Charm City Commute: The Best Baltimore Neighborhoods for Renting Near Top Employers

Baltimore, Maryland may have a reputation for being crime-ridden and dirty (you really hurt us, The Wire). But honestly, as a longtime resident, I have to let you in on something: that couldn't be further from the truth. As a major city, of course Baltimore has crime, but rates have hit historic lows, as communities have risen up to reshape even more rundown neighborhoods. What you won't read about in the news is what else Baltimore has: a plethora of fun, eclectic, and downright homey places to live. In fact, Baltimore has so many amazing spots to live, it's almost hard to choose wrong.

However, if commuting drives you nuts (and why wouldn't it? It's genuinely stressful to sit in traffic first thing in the morning and waste your life in the car!), then you'll want to make sure your neighborhood is reasonably close to your place of work. Worry not! There are ample walkable neighborhoods in this city, tons of public transportation, and plenty of spots to live right near major employers, too. We've rounded up some of the absolute most charming places to live in Baltimore that happen to be cozied up to some of its top employers.

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Check out these amazing neighborhoods, near these major Baltimore employers.

Johns Hopkins University and Health Systems

Charles Village

This unique neighborhood is one of the most iconic in Baltimore. It also happens to be very close to Johns Hopkins University, making it a great spot for employees to live. The neighborhood wraps around the JHU Homewood campus and is filled with beautiful tree-lined streets. A notable neighborhood attribute are the colorful “painted ladies” rowhouses, which give it a fun and artsy feel. You can grab coffee at Bird in Hand, browse the Ivy Bookshop inside, or hit Waverly Farmers Market on Saturdays. There are a few great local bars and restaurants in Charles Village that are frequented by college kids, locals, the young, and the old.

Remington

Another nearby neighborhood is up-and-coming Remington, which sits just southwest of campus. In recent years, Remington has transformed from a quiet industrial area into one of Baltimore’s most eclectic and creative hubs. It's filled with stunning murals, plant shops, wellness centers, and, of course, incredible restaurants. One local favorite is 29th Street Tavern, known for its delicious budget grub and dowh-to-earth vibes. The heart of it is R. House, a local food hall where you can eat, drink, and work side-by-side with artists, startups, and students alike. The mix of renovated rowhomes and new apartments makes it ideal for people who want a strong neighborhood community and lots of things to do. If the neighborhood itself isn't enough, Remington is also incredibly convenient to downtown. Just hop on 83 and end up downtown in mere minutes. All in all, Remington is an affordable place to live that's also walkable, eclectic, cute, and at the center of it all.

Hampden

This gem is one of Baltimore's most iconic places to live, and luckily for JHU employees, it's only a short bike ride northwest of Hopkins. Hampden is famous for its lovable “Hon” culture, vintage shops, and the annual Miracle on 34th Street holiday lights. The main drag, The Avenue (36th Street), is packed with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and boutiques. Everyone from old-school locals, to families, grad students, and young adults live in this truly vibrant community. Some neighborhood hangouts include Frazier's on the Avenue, Nepenthe Brewing, Dylan's Oyster House, and Rocket to Venus. There's also an always buzzing skate park (just next to the local skate shop), walking paths, bikers galore, and so much more in Hampden.

University of Maryland Medical Systems

Federal Hill

This downtown neighborhood sits just south of the Inner Harbor, meaning it's only a short drive from University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). Federal Hill, or "Fed" is known for its brick rowhouses, rooftop decks with skyline views, and a lively restaurant and bar scene along Cross Street and Light Street. Residents love being close to downtown jobs and waterfront parks while still living in a neighborhood with a small-community feel. Federal Hill Park is a local landmark, offering one of the best views in the city, which locals will tell you makes it perfect for stroll, jog, or picnic, just about any time.

Otterbein

This offbeat gem has a ton to offer, too, too. It's situated just west of the Inner Harbor, and is quieter and more residential but still incredibly convenient for UMMS employees and students. Otterbein is full of cobblestone streets, well-kept historic homes, and leafy courtyards. The neighborhood’s layout and architecture make it feel more like a small historic village than part of a major city. It’s super accessible, too, as it's located close to the MARC and Light Rail stations.

Pigtown

While its official name is actually Washington Village, Baltimoreans know it as Pigtown. The working-class neighborhood lies directly west of the medical campus and is one of Baltimore’s oldest and most diverse neighborhoods. It’s a place where you’ll find century-old rowhomes mixed with new renovations, corner stores, and plenty of local character. The neighborhood is named for its 19th-century history of livestock runs down the street, which residents still celebrate with the annual Pigtown Festival and “Squeakness” pig races. Today, it’s popular with young professionals, hospital staff, and first-time homeowners drawn by its affordability, strong community identity, and proximity to both UMMS and downtown Baltimore.

Veteran's Health Administration

Canton 

It's one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Baltimore, and it's easy to see why. Canton lies on Baltimore’s southeast waterfront. The stunning views make it a favorite among young professionals, medical staff, and anyone who wants waterfront living with city energy. It’s about a 10–15 minute drive to the VA Medical Center, and it offers a mix of modern townhomes, historic rowhouses, and new luxury apartments overlooking the harbor. The Canton Square area is full of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and the promenade stretches for miles along the water.

Locust Point 

Being in Locust Point feels truly special -- like being in a little known town with everything you need, so much that you never have to leave. Locust Point is just across the water from Federal Hill, making it another great option near the VA Medical Center. It’s a tight-knit, family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of old Baltimore charm and modern amenities. Residents enjoy Fort McHenry, the scenic waterfront park that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a short commute to downtown hospitals and offices. Locust Point is quiet, safe, and full of local pride. Plus, with the free Charm City Circulator and the Water Taxi nearby, getting to the VA or the Inner Harbor is simple and scenic.

Ridgely’s Delight

If you're a baseball fan, living in Ridgely's Delight could be just the fit. Not only is it just north of the VA Medical Center, it's also adjacent to Baltimore's baseball stadium, Camden Yards. It’s a compact, historic neighborhood with brick sidewalks, tree-shaded streets, and beautifully preserved rowhouses. Despite being in the middle of downtown’s action, it feels surprisingly calm and residential. The neighborhood association is active, helping maintain the area’s charm and safety, and residents can walk to work, Orioles games, or the restaurants and shops of the Inner Harbor within minutes.

Fells Point

As one of Baltimore's most beautiful, well-known, and fun neighborhoods, Fells Point has a ton to offer. This hub has a rare mix of waterfront beauty, historic charm, and vibrant city life—all within walking distance of downtown Baltimore. Its cobblestone streets and 18th-century brick buildings give the area a timeless feel, while its lively pubs, music venues, and independent shops keep it full of energy day and night. You can grab oysters by the water, catch live jazz in a tucked-away bar, or stroll the promenade that connects to the Inner Harbor. The neighborhood attracts a diverse crowd, from young professionals, artists, and longtime locals, who love its blend of culture and community. You truly can't go wrong living in Fells Point. Not only does it mean having the Baltimore harbor right outside your front door, it also means being surrounded by history. There's never a shortage of things to do in Fells, from street festivals, to new restaurants, to the Saturday farmer's market. You can hop right on the Water Taxi to get to work, too, meaning there's basically no reason to get into your car or sit in traffic ever again. How's that for city living?

There are genuinely so many great places to live in this city. From the down-to-earth, the vibrant, to the quiet and the cozy, the communities in this city are truly special. If you're working in Baltimore, you'll also have your work cut out for you choosing where to live out of so many great spots. Luckily, these locations are big on Charm. So, wherever you end up, you're likely to love living and working in Charm City.