Ruxton Baltimore, MD

Ruxton began as a group of country estates and plantations in the late 1700s, one of which was purchased by the neighborhood's namesake, Col. Nicholas Ruxton Moore, a Revolutionary War partriot and later a U.S. Congressman. His spring and ice house still stand near Roland Run and Circle Road. With the construction of Lake Roland and the railroad during the 1800s, the value of the land in the area skyrocketed, and the estates were broken up to form one of the nation's first commuter neighborhoods. It remains so to this day. The railroads have been replaced with light rail now, and many of the old estate homes are gone, but Ruxton lives on as a thriving community.

Ruxton itself provides little to no arts or festival scene, preferring to support those around Baltimore. Although the neighborhood has important historical significance, no museums exist here.

While no restaurants make their home in Ruxton itself, the neighborhood has several excellent choices nearby. The Valley Inn, located in the historic Brooklandville House, serves contemporary American fare, including Maryland specialties such as crab soup and crab cakes, prepared the way they ought to be, with plenty of crab meat and Old Bay seasoning. Renovations to the old structure provide a cozy, hunting-lodge feel.

For artisinal pizza and burgers, try Earth, Wood & Fire outside Robert E. Lee Park. This restaurant carries a terrific selection of local and craft beers, such as Duckpin Pale Ale and Raven Pendulum Pilsner, to accompany the coal-fired oven pizza. Patrons have the option to build their own pizza. The menu also offers the house's special scampi pizza as well as thick pub sandwiches. Earth, Wood & Fire respects all dietary restrictions, with gluten-free and vegan selections marked on the menu. Before you order, check the menu for weekly specials. The panko fried oysters remain a local favorite.

The Nickel Taphouse in adjacent Mt. Washington earns rave reviews as well for the food, convivial atmosphere and friendly staff. The varied menu includes oysters, both raw and roasted, and Thai curry mussels. Locals dive into Beef on Weck, which consists of thinly sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll with horseradish and au jus. Stop in for brunch, but plan ahead, as the Taphouse fills up quick.

As a quiet, affluent neighborhood, Ruxton has little to no nightlife. Residents find their entertainment elsewhere, either in Towson to the east or down in Baltimore itself.

As a commuter neighborhood, Ruxton supplies access to several important traffic arteries and transportation choices. Drivers can reach the main highways, I-83 and the Baltimore Beltway, in minutes. Resident also make use of two vital streets that run directly into downtown: Falls Road and Charles Street. Winding, narrow streets mean that drivers must park in driveways or in the few lots connected to businesses. On-street parking generally does not exist, and sidewalks prove rare. Therefore, bikers should be cautious, as there exist no bike lanes.

The Maryland Transit Authority runs a light rail service that passes close to Ruxton, with two stops for residents to choose from. Buses also travel along Charles street to downtown destinations. Cabs and Uber cars both serve Ruxton as well.

Bordering Ruxton to the south, Robert E. Lee Park contains Lake Roland, Baltimore's first municipal reservoir. Baltimore gets its water elsewhere now, but the park remains as one of the centerpieces of the neighborhood. Plus, the park provides access from the light rail station. The park remains free and open to all. It also contains miles of hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking on the lake as well as picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and the award-winning Paw Point Dog Park. The rangers here run a full schedule of events year-round.These include guided hikes, overnight campouts and educational programs. Each year, local artists erect sculptures in the park during Art on the Trail, a chance for visitors to see new works of art in a natural setting.

The idyllic, tree-shaded streets of Ruxton have their price tag, of course, one of the highest in the city of Baltimore. The cost of living in Ruxton runs about 3 percent higher than Maryland and 18 percent higher than the nation as a whole. A one-bedroom apartment goes for about $1,029 per month.

Public transportation provides a one-way trip into downtown Baltimore for $1.60. A beer at a local watering hole sets you back about $6. Gas in Ruxton goes for about 7 percent more than the national average.

At the heart of Ruxton sits a shopping area that can be described as modest in size. Graul's Market, a popular Baltimore-area chain, and proves to be the place where most residents get their groceries. You can also find a well-stocked wine shop inside the store. In the same area, several stylish boutiques can be found to serve the tastes of the well-to-do.

Ellie Boutique stocks classic and trendy contemporary women's fashions from a host of designers, with a knowledgeable staff to assist you in finding just the right look. Brides-to-be and their wedding parties make Garnish a destination where they can spend the day choosing dresses, accessories and more for the big day. For the crafty, Needles and Threads of Ruxton supplies everything for the serious needlepoint enthusiast, from hand-painted canvases to custom design services to, yes, needles and threads.

Ruxton's proximity to amenities includes shopping centers in other nearby towns. Towson Town Center, one of Baltimore County's biggest malls, has hundreds of stores only minutes from Ruxton. The nearest farmer's market, Lexington Market, can be found in downtown Baltimore.