Cherry Hill - Baltimore, MD

Originally a community serving as a home for African-American veterans returning from World War II and the Korean War, Cherry Hill ranks among Baltimore's newer neighborhoods. Its first homes were built in 1946.

Found along Light Street in downtown Baltimore, the School 33 Art Center provides a space for locals to spend a quiet afternoon immersing themselves in the local arts scene. In addition to a variety of educational courses and workshops offered each year, the art center frequently rotates its public exhibits and private galleries, showcasing both local and international work in such disparate mediums as canvas, photography, audio and visual displays.

Residents can head down Patapsco Avenue in southern Cherry Hill to find a number of chain restaurants and fast food joints. If you're looking to enjoy a night out on the town, drive north along Route 648 to take advantage of a wide selection of nearby fine dining establishments and vibrant bars.

Just southwest of Cherry Hill along Annapolis Road sits John’s Italian Deli, one of the area's premier eateries. This hidden gem serves some of the best pizzas in the Baltimore area, crafting them right behind the counter and topping them with the deli's homemade marinara sauce. Not in the mood for pizza? The chicken Parmesan sandwich is a great and filling meal.

Northeast of Cherry Hill on Insulator Drive, Nick's Fish House allows patrons to enjoy the fresh flavors of some of Maryland's finest seafood while overlooking the bay. Order one of the steamer pots to enjoy the full range of fresh ingredients, or try the signature shrimp and grits. Sushi lovers can stop by on Friday for a Baltimore take on the Japanese delicacy.

Featuring a softly lit and roomy interior, Hersh's is the perfect spot for enjoying a romantic evening out with your loved one. This upscale Italian restaurant specializes in gourmet pizzas, homemade sausage and a number of high-end steak cuts. If the dinner menu looks a little too pricey, head to Hersh's for an afternoon brunch to save a few bucks without skimping on the flavor.

Found on Fort Avenue in downtown Baltimore, Idle Hour's charming divey atmosphere and friendly staff makes for a great place to unwind late into the night after a long day at work. A DJ performs most nights, playing low-key tunes that make Idle Hour the perfect place to catch up with an old friend over drinks in a pleasant atmosphere.

Routes 248 and 695 run north and south along Cherry Hill's western edge to make travel via automobile easy for locals whether they're heading north into Baltimore, southwest into Washington D.C. or elsewhere in the surrounding area. In addition to ride share services such as Uber and Lyft, Cherry Hill residents have access to Baltimore's range of taxi cab companies. Head down Patapsco Avenue if you're looking to hail a cab.

Public parking is freely available in many of the neighborhood's residential districts. Cyclists should stick to side streets, as the major roads lack designated biking lanes. Walkability remains rather low for the area due to the travel required from most homes to reach local businesses and restaurants. The Maryland Transit Administration services Cherry Hill with bus stops all along Patapsco Avenue, Cherry Hill Road and Round Road.

Cherry Hill Park in eastern Cherry Hill overlooks the Ferry Bar Channel, which feeds into Chesapeake Bay. Spend the afternoon outdoors under the sun, bring your dog along on-leash for a scenic walk up and down the paved nature trails, or bring along some friends to play sports in the open fields.

All of Maryland converges on Baltimore's northern suburb during the first weekend in May each year for the Towsontown Spring Festival. Featuring over 400 food and local arts vendors, more than 40 live performances and a carnival midway, the Towsontown Spring Festival has enough going on to entertain even the most disparate groups and makes for a perfect weekend destination for guaranteed family fun.

Cherry Hill's average cost of living hovers around 7 percent lower than the cost of living in the city of Baltimore. One month's rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment in Cherry Hill costs an average of $720.56. A 24-hour pass for the MTA's bus and metro service costs $3.50. Beer at local pubs averages around $5 for a pint, and gas prices generally stand around 2 percent lower than the national average.

Cherry Hill locals can take advantage of the centrally located shopping plaza on the corner of Seabury Road and Cherry Hill Road. The stores on the block include J & J Discounts, Cherry Hill Liquors, and Family Dollar. Those looking to shop at high-value stores can make the quick trip north into downtown Baltimore.

Found on Patapsco Avenue near Route 295, the Patapsco Flea Market houses a number of vendor stalls with goods ranging from antique home decor to consignment clothing. The expansive warehouse interior also includes heavily discounted electronics, tools, jewelry and accessories.

Those who love hunting for bargain items and unique antique pieces visit Housewerks in downtown Baltimore. With rooms divided into eras and by furniture type, you won't waste type wandering around the store searching for a specific item. Don't forget to look up while you're inside, as the architecture of the building itself adds to its antique charm.

Located along Saratoga Street in downtown Baltimore is the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar. As Maryland's largest producers-only market, it attracts countless locals each Sunday from April through December looking to buy the freshest organic foods available in the area.