Glen Oaks - Baltimore, MD

Glen Oaks was created in 1948 when the City of Baltimore contracted a builder to build homes north of the city. Friendly in nature, the neighborhood is comprised of brick row houses with generous yards. Although many of its homes are still privately owned residences, several have been turned into duplexes for rent.

For the local arts scene, residents travel to Baltimore to visit a large variety of museums available including the Baltimore Publics works museum and the James E. Lewis Museum of Art. Annual events in Baltimore have residents attending jazz, blues and film celebrations, as well as historical birthday celebrations throughout the year.

Living in the quiet neighborhood of Glen Oaks doesn't mean forfeiting access to good food and the occasional late night. Within a three minute drive via taxi, car or bus, you can find yourself at the Belvedere Market – a lively outdoor shopping and dining center where the only challenge is deciding where to eat.

If you are looking for a fun lunch or casual dinner, head over to Ryan's Daughter Irish Pub & Restaurant. Its Reuben and fried cod sandwiches are favorites with the lunch crowd, accentuated by their homemade remoulade dressing. Or, you can enjoy one of the pub's traditional Irish favorites for dinner, including fish and chips and shepherd's pie while listening to live music from local bands on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights.

A true bedroom community, Glen Oaks doesn't have its own nightlife scene, locals often make the short drive west to York Road and East Northern Parkway for low-key evenings out. Start your night with honey ghost pepper chicken and a craft beer at Swallow at the Hollow, a cozy bar with ultra-friendly staff. Then, move over to the Grand Cru wine bar to mingle with local professionals and enjoy a glass of red or a cocktail.

Thanks to the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA), most of Baltimore's outlying neighborhoods are easily accessible via bus. Glen Oaks, sitting only 9 miles above the city center, can be reached within 19 minutes by car, driving north on Highway 83, or 50 minutes via bus. The MTA route 36 bus line goes directly south to downtown and the route 44 line connects residents to cross-town locations, along Belvedere Avenue. Make sure to call ahead for a taxi as hailing one from this residential area can be difficult; Uber also services the area.

If walking or biking is more your style, you can bike to several dining and shopping options at Belvedere Square, via E Northern Parkway, in only 10 minutes. Here, they have a number of bike racks throughout the outdoor complex where you can lock up your bike while tending to your errands. You can also walk to the nearby Chinquapin Run Park or Mt. Pleasant Park.

Residents agree that the highlight of the Glen Oaks neighborhood is the proximity to two dog-friendly and kid-friendly parks. Chinquapin Run Park borders the west side of the neighborhood, running the length of the 76-acre stream corridor. The top section of the park includes family-friendly amenities such as a play park and tennis courts. As you head south, you'll find open running fields and soccer fields as well as basketball courts and more play areas.

If ice-skating is more your style, you can bike, walk or drive 1.5 miles east to the Mount Pleasant Park and Ice Arena. The Ice Arena is open year round and hosts a variety of events, including public skating, hockey and private parties. Admission is only $4/ person and $2 for skate rental. Mount Pleasant Park, located behind the east side of the arena, offers an additional open space area for pets and exercise enthusiasts alike.

If you want to live in the North District of Baltimore, the Glen Oaks neighborhood is a great option that won't break the bank. The cost of living is lower than the city average with median rent 40 percent lower than the downtown Baltimore average. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $738. Gas is only 7 percent higher than the national average and can be found, at certain gas stations within a 10 minute drive, for even lower. If public transit is your preferred way to work, you can travel R/T to the city center for only $3.60. And, if you need something cold to wash away the day's stress, a pint of domestic beer can be found for the fair price of $4.

Access to one of the city's most flavorful bounty of groceries is only minutes away when living in the Glen Oaks neighborhood. Belvedere Market, the city's gourmet farmer's market, is 3 miles west of Glen Oaks on E Northern Parkway. From fancy nuts to succulent soups, a foodie will be in paradise when visiting this locale. Each day, you can find a selection of gourmet ingredients direct from the dairy, ocean or garden.

If you prefer a larger chain, grocery stores such as Giant are just a short drive away.

If you need to pick up a unique hostess gift, refurnish your bedroom or surprise your mother-in-law, you can find speciality home furnishings and accessories at The House Downtown, located at Belvedere Square. Their luxurious bed sheets and sweet-smelling candles are just a few of the items available to pamper you and your friends.

The shoe-lover will enjoy a visit to nearby Matava Too, rated one of Baltimore's best shoe stores by the Baltimore Sun. This funky boutique caters to women of all tastes-selling heels, sandals, boots and the city's best selection of Danskos. The challenge will be leaving with only one pair.