Charles Village - Baltimore, MD

The history of Charles Village began when the land the present day neighborhood resides on was purchased for development in 1869. At the time, the land was mostly used for wealthy city dwellers to build summer estates, but during the late 1800s a housing boom hit the area. Today, most of the homes in the area are Victorian-style rowhomes built between 1895-1915.

Those wanting to learn more about the early days of Charles Village can visit the Homewood Museum. This classic Federal family home displays period decor from the early 1800s and rotating local historic exhibits.

While history plays an important role in Charles Village, its residents also value the arts. This neighborhood hosts the Baltimore Museum of Art, featuring a rotating display of pieces from some of the world’s most famous and talented artists.

Local taverns and small family-friendly establishments characterize the dining experience in Charles Village.

At Tamber’s, residents looking for classic American cuisine and Indian inspired dishes can enjoy the best of both worlds all within a quirky ‘50’s-inspired diner setting. While the Indian cuisine on the menu gives this diner a special twist, patrons shouldn’t miss the restaurant’s famous homestyle meat loaf.

In the mood for some Mediterranean style cuisine? If so, visit St. Mary’s Restaurant and Bar, where Jamaican cuisine is always on the menu. This establishment uses authentic family recipes to deliver fresh and flavorful dishes. The oxtails and jerk chicken specials have critics and diners alike hailing this restaurant’s take on traditional Jamaican delicacies.

A lively nightlife scene in Charles Village keeps younger residents entertained late into the night. For a laid back atmosphere and a growing list of beers on tap, visit the Charles Village Pub. The bar always has daily specials and discounts during happy hour.

If you’re in the mood for live music with your drinks, visit the two-level Ottobar, where both local and touring bands show their stuff on the large first-floor stage and drink specials are always flowing at the upstairs bar. DJs take over on some nights to transform the concert space into a late night dance party.

Residents of Charles Village mostly travel around the neighborhood by car. Both free and metered street parking is readily available in the neighborhood. Baltimore and the Charles Village neighborhood are also both famously biker-friendly. Biker-only lanes and racks throughout the area make biking a breeze, and the neighborhood is one of the most walkable in the city. Convenient access to Interstate 95 means traveling to the outer suburbs is always easy for those who reside in Charles Village.

The Charm City Circulator also provides Baltimore residents with a free and easy way to travel around town. This hybrid bus travels a loop around the city and transports residents for no charge. The MTA bus system also services the area with several stops in Charles Village that connect the neighborhood and provide easy access to the Light Rail and the MARC Train that travels between Baltimore and Washington DC.

Cabs are very prevalent in the area; you can also use your smart phone to order up an Uber car through the service’s app.

Charles Village borders the sprawling Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, the city’s first large municipal park. Known for its manicured gardens, rolling hills and bubbling water features, the park is home to several foot races along its paved pathways and large running trails, including the annual 5K through the park’s Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. The park also hosts the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory, the second oldest of its kind in the country.

Outdoor types will find the park also has a Zen garden, two playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts as well as a pool. The park is free and open to the public, including leashed pets, seven days a week.

The cost of living in Charles Village is slightly below average when compared to the state of Maryland, and about the same as the rest of Baltimore City. The average one-bedroom apartment for rent in the area costs approximately $1077.45 per month.

A trip to downtown Baltimore costs $1.60 on the bus, while gas prices settle in around 0.5 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at an average bar costs around $5.

Boutique shopping makes up the majority of the Charles Village shopping scene, as many small locally owned businesses make their home in the neighborhood. At Lotte Gift Shop, items made from local artists, knick-knacks and collectibles alike are available for shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind items. Pick up a best seller at Kelmscott Book Shop, where a collection of hard-to-find titles, new releases and time-honored classics fill the shelves. High-end shopping and large department stores await shoppers at the nearby Galleria in downtown Baltimore.

Charles Village also hosts several chain stores. The area Barnes and Noble stocks books, magazines and games for shoppers while Family Dollar provides customers with discounted everyday essentials. In need of home improvement or garden items? The Charles Village Ace Hardware always has plenty of items available.

Area residents shop for their groceries at the Giant store in Charles Village. This store has baking supplies and fresh produce available as well as an in-store deli and pharmacy. On Saturdays, the Charles Village Farmers Market opens to the public right along East 32nd Street. Here shoppers can find more than just fresh produce from area farmers. Ethiopian Delights has soups, dips and traditional dishes and Locust Point Flowers has plenty of fresh cut stems every week. Stop by Zeke’s Coffee to get all the energy you need to browse the dozens of stands throughout the market.