Arbutus - Baltimore, MD Area Guide

Arbutus began as a collection of several villages that became popular stops in the 1800s along the B&O Railroad. The company opened a 13-mile railway between Ellicot City and Baltimore in 1830, with horses pulling each train. Since most horses couldn’t travel the distance, drivers would stop in present-day Arbutus and change horses. Many began to settle in the area to take part in the “relay” business of trading horses during transport. Arts and history hold great importance for those who call Arbutus home. Every May, the community hosts the Arbutus Arts Festival, an outdoor event that hosts artists and other vendors from around the area. However, it is the living history of the Arbutus Oak that is so unique to this town. The tree is nearly 300 years old, making it one of the oldest in the world, and it has been the resting place of several Indian artifacts.

Established chain restaurants and locally-owned establishments make up the dining scene in Arbutus. Most of the restaurants in this community provide residents with family-friendly dining opportunities. At Sorrento of Arbutus, diners can enjoy a family-friendly spot that offers pizza, pastas, and made-to-order sub sandwiches. While the pizza draws in many patrons, try the Philly-style cheesesteaks for a real treat. Those interested in fresh, Asian-inspired cuisine can visit the Grace Cafe in the heart of Arbutus. Whether you crave some fresh rolled sushi or some slow-cooked orange chicken, this establishment has something for all tastes. Many visit this establishment for its fresh, handmade dumplings. The nightlife scene in Arbutus consists mostly of local bars and pubs. At Fish Head Cantina, patrons can enjoy a large bar and club that serves both pub food and fresh rolled sushi. If you are in the mood to dance, the venue also has a massive dance floor and hosts several DJs and bands on weekends.

Travelling by car is quick and convenient for those who call Arbutus home. With convenient access to Interstate 95, travel to downtown Baltimore and nearby Washington, D.C. is simple for Arbutus residents. Because Arbutus is so spread out, the community is not particularly manageable by walking or riding a bike, but free parking is available throughout the neighborhood. The MTA bus serves the Arbutus community. Route 35 and Route 77 run throughout the community, which connects residents to area malls, surrounding suburbs and downtown Baltimore. While cabs are not easily hailed from the street, cabs are easy to come by in Arbutus if you call in advance. Residents can also use Uber ride-share service for a safe and reliable ride around the Baltimore area.

Arbutus contains several public parks and large green spaces for residents to enjoy. At the Arbutus Manor Park, large picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields and sports courts make this 5.6-acre area very family-friendly. This park hosts a number of little league games, school picnics and community fundraisers. At the Arbutus Recreation Center, residents can enjoy more than 12.9 acres of space and a park that hosts a variety of events, from adult sports leagues to the community’s annual craft fair. At the Gay Oaks Park on Sulphur Spring Road, residents can enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, meant to offer all types of opportunities for fun and play in the area. The Arbutus parks are not only very kid-friendly, but they also welcome leashed pets during normal hours.

Life in Arbutus carries an average to below-average cost of living when compared to both the state and the city of Baltimore. While affordable living remains a major draw for those living in Arbutus, there are still opportunities to enjoy a more luxurious side of life. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Arbutus costs $790 per month. The area also has a number of full home rentals for families that seek more space. An MTA bus ride to the heart of Baltimore costs $1.60 for a one-way ticket. Gas prices in Arbutus settle in at approximately the national average while a pint of beer costs around $4 for a pint.

Trusted brands characterize the shopping experience in Arbutus, but there are also plenty of opportunities for residents to shop small in the area. At the AWOL Skate Shop along East Drive, bike, snowboard and skateboard users can pick up the latest gear, supplies, and equipment from today's most cutting edge brands. Try on a pair of shoes, or pick up some new running gear at Clyde's Sport Shop. Treasure hunters should stop by the Arbutus location of Objects Found, a consignment shop filled with vintage curios and antique furniture. For a sample of what's inside, check out their Etsy storefront under the store name ObjectsFound4U. Locals drop by the Dollar General for everyday bargain items, or they find favorite spirits, beer, and wine at Little Abner's Liquors. If you have a sweet tooth, sneak around the corner to the Ice Cream Cottage. The old-fashioned ice cream shop on Stevens Ave makes a killer banana split and offers a front yard with picnic tables and rocking chairs to relax on summer days. For groceries, locals head to the Mars Super Market inside of the Arbutus Plaza Shopping Center on Maiden Choice Lane or to the Giant storefront on nearby Wilkens Avenue.