Claremont-Freedom - Baltimore, MD

Like many of Baltimore's northeastern neighborhoods, Claremont-Freedom began as a rural area outside of the city which slowly alongside Baltimore as the city attracted more wealth and business to the area throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Claremont-Freedom was designed as public housing by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City alongside Armistead Gardens in the mid-20th century and since then residents of the Armistead Homes Corporation have acquired the homes to repair and maintain them.

Head west of the neighborhood along East North Avenue to immerse yourself in American history at The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum. Open Tuesday through Saturday throughout the year, admission costs $13 per adult. The exhibits recreate famous black figures throughout history accompanied by detailed accounts of the lives of those represented. Be sure to take advantage of the frequent guided tours to make the most of your visit.

Whether you're in the mood for Maryland's staple seafood, a great place to stop for a quick lunch before getting back to work or for some of the city's best barbecue, Claremont-Freedom has what you're looking for right around the corner.

Visited by seafood enthusiasts from all over the city, Corner Crab House can be found on Erdman Avenue for Claremont-Freedom locals to enjoy. Those who have not sampled Baltimore's famous crab cakes should not miss out on one of the best places to order the delicacy in the city. Want to enjoy Maryland seafood from the comfort of your own home? Buy a couple crabs to go and try your hand at preparing them later.

Take a trip south of Claremont-Freedom along the Pulaski Highway to try the smoked meats and homemade sauces of Chaps Pit Beef. This rugged restaurant serves a variety of barbecue favorites in addition to specialty deli sandwiches filled with thinly sliced meats. Order the raven sub sandwich for a tasty combination of turkey and pork. Don't forget to sample the spicy tiger sauce before you leave.

Looking for a local spot to grab a quick bite to eat without sacrificing on the flavor? Hummingbird Carryout on Belair Road in Belair-Edison serves authentic Jamaican food to go. Try the curry goat and oxtail combo for a well-spiced dish with portions generous enough to ensure you'll have leftovers for later.

Claremont-Freedom local pubs make for a great place to kick back and unwind after a long day's work. If you're in the mood for something with a more electric atmosphere, the Ottobar west of the neighborhood on Howard Street showcases live local and international acts on stage every night of the week. Check the calendar of events on the website to catch your favorite bands, or just stop by to let loose with the local crowd.

Route 151 runs along the neighborhood's western side, providing easy access by automobile throughout the city and beyond. Locals can take advantage of ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft in addition to Baltimore's range of taxi cab companies. Head down Erdman Avenue for your best chance at a local place to catch a cab.

Free public parking can be found along the residential side streets of the area. Cyclists should stick to the residential areas as well, as most major roads in the neighborhood lack a biking lane. The lack of nearby grocery stores means most Claremont-Freedom residents rely on a car to get around, though the MTA services the neighborhood with bus stops along Sinclair Lane and Erdman Avenue.

The gorgeous greenery of Herring Run Park wraps its way along the eastern edge of Claremont-Freedom, providing locals with an excellent place to spend an afternoon out in the fresh air. Go for a jog along the paved trails which curve through the park's 375 acres, or take your pooch along for a scenic jaunt down the area's nature trails. Various playgrounds placed throughout the park ensure a nearby place to let your kids run wild, and the picnic tables and pavilion seating provides families with a great place to enjoy a meal under the sun.

Held in June of each year, the Berry Festival brings locals together with live music, berry dessert competitions, food vendors serving savory dishes from local restaurants and a number of activities, including stream walks along Herring Run.

The average cost of living in Claremont-Freedom is 17 percent lower than the Baltimore average. A one-bedroom apartment in the area costs an average of $890 for one month's rent. A 24-hour pass for the MTA bus and metro lines costs $3.50 and local pubs charge around $5 for a pint of beer. Gas prices in Baltimore average 6 percent less than the national gas average.

Locals head northwest to the Erdman Shopping Center to take advantage of the range of high-value businesses located within the center. Pick up some groceries at Save-A-Lot and fill your prescriptions at Rite Aid Pharmacy or browse the racks of Rainbow and Simply Fashions before heading home. Other local grocery store options include 7-Eleven and Murry's Family Of Fine Foods of Baltimore.

Claremont-Freedom residents can head southwest into downtown Baltimore to take advantage of Maryland's largest producers-only market. The Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar fills both Holiday and Saratoga Streets with vendors selling the freshest ingredients and a number of unique locally made arts and crafts.

Southwest of Claremont-Freedom along Fleet Street, The Antique Man makes a trip downtown well worth it for the store's mix of mid-century kitchenware, antique furniture and vintage collectibles. Those who enjoy hunting down rare items and hidden gems should not miss an opportunity to stop by. A few of the vendors are open to negotiations as well, so don't be afraid to ask if something seems a little out of your current price range.

Budding knitters can head along Conkling Street nearby in downtown Baltimore to browse the array of fabrics, yarns, knitting, crocheting and upholstery supplies in Baltimore Threadquarters. The friendly in-store staff love to help customers, so be sure to ask for assistance if you can't find exactly what you're looking for to use in that next project.