Wakefield - Baltimore, MD Area Guide

The County of Baltimore was established around 1659, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the area saw rapid growth. The area transformed several times, changing from a trade center to a manufacturing center and finally to an area that focuses on the service and knowledge industries. As a result of this rapid growth, more people moved to the area, which allowed for smaller suburbs such as Wakefield to appear.

Located about 4 miles from Wakefield, you'll find the Amaranthine Museum, which focuses on the labyrinthine exhibit of artist Les Harris. This installation owns over 300 canvases and sculptures, many of which feature gothic cathedrals. If you celebrate Christmas, make sure to experience the Hampden Christmas Street Holiday. Each Christmas, this street puts up amazing decorations for visitors to enjoy. Gaze at the window displays, lights and décor before checking out the local shops and restaurants.

Most restaurants in Wakefield lie along West Forest Park Avenue and North Forest Park Avenue. For a taste of Caribbean cooking, head over to Savannah’s Kitchen. Try the jerk chicken or some delicious red snapper. For a quick snack, get a Jamaican patty, a pastry filled with various spices. If you need more Caribbean food, visit Caribbean Heat. A tiny hidden gem within the city, this restaurant also sells authentic Caribbean food. Get the beef ribs with a side of mac and cheese. For dessert, dine on carrot cake with or without the frosting.

Stop by China House just outside the neighborhood if you seek authentic Chinese cuisine at an affordable price. Dine in or get it to go and eat at home. Make sure you order one of the chef’s specials, such as General Tso’s Chicken or the Seafood Delight.

In the evening, get your friends together and meet up at Bullwinkle’s Saloon. This classic Baltimore Western dive bar serves tasty drinks and hearty food at an inexpensive price. Sit back and catch the game as you sip a beer, or listen to the jukebox and get up and dance with someone.

As a rural neighborhood in the outskirts of Baltimore, personal automobiles serve as the best way to get around Wakefield. Luckily, most businesses provide free parking for customers. To travel via cab, plan on calling in advance, as hailing one from the street proves too much of a challenge. Uber serves the area along with numerous traditional taxi services. Since most businesses sit along West Forest Park Avenue and North Forest Park Avenue and few bike lanes exist, biking through the neighborhood proves difficult, and the same problem applies to those thinking of traveling on foot. This tucked away neighborhood possesses many rural, heavily wooded areas, making it difficult to reach major highways and expressways.

City bus stops reside in the neighborhood, many of which lie along North Forest Park Avenue and elsewhere within the neighborhood. Therefore, the city bus serves as an excellent option to reach other parts of the city and other parts of the neighborhood.

Wakefield boasts outdoor fun and excitement for the whole family. Gwynns Falls Trail spans 15 miles and gives you the perfect excuse to get out and exercise, and this outdoor destination welcomes both children and furry friends. The city even hosts the occasional event along the trail, such as music concerts, movies in the park and haunted hikes.

The Friends of Carrie Murray Nature Center is another place to get out and explore Baltimore. Stop by and discover the amazing wildlife, including owls, deer, foxes, beavers, turtles and songbirds. Be sure to check out the rehabilitation center, the bug house and the hawk house.

Although the cost of living in Wakefield averages about the same as the national median, it hovers about 5.9 percent higher than the rest of Baltimore. Expect to pay about $830 per month for a one-bedroom dwelling.

Besides the cost of housing, most amenities in Wakefield cost the same when compared to the rest of Baltimore and Maryland. If you head down to the local bar, a pint of beer costs about $4, and gas comes in at just about 1 percent higher than the national mean.

For those residents who use public transportation to get around, a local city bus ticket costs $1.60, but an all-day pass with unlimited use costs $3.50. If you use the bus often because you work in the city center, consider a monthly $64 pass to save money.

The neighborhood of Wakefield houses no single spot for shopping, and it fails to offer residents with high-end or high-value stores. For unique women's jewelry and clothing, visit Milagro, which carries globally inspired pieces from around the world, including local Baltimore pieces. Milagro sells a wide variety of products, including clothing, jewelry, pottery, candles and much more. The unique pieces you'll find here make this shop perfect for those looking for something a little different. For more contemporary fashion, try Alko Clothing Outlet, which possesses all the hottest looks consumers want. Alko sells accessories, junior fashion, men's fashion and plus sizes, and also specializes in providing inexpensive scrub apparel and accessories for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals. A few grocery stores lie in the area. Both Save-A-Lot and ShopRite provide locals with one-stop grocery shopping, pet care, and health and beauty. For something fresher, shop at Druid Hill Farmers Market, located about 3 miles from Wakefield. Buy fresh, local produce, baked goods, eggs, crafts and prepared foods all within a friendly and exciting atmosphere.