Middle East - Baltimore, MD

Historically, the moniker "Middle East" came from the neighborhood's overlooked position between the Northeast and Southeast Community Organizations during a period of urban decay. Over the years, residents and developers in the area have made ongoing attempts to lead lasting revitalization projects. Johns Hopkins spurred improvement by instituting the Henderson-Hopkins K-8 school, the first public school constructed in Baltimore in the 21st century.

For instant immersion in the local culture, check out the annual festivals south of Middle East. Sample brews from local pubs while eating popular street foods at the Fells Point Historic Festival, and get your fill of roaring tunes at the Shindig Music Festival.

The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in nearby Oliver chronicles the bright and dark patches of African-American history with compelling exhibits of slave trafficking, legendary activists, sports icons and scientific innovators.

Low-cost eateries, especially carryout restaurants, provide budget-friendly dining for Middle East's working-class urban community and Johns Hopkins students and staff looking for quick meals. Northeast Market houses several food stalls and delis under one roof, but you can also venture to other areas around Monument Street for popular fast food like pizza and fried chicken.

West Indian Flavour transports you to the streets of Trinidad and Tobago with Caribbean favorites, such as beef patties, buss up shut and ginger beer. A roti wrap filled with meat, shrimp or veggies rolls up neatly in your hand, making it the perfect mid-day finger food to eat on the go. For a filling meal, order oxtail or jerk chicken with a side of red beans and rice, plantains and cabbage. If extreme spiciness doesn’t faze you, ask for hot sauce on any dish.

A few blocks south of Middle East, Chef Sean Guy serves American fusion cuisine at Water for Chocolate, a restaurant inspired by Laura Esquivel's novel. Locals and passing travelers fill the dining room for imaginative comfort food, such as sweet potato bread pudding, jalapeno cornbread and crab quesadillas. Don't miss a chance to chow down on the restaurant's famed goat cheese mac and barbecue shrimp with parmesan grits.

Nightlife options run thin in this neighborhood, but clubs, bars and music halls abound in the areas west of Middle East close to downtown Baltimore. Expect a packed house and a heart-pumping show at the dive-style concert space Ottobar, or head to Club 347 for cocktails, dancing and live jazz.

For beer and entertainment closer to home, stop by The Life of Reilly Irish Pub south of Middle East. The restaurant hosts events ranging from live DJs to art shows to keep you amused while you devour shepherd's pie and Guinness bread pudding.

Middle East residents have no trouble navigating the area on foot or bike. While the neighborhood doesn't have biking lanes, most streets in the area have sidewalks on both sides, helping you avoid cars. Drivers can find free parking on streets heavily populated with apartment buildings, while metered parking is more common near commercial areas and Johns Hopkins facilities.

Taxis don't pass through this area regularly, so you should always schedule a pickup if you need transportation from home. On return trips, you can easily hail a cab downtown or near Penn Station.

For inner-city trips, catch the Metro train at John Hopkins Station near North Broadway and East Monument Street. Overlapping bus routes, such as 13 and 47, give you access to reliable transportation throughout the day without an excessive wait time. Penn Station and Amtrak downtown cover your long-distance travel needs. If you own car, drive out of Baltimore by following Route 40 and connecting with I-895 and I-95 to the east or I-83 to the west.

The crowded layout in Middle East limits available space for parks. Modest "pocket parks," such as Castle Street Park, provide simple fields for tossing a ball or walking the dog.

Locals looking for a quiet place to read or have lunch walk over to the Meyerhoff Courtyard between the John Hopkins medical buildings. In the mid-2010, the city also launched the construction of a six-acre outdoor recreation space, known as Eager Park.

Travel about three blocks southeast to Patterson Park on East Baltimore Street. Watch a football game at the stadium or zoom around the ice rink, or even get your daily exercise by walking around the park's scenic pathways. Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and a swimming pool give residents opportunities to exhaust pent-up energy.

Locals gather at the boat lake to fish and spot wildlife, and families sign up for community programs at the historic Pagoda tower. Let your pooch roll around in the grass and chase his tail at the Patterson Dog Park, a safe, fenced-in area where you can bring unleashed pets.

Patterson Park has become a major hub for community events, such as the annual charity wine-tasting at the historic marble fountain. The Patterson City Farms Garden allows residents to rent low-cost yearly plots to cultivate fresh produce or flowers, while the flea market comes to town throughout spring and fall. Make sure to check out the summer concert schedule, and learn what the local vendors have to offer at food and culture festivals.

The cost of living in Middle East runs about 2 percent less than the city average, so expect an average rent around $1,225 per month. Ride the bus or subway to downtown Baltimore for about $3.50 a day, or be prepared to pay gas prices about 5 percent higher than the national average to drive your own car around the neighborhood. Grabbing a beer at a nearby pub typically costs $4 to $5 a pint.

Shopping in Middle East happens on East Monument Street, where residents can take care of everyday wants and needs, ranging from clothing to personal toiletries. The area's modest commercial district covers the basics with small indie clothing stores, drugstores and neighborhood grocers. YCMC stocks the latest sneakers and sportswear for urbanites who like to keep up with city fashion. If you're a fan of local businesses, stop by Hood of Hoods to pick up eye-catching graphic T-shirts, jogger pants and skully caps. Northeast Market attracts locals looking to score fresh and cooked food, flowers and low-cost accessories all in one place. This indoor shopping area houses several delis, seafood markets and produce stalls, such as Richardson Farms, allowing residents to get a meal and stock up on groceries at the same time. If you prefer a wider grocery selection, drive south to shop at Whole Foods, or head towards downtown to get your goodies at OK Natural Foods, Mt. Vernon Supermarket or Lexington Market.