Patterson Park - Baltimore, MD Area Guide

Homes in the neighborhood of Patterson Park were first developed in the mid-19th and early 20th century, particularly after the growth in Baltimore following the Civil War. The neighborhood was named after William Patterson after he donated five acres of land to the community. In the later 19th century, European immigrants starting flocking to Baltimore, and many began building affordable homes in Patterson Park to be near the shipyards in present day Fell’s Point.

Patterson Park, part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area, was famously segregated until 1956, and was one of the area’s last public spaces in the city to remain segregated. Today, there are still monuments in the park that pay homage to the struggle of African Americans who were forced to stay segregated in the park.

Patterson Park is home to several locally owned pubs and fine-dining establishments. For a taste of Baltimore’s famous local crabs and fresh-made crab cakes, visit the Blue Point Crab House. This seafood restaurant takes in local crabs daily, and has their own innovative recipe for the classic Maryland crab cake. The restaurant was voted to have the best steamed crab in Baltimore. While the fresh seafood remains the real draw of this establishment, patrons love the crab pretzel, a tasty appetizer that's plentiful for two people.

At Bistro RX, browse a menu of fresh-made comfort food and delectable appetizers meant for sharing. The restaurant is also known for its deserts — particularly their seasonal cheesecake. With a rotating menu of cheesecake flavors available, there's always a new sweet treat to try at this restaurant, which was named one of the best deals by Baltimore Magazine.

When it comes to nightlife in the Patterson Park area, there are several locally owned pubs that provide residents with a welcoming atmosphere in which to gather with friends. At Baltimore Taphouse, residents can enjoy a number of local and national beers on tap in a quiet corner bar right next to the park.

Most residents in the Patterson Park area travel around the neighborhood by car. Fleet Street runs through the heart of the neighborhood and connects the community to downtown Baltimore and nearby Canton and Fell’s Point. Free parking is available around Patterson Park, and there's metered parking available throughout the community. The free parking can be difficult to find during the weekends and when the park hosts community events.

Patterson Park remains walkable and bicycle friendly, and the park area has wide paths designed for convenient bike access. Uber serves the Patterson Park neighborhood, and cabs are frequently available in the community.

The MTA bus route serves the Patterson Park community with several stops around the neighborhood. This bus route connects all of the neighborhoods of Baltimore to the heart of downtown. Baltimore also has the Charm City Circulator, a free bus system that travels throughout the city limits.

This neighborhood centers around Patterson Park, Baltimore’s largest public park. With more than 100 acres of open space, Patterson Park has something for everyone. Notable features include a lake open for fishing on the shore or by boat, biking and walking trails and the Patterson Park observatory, where residents can take in breathtaking views. The area is also home to public sports fields and tennis courts, which are open for use by anyone who wants to play a game.

Two playgrounds can be found in the park, as well as a swimming pool that's open in the summer and an ice skating rink open in the winter. The park also houses the city’s largest public dog park. Here, off-leash dogs are welcome to roam in one of two enclosed spaces. In the rest of the park, leashed pets are welcome. Annual events, such as BARCStoberfest, the Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival and the Patterson Park 5K all take place in the park.

Life in Patterson Park carries an average cost of living when compared to the rest of Baltimore. The cost of leasing a home or apartment in the area rises higher than areas in the rest of the city, with the typical one-bedroom residence costing around $1,132 per month.

An MTA bus ride to the center of the city costs around $1.60. In Patterson Park, gas prices typically settle in about 0.5 percent higher than the national average. The cost of a pint of beer at the local bar hovers around $5.

Modern conveniences characterize the neighborhood of Patterson Park. Residents can shop for everyday essentials and over-the-counter medications at Patterson Park Pharmacy. This community drug store provides locals with a quick-stop shop for everything from snacks to cleaning supplies. For groceries, stop by Ronnie's Food Market for takeout meals, snacks and weekly food shopping. Locals also shop for groceries at Save-A-Lot.

At nearby Canton Square, located just a couple of blocks from Patterson Park, residents enjoy high-end boutique shopping. Check out 2910 on the Square for a variety of gifts, toys and souvenirs. South Broadway in nearby Fell's Point is also lined with boutiques and vintage stores.

The eastern area of Patterson Park features two farmers markets. At Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, residents shop for locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables from area farmers. The market opens to the public on Sundays. Highlandtown Farmer's Market, located in the parking lot of Abbott Church, is open on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.