Frankford - Baltimore, MD

Baltimore's intense cycles of economic change shaped the Frankford area into an urban, working-class residential community. While Baltimore originated as an industrial center bolstered by maritime and rail trade, severe setbacks such as the Revolutionary War and the great warehouse fire of 1904 drastically impaired commerce. Twentieth-century urban decay drove many families to migrate to suburbs, but the growing university presence helped expand the service sector and increase the demand for neighborhood revitalization. Frankford residents celebrate Baltimore's rich cultural heritage and arts community at citywide events such as Artscape. This summer festival spotlights design, visual arts and performing arts through fashion exhibitions, live music, interactive art demos and street theater. Locals also love to admire the culinary talents of the city's finest restaurateurs by sampling international cuisine.

Fast food chains, takeout spots and casual restaurants occupy the major roadways, such as Belair Road, Harford Road and Sinclair Lane, giving Frankford residents a variety of options for low-cost, feel-good cuisine. The loyal customer base at Gil's Pizza praises the restaurant's classic, no-frills pies and well-balanced blend of cheeses. This long-standing business doesn't deliver and only serves medium pies, but locals love digging into pizza slices with toppings beneath the cheese. Order the meat sauce for a hearty flavor boost to your meal. While waiting for takeout at Buena Mexican Grill, patrons can grab basic snacks or groceries at the mini convenience store. Large, filling portions of Tex-Mex style food hit the spot when you want to chow down without overspending. Try a chicken, barbacoa or veggie bowl loaded with beans and cilantro-lime rice, or grab a beefy steak burrito to eat on the go. Make Asian Taste your regular neighborhood stop for Chinese takeout. The spicy Singapore rice noodles with juicy shrimp never fail to satisfy your craving for seasoned veggies and seafood. You can also stick to the tried and true with popular dishes, such as chicken and broccoli, Mongolian beef and General Tso's chicken. When Frankford residents need a change from the area's few dives and pubs, they go to central Baltimore or Charles Village for evening entertainment. Music junkies get their fill of indie bands, local up-and-comers and DJ tunes at 8x10, an intimate concert venue and bar in Federal Hill. Bring a USB flash drive to the concert to take home a courtesy copy of the live music. For a cold beer and coastal bar fare, locals meet up at Koco's Pub, which holds the coveted title of Baltimore's best crab cake restaurant. Regulars enjoy bringing newbies to this family-owned eatery for margaritas and liberal platters of food. If you're won over by the tender, buttery center and crispy crust of the Koco's signature crab cakes, buy some frozen or uncooked cakes to make at home.

Frankford is one of Baltimore's few neighborhoods where permits aren't necessary to park on the majority of residential streets. You can easily jog, ride your bike or run errands around the area, but be prepared for longer travel times if you live in a dense residential section away from the main commercial streets. Locals frequently rely on public transportation for work commutes and pleasure trips, taking bus routes 5, 15 and 46 to the city center. While you may not find cabs waiting just beyond your doorstep, Baltimore's busy urban location makes taxis easy to hail downtown or arrange via ride-share or black-car services, such as Uber. Drivers have the advantage of living close to Route 1, I-95 and I-895, so they can quickly reach the highway to commute to Washington, D.C. or Pennsylvania.

Frankford's simple green spaces provide a scenic break from rows of apartments. Take your canine companion for a walk in Moore's Run Park, or do your morning stretches at Barbara and Parkwood Park. Herring Run Park's 2.3-mile grounds provide spacious fields and amenities, including a playground, to enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Pack a picnic lunch to munch on between rounds of basketball, and fit in your daily cardio workout by navigating the wooded trails. For community events, locals head to Patterson Park in southeast Baltimore. The grounds house a dog park, sports facilities and a professionally designed scenic lake hangout, making Patterson the perfect spot for summer concerts and cultural festivals.

Frankford housing costs roughly 21 percent more than the average Baltimore dwelling, so living expenses sit at about 7 percent higher overall. One-bedroom apartments in the neighborhood have a median rent of $754 a month, while local bars serve beer for $2 to $4 a pint. Day passes for the city bus cost only $3.50, providing unlimited transportation to and from the city center. Expect to pay gas prices approximately 9 percent above the national average when driving your own car.

Franchises dot the Frankford area for residents who value affordability and one-stop shopping. Travel to the Gallery at Harbor Place, a small downtown-area mall that offers a few high-end stores. For convenience closer to home, visit the Parkside Shopping Center on Sinclair Lane. Support east Baltimore's ambitious entrepreneurs by getting your fashion fix at Enigma Brand Clothing on Belair Road. Based on a philosophy of individuality, this edgy, contemporary boutique only stocks each garment in quantities of five, so you can snag that gold-studded sheath dress without fear of meeting your doppelganger. Design a laid-back living room piece by piece with furnishings from Su Casa in Fells Point. While undoubtedly pricier than nearby value stores like Target, Su Casa's diverse inventory appeals to conservative, whimsical and exotic tastes. Many products feature natural or reclaimed materials, adding character and eco-friendly value to your space. Whether you're making a quick snack run or restocking the pantry, low to moderately priced grocery stores lie within short walking or driving distance. Aldi, Giant, Safeway and two Save-A-Lot locations serve the area, while multiple 7-Eleven stores cover your late-night shopping needs. When it comes to fresh foods, Frankford residents can afford to be picky. Divide your time between the 32nd Street Farmers' Market on Saturdays and the Highlandtown Farmers Market on Thursdays.