Walbrook - Baltimore, MD

Founded by British settlers in 1812, the Walbrook neighborhood spurred its economic growth by building the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. By 1880, the area shifted to a place known for manufacturing rather than trade, reaching its heyday as a major production center during World War II.

Every August, Walbrook hosts Baltimore Fashion Week. The event features numerous designers and showcases their work in a creative light. General admission costs $10, but tickets for front row seats sell for $20. Amaranthine Museum, another hot spot for locals, features vibrant artwork and promotes art history.

For the best pizza and wings in town, locals go to Pizza Boli's on West North Avenue. Customers can choose the size, crust, and toppings they want. The Meal Buster pizza comes highly recommended and consists of pepperoni, beef, fresh mushrooms, olives, onions, green peppers, Italian sausage, and extra cheese. Choose from the wide variety of wings, including traditional, Caribbean, Cajun, and Asian zing. Top off your meal with some dessert, such as cheesecake or ice cream.

Locals love Hip Hop Fish & Chicken on Reisterstown Road. The fried chicken and jumbo shrimp prove must-order menu items, and the fries and onion rings complement all meals nicely. Don't confine yourself to only these options, however, as the coleslaw and okra taste just as delectable. Customers rave about the peach cobbler and banana pudding for dessert.

For nightlife and music, many locals go to Eutaw Place. An intimate venue, Eutaw Place only holds a few hundred seats. Known for the great sound levels, this establishment holds at least one show per month. The venue sells wine, beer, coffee, tea, and homemade cookies. Many audience members have a chance to shake hands with the performers after the show.

While many residents choose to drive as the main form of transportation, they also utilize the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) system. Forms of transportation provided include buses, commuter buses, a light rail, and subway. Services such as Lyft and Uber cater to residents in need of a ride, but those driving their own cars find numerous parking structures standing along East West Street and South Caroline and an abundance of parking meters along West Lombard Street. Travelers in the neighborhood enjoy easy access to major highways, including I-95, I-83, I-395, and I-895.

Walbrook is fairly pedestrian-friendly, depending on the destination. The neighborhood also accommodates bicyclists and fully promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle, featuring a number of bike trails scattered throughout the area.

Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens holds some of the most beautiful greenery and flowers in the region. The five distinctive houses allow the growth of flowers and plants from all over the world. This historic conservatory and botanical garden opened in 1888. A big hit with locals and tourists from all over, the facility permits rental for various events, such as weddings and birthday parties. Each year, the conservatory hosts a holiday poinsettia display.

Available for recreational use, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, deemed one of the largest U.S. parks with an urban setting, preserves its landscape and connects to the Patapsco River. With a large oak grove, this park's scenery routinely stuns visitors. Both kid- and dog-friendly, the park holds many ancient structures, such as the Italianate stone mansion Orianda House. Beginning on the western edge of Baltimore, Gwynns Falls Trail connects with 30 neighborhoods and covers 15 miles of land, which makes it ideal for hiking, biking, and fishing.

The cost of living in the Walbrook neighborhood sits 5.2 percent lower than the Baltimore average and 10.5 percent lower than the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Walbrook costs about $625 per month. Fare for public transportation to the city center runs about $1.60. Depending on how often you need to travel back and forth, a day, weekl,y or monthly pass may prove more cost-effective.

Customers at local pubs pay anywhere from $3 to $5 for a beer, depending on choices between domestic and craft brew options. Most local bars and pubs host great happy hour specials as well, allowing for cheaper prices at select times. With gas prices that run less than a full percentage point higher than the national average, expect to fill your tank at about the same price the average person in the country pays.

For regular mall-style shopping, locals love visiting Mondawmin Mall on Liberty Heights Avenue. With a variety of shops from which to choose, shoppers can purchase anything from designer apparel to jewelry and shoes. The mall also hosts some inexpensive eateries. Each year the mall hosts indoor ice skating in honor of the holiday spirit.

Fashion to Figure, a local boutique, tailors to plus-size women. The boutique carries clothing, jewelry, scarves, handbags, hats, and belts. HoneyComb Hideout, another beloved local boutique, sells seasonal modern clothing for a younger target audience. Customers here can purchase anything from clothing to jewelry and accessories.

For basic grocery needs, locals often go to Walbrook Grocery located on Walbrook Avenue. Food City, a popular grocery chain, also carries food and necessities. Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar on East Saratoga Street sells meats, produce, pottery, and jewelry from local vendors.