Hampden - Baltimore, MD

Hampden originated as a residential community for workers at the mills near Jones Falls, established well before it was annexed to the city of Baltimore in 1889. The worker influx to the mills established a blue-collar reputation in the neighborhood for decades to follow. In the 1990s, Hampden experienced a sort of renaissance, as young professionals, artists and others flocked to the neighborhood and trendy shops opened.

Annual events embrace this renewal, with unique Hampden festivals captivating enthusiastic crowds. Revel in three stages of arts and music performances at Hampdenfest, and visit local vendors and children's activities; it wouldn't be Hampden without some off-the-wall attractions, such as a beard competition and the Toilet Bowl Derby. HonFest, named for the term of endearment often used in the neighborhood, lasts an entire weekend in June. Watch as attendees sport enormous beehive hairdos from the 1960s.

Walking around the neighborhood, you will pass a number of great restaurants living up to Hampden's sterling reputation. From ethnic to casual and high-end places, your experience remains fresh each time you choose to dine out.

Patrons go to The Food Market on West 36th Street for either a quick and casual brunch or a more substantial dinner with cocktails. With a cool, urban vibe, the restaurant attracts varied crowds; you'll probably spot local talent and artists dining here. Choose from an array of classic foods, expertly prepared and cooked expertly with a twist, such as the Amish soft pretzels with beer cheese fondue or the crab cakes with lobster mac and cheese. Locals consistently speak highly of this restaurant as one of the top culinary destinations in the region.

Ditching traditional American cuisine, Souvlaki Authentic Greek Cuisine transports the diner across the ocean with its faithful Greek meals. The small and homey interior sets a calm ambiance, augmented by tables with lime-green accents and pictures of Greek beaches hung up on the walls. The owners do justice to each authentic Greek dish they offer, such as the chicken souvlaki pita and the bifteki platter; be sure to try all the pita sandwich varieties and salads.

You won't want to stop your evening out at dinner in Hampden, as that may be just the beginning of a long, full night. Swing by the Blue Pit Barbeque & Whiskey Bar to sample its more than 60 types of whiskeys and strong cocktails. Go to the Ottobar for a more active night, with local bands and DJs pumping music and a younger crowd dancing to the beats.

Getting around in Hampden can be accomplished by car using local roads and public transportation, through the Maryland Transit Administration. The Jones Fall Expressway bounds the neighborhood's western side and stands as an important highway for commuters driving into Downtown Baltimore. Falls Road, West 36th, 40th and 41st Street are key local roads that carry many of the area's businesses. Public parking in the neighborhood features some free spaces, and metered parking commonly exists on streets. Though there are no bike lanes, Hampden welcomes walking and biking as most errands can be accomplished on foot.

Public transportation in Hampden includes trains and buses, and you can call up taxis like Arrow Cab or use Uber for driving services. Multiple MTA buses run through all of the previously mentioned local roads, and Bus Route 22 will take you to the closest light rail station in Woodberry; this may be your best bet to commute downtown, as it provides the most direct and frequent service. If you just want to get around the immediate neighborhood area, the Hampdem Shuttle has you covered.

Parks in Hampden feature a complete set of outdoor spaces for exercise and play or to just take a breath. The overlooked Buena Vista park lets you do all three of those things. Take your children to the playground, work up a sweat playing some basketball or unwind on the open grass field. A portion of the Stony Run Trail passes through Hampden, giving residents a quiet escape from their busy lives. You'll often find individuals or families going for a stroll, walking their dogs or jogging on this path.

Roosevelt Park on Poole Street represents what residents truly value in an outdoor experience, promoting a full range of activities in its roughly 19-acre expanse. Playgrounds, sports courts and fields allow you to engage in recreational play, and a massive paved skate park welcomes those who feel more comfortable on wheels. Escape the heat on a summer day by hopping in the park's public pool, and enjoy a quick lunch at the picnic area afterwards.

With a cost of living about 4 percent above the Baltimore city average and rising, the neighborhood of Hampden still remains an affordable place to live. Hampden's one-bedroom apartments go for a price of around $885 for a month's rent.

The MTA buses and trains that reliably serve residents cost a fair $1.60, while the local Hampden Shuttle charges $1. Should you choose to drive instead, gas prices sit a slight 1 percent cheaper than national average. You'll usually pay about $5 for a beer at the neighborhood's popular bars.

Decades of renewal have thrust new, independently owned shops into the spotlight, and Hampden stars as a hub for eager shoppers throughout the region. Considered the neighborhood's main street, West 36th Street, nicknamed the "Avenue," is where you find many of these stores.

For a fun store where you can browse a large and obscure music collection, the True Vine Record Shop obliges. The owner knows his stuff and can help you locate any items you request, but the true thrill comes from thumbing through the huge bins in search of hidden gems.

A men's clothing store that patrons can only describe as distinctly Hampden, Sixteen Tons dresses young professional men in trendy, vintage clothing with modern sensibilities; you can even buy books, flasks and shaving products.

Like the other retail stores, area grocery stores provide specialized experiences, though you can still choose to shop at the reliable chain supermarkets like Giant Foods. Your Choice Market carries a wide selection of Asian foods, Indian foods, and organic fruits and vegetables. For locally grown fruits and vegetables, Hampden Farmers Market runs from May through December.