Mount Vernon - Baltimore, MD

The area now known as Mount Vernon has been designated as a National Landmark Historic District, thanks to its long standing history that dates back to the early days of America. The name Mount Vernon comes from the name of George Washington’s home estate, and in the heart of the neighborhood the original Washington Monument, built in 1815, stands in honor of the nation’s first president. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Mount Vernon was known as a residential district hosting some of the wealthiest families in the area. Following World War II, commercialization began taking over.

Absorb some of the history of the city at the Maryland Historical Society in Mount Vernon. View the original copy of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” or take a stroll to the Walters Art Museum to view some iconic masterpieces from the world’s most celebrated artists.

Mount Vernon holds a position as one of the top dining and nightlife destinations in the city. At the heart of the neighborhood lies the award-wining establishment, The Brewer's Art. Here patrons can try one of the city's largest selections of tap and bottled beer while browsing a menu full of tasty pub food and signature entrees. Make sure to order a side of the duck fat fries, a favorite among regulars and food critics alike.

Pizza fans should pay a visit to local favorite Home Slyce, which features not only a vast menu of single-serving slices of pizzas, but also an extensive bar menu with locally brewed beers and plenty of cocktails. The establishment offers virtually every type of pizza from cheese to seafood. Try the Home Slyce Classic made with toppings that include goat cheese, spinach, walnuts and the restaurant's famous sauce.

When it comes to nightlife in Mount Vernon, plenty of options for late night fun await. The Drinkery on W. Read Street provides strong drinks at reasonable prices keep the locals coming in, and happy hour here lasts until 9 p.m.

While some Mount Vernon residents choose to travel by car, this urban neighborhood is well served by the public transportation system. Those seeking parking in the neighborhood will find several parking garages and metered street parking throughout the area.

Being so close to downtown, finding city-run transportation is a breeze for residents. The Purple Line of the city’s Charm City Circulator runs through the neighborhood while the Baltimore Light Rail train runs right through the center of Mount Vernon. The area also houses Penn Station, which has Amtrak trains as well as the MARC commuter rails.

The neighborhood itself is one of the most walkable in the city and sits just a few blocks away from the center of downtown and the waterfront Inner Harbor area. There are bike racks and wide sidewalks around the neighborhood that serve as part of Baltimore’s effort to be more bike-friendly. Cabs are quite prevalent in Mount Vernon, and residents can simply use the Uber ride-share service to safely travel around the city.

While Mount Vernon is a densely populated urban neighborhood, there are several small public parks in the area. The Washington Monument in the center of Mount Vernon is one of the most popular historic monuments in all of Baltimore. Surrounding the statue is a community park, featuring green space and benches and serving as a central community meeting spot for the neighborhood. Daily yoga classes are held here during the spring and summer, and kids have fun playing here throughout the year.

Residents with pets can visit the Howards Park Dog Park, a community dog park where well-behaved unleashed dogs can roam and play in an enclosed public space.

Life in Mount Vernon carries an average to above-average cost of living. The cost of leasing a apartment in the area typically costs around $1,010 per month for a one-bedroom residence.

Most residents walk to the city center from Mount Vernon, but a one-way trip on the Light Rail or bus costs $1.10. Gas prices typically sit right around the national average, and you can expect to pay around $6 for a pint at the local pubs.

The shopping scene in Mount Vernon includes a collection of locally owned shops and trendy fashion boutiques as well as convenient stores for everyday essentials.

At A People United, shoppers can find items like incense, accessories, clothing and more. This popular Mount Vernon boutique has a rotating collection of pieces, including a signature line of women's fashions. Music lovers can find treasures at Perrin and Associates Fine Violins or Ted's Musicians Shop, both just around the corner from the Art Museum.

Residents with four-legged friends can stop by PetValu and pick up pet food, supplies and accessories; they can also visit locally owned Dogma Dog Boutique for pet clothing, designer accessories and specialty Baltimore-themed collars and other items.

Eddie's of Mount Vernon, another local option for groceries, has all of the essentials shoppers need for their everyday items. Also, the OK Natural Food Store features organic items, vitamins and homeopathic remedies.

The downtown Baltimore Farmers Market and Bazaar, available in Mount Vernon, is the biggest farmers market in the city and is open Sunday mornings to the public.