopping, fitness studios, and popular brunch spots.
Parking and transportation: Street parking can be competitive; many newer apartment complexes include garages or reserved spaces.
Rental types and styles: A mix of historic brick rowhouses converted into multi-unit rentals and contemporary apartment buildings offering modern finishes, fitness centers, and rooftop decks.

2. Fells Point

Houses for rent in Fell’s Point | Apartments for rent in Fell’s Point

Average rent: Around $2,000 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Fells Point boasts cobblestone streets, eclectic bars, and historic taverns. The waterfront promenade and markets create a lively, walkable environment.
Parking and transportation: Parking can be tight, but many long-term renters opt for garages or private lots. Public transit and water taxi services are readily available.
Rental types and styles: Older rowhomes with character-rich interiors, loft-style units in converted industrial spaces, and some newly developed apartments near the water with modern amenities.

3. Riverside

Houses for rent in Riverside | Apartments for rent in Riverside

Average rent: Around $2,000 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Centered around Riverside Park, this neighborhood has a relaxed, community feel. Coffee shops, corner pubs, and dog-friendly green spaces add to the charm.
Parking and transportation: Residential streets offer moderate parking availability; some newer buildings include off-street options.
Rental types and styles: Primarily renovated rowhouses, many split into multiple units, alongside a handful of low- to mid-rise apartment buildings with updated kitchens and hardwood floors.

4. Mount Vernon

Houses for rent in Mount Vernon | Apartments for rent in Mount Vernon

Average rent: Around $1,500 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: As Baltimore’s cultural center, Mount Vernon is home to the Walters Art Museum, theaters, and historic mansions now converted into apartments. Its tree-lined streets are highly walkable, with shops and restaurants aplenty.
Parking and transportation: Street parking can be limited; some buildings offer private lots or partnerships with nearby garages.
Rental types and styles: Grand historic buildings subdivided into spacious apartments, classic brownstones with period details, and some modern mid-rise options with elegant lobby entrances and on-site amenities.

5. Downtown Baltimore

Houses for rent in Downtown | Apartments for rent in Downtown

Average rent: Around $1,500 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Skyscrapers, corporate offices, and proximity to major transit hubs define Downtown Baltimore. You’ll find museums, sporting arenas, and the Inner Harbor within walking distance.
Parking and transportation: Garage parking is widely available—at a cost. Public transportation, including the light rail and bus lines, is convenient.
Rental types and styles: High-rise apartments with stunning city views, full-service buildings featuring concierge and security, plus some newly renovated office-to-apartment conversions with open-concept layouts.

6. Charles Village

Houses for rent in Charles Village | Apartments for rent in Charles Village

Average rent: Around $1,000 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: A youthful, intellectual atmosphere permeates Charles Village, thanks to Johns Hopkins University. Painted Victorian rowhomes, indie bookstores, and cafés create a welcoming, neighborhood-oriented energy.
Parking and transportation: More accessible street parking than in downtown areas; bike-friendly roads and several public transit options.
Rental types and styles: Classic rowhomes often divided into duplexes or triplexes, plus a selection of small apartment buildings and walk-up flats with vintage details and tall windows.

7. Inner Harbor

Houses for rent in Inner Harbor | Apartments for rent in Inner Harbor

Average rent: Around $2,000 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Baltimore’s tourist centerpiece, the Inner Harbor is lined with attractions like the National Aquarium, waterfront dining, and upscale shopping. It’s bustling, modern, and highly walkable.
Parking and transportation: Ample parking garages and valet options, though they can be pricey. Water taxis and buses provide easy connectivity.
Rental types and styles: Luxury high-rises and mid-rise complexes with sleek interiors, concierge services, rooftop pools, and floor-to-ceiling windows, all offering panoramic harbor views.

8. Bolton Hill

Houses for rent in Bolton Hill | Apartments for rent in Bolton Hill

Average rent: Around $1,500 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: A historic district known for its leafy streets, ornate rowhouses, and proximity to the Maryland Institute College of Art. Bolton Hill exudes a quiet, refined residential feel.
Parking and transportation: Residential permit parking is common, generally making it more manageable than in denser areas. Public buses and the light rail provide reasonable access to the rest of the city.
Rental types and styles: Stately rowhouses with architectural flourishes, many restored with hardwood floors, decorative fireplaces, and spacious layouts. A few mid-sized apartment buildings offer more contemporary finishes.

9. Mid-Town Belvedere

Houses for rent in Mid-Town Belvedere | Apartments for rent in Mid-Town Belvedere

Average rent: Around $1,500 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Just north of Downtown, Mid-Town Belvedere blends cultural venues, independent restaurants, and small performance spaces. It’s an area in transition, appealing to those who appreciate an artsy, central lifestyle.
Parking and transportation: Street parking is competitive; consider buildings that include off-street spots or rely on nearby transit stations.
Rental types and styles: Century-old buildings reimagined into lofts, modern apartments in converted historic hotels, and smaller complexes with renovated interiors that balance charm and convenience.

10. Hollins Market

Houses for rent in Hollins Market | Apartments for rent in Hollins Market

Average rent: Around $800 for a one-bedroom
Neighborhood vibe and highlights: Anchored by the historic Hollins Market (Baltimore’s oldest public market), this neighborhood has a grassroots, community-driven feel. Local bakeries, produce vendors, and small shops create an authentic urban village atmosphere.
Parking and transportation: Street parking is relatively easier here; bus lines offer a direct route to downtown.
Rental types and styles: Modestly priced rowhouse units, some with exposed brick and original woodwork, and a few small apartment buildings that blend newer fixtures with traditional Baltimore architecture.

Rental types and trends

• Historic rowhomes: Many Baltimore neighborhoods are celebrated for their brick rowhouses, some divided into multiple rental units. These often provide unique layouts, original woodwork, and architectural charm.
• Modern apartment complexes: In areas like Harbor East or near Downtown, you’ll find sleek high-rises with upscale amenities like fitness centers and rooftop lounges.
• Converted industrial spaces: Former warehouses and factories in neighborhoods like Station North or Highlandtown have been transformed into loft-style apartments with high ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial finishes.

Making your move: Tips for Baltimore renters

1. Set a budget: While Baltimore is generally more affordable than Washington, DC or Philadelphia, neighborhoods vary widely in price. Know your target rent and explore areas that fit your financial comfort zone.
2. Tour at different times: Visit neighborhoods during both day and night to get a true feel for the vibe, noise levels, and safety.
3. Check for amenities: Look into whether buildings offer on-site laundry, secure bike storage, or parking options.
4. Leverage public transportation: Baltimore’s bus routes, light rail, and water taxis can greatly influence which neighborhood is most convenient. Proximity to transit hubs is especially beneficial if you’re car-free.

Baltimore’s rental scene is as diverse as the city’s cultural tapestry. Whether you’re drawn to Mount Vernon’s stately charm, Federal Hill’s nightlife, or Charles Village’s collegiate energy, you’re sure to find a neighborhood that feels like home. With this Renter’s Roadmap, you’re equipped to navigate Baltimore’s housing market confidently—ready to choose a place that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and sense of community.

Methodology: Rent prices from Rent.com. Home prices from Redfin.com. Population, renter vs. owner ratios, and travel time from U.S. Census. Average apartment size from Rentcafe. Cost of living from Redfin. WalkScore, TransitScore, and BikeScore from walkscore.com. All data sourced December 2024.

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