Parole is part of the Baltimore area. This page covers the whole metro.
Outdoorsy, Big-city feel
Scored the same way as the quiz, against 382 U.S. metro areas. A feel is listed when Baltimore scores 70 or higher out of 100.
Less so: cozy, growing.
How locals describe Baltimore
The words residents use most, from 120 comments on Reddit, City-Data and Quora. Bigger means more people said it. Tap a word to read what they said.
"Very cheap and laid back. Baltimore offers the historic East Coast urban experience."
"There are two half baked transit projects (metro and light rail) and the buses are not on time. Its walkable though."
A walk through Baltimore
Places residents talk about, in their words. Each photo is of the place named.
Look around Baltimore
Google Street View near the center of town, taken 2019-06. Drag to turn, click the street to move.
Open in Google MapsEveryday life in Baltimore
Photos and reviews come from Google Maps and show single places, not the whole area. Reviews are the most relevant ones Google returns for each place. We show the longest highly rated review under 400 characters and, when there is one, the longest low-rated review. Google doesn't verify reviews but removes fake ones when it finds them.
Around Baltimore
What Baltimore is known for
Every year
MayArtscape: Largest free outdoor arts festival in the nationcbsnews.com
SepBaltimore Book Festival: Festival of poetry, stories and local artistscbsnews.com
OctBaltimore Running Festival: Marathon and race event through the citybaltimore.org
Maryland Film Festival: Five day international film festival at Parkway Theaterbaltimore.org
Busiest time
Summer: Peak tourist season with crowds and higher hotel rateshoteles.com
On a normal week
Visiting the Inner Harboren.wikipedia.org
Shopping at Lexington Marketen.wikipedia.org
Attending a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yardsen.wikipedia.org
Walking around Fell's Pointen.wikipedia.org
Take a tour of Baltimore
"Baltimore, Fells Point and Butchers Hill - [4K] Baltimore City walking tour" by Epic World Walking, on YouTube. Not made by Varro.
One resident recommends Koco's Pub for the best crab cake and Frank's for the best pizza, both family owned.
“Best and Biggest Crab Cake: Koco's Pub : Family owned”
“Billy Goat Trail Section A and Maryland Heights (Harpers Ferry) are going to be your best overall options.”
One resident mentioned the Discovery, aquarium, and MD Science Center as places to visit with kids, noting the American Visionary Art Museum sometimes offers kids classes.
“Discovery, aquarium, and the MD Science Center are all places to visit with kids”
One resident listed Mobtown Ballroom and Ottobar as spots for dance parties.
“Mobtown Ballroom, Ottobar hosts some fun dance parties”
From 19 resident comments about meeting people and the social scene.
One resident lists several bars in Fells Point and Hampden that offer free live music.
“Bertha's, Admiral's Cup, Waterfront and Coopers in Fells Point all have free live music. Also, Frasier's and Dangerously Delicious in Hampden.”
Read the full commentAbout 4 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident names several smaller venues they consider great in the city.
“The Undercroft , Holy Frijoles , Zissimos , The Compound, Current Space, and Wax Atlas are all great smaller venues in addition to what you...”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident says the baltimore.org website is useful for finding large events though not all of them.
“The website https://www.baltimore.org/ is pretty useful. It won't show every event, but it will show large ones.”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident says Baltimore has active meetups for all ages and it can take six months to a year to build friendships there.
“Baltimore has very active Meetups in all age groups. Find ones that appeal to you and show up regularly. It can take six months to a year to...”
Read the full commentAbout 4 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident says they love Baltimore but have no friends and do best with regular meet-ups where relationships develop naturally.
“Hello! I really, really love Baltimore. I'm charmed! But I have no friends. I do best if there are regular meet-ups where relationships can develop naturally...”
Read the full commentAbout 3 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident says that despite living in several cities, some places are just easier than others for meeting people, implying Baltimore is harder.
“I know wherever you go you have to put in work. But I have lived in several different cities and the fact of the matter is some places are just easier...”
Read the full commentAbout 4 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident is a lifelong Marylander who moved from Columbia to Catonsville about two years ago
“Hi! I (F, mid-20s) am a lifelong Marylander who moved to the Baltimore area about 2 years ago (I’m from Columbia and now I live in Catonsville). I haven’t...”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident mentioned brainstorming with a friend about ways to make adult friendships, noting this seems like a common challenge based on recent posts in the group.
“A friend and I have been brainstorming ways to make adult friendships and posts in this group in the recent past have shown that this might a common need...”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident in Canton says after a few months they are confused whether everyone is already married or off the dating market.
“so… it’s been few months since i moved here (37f, canton), and i’m genuinely confused…is everyone already married? off the market? hiding?”
Read the full commentAbout 9 months agoOne resident described being on dating apps for almost a year while staying active and outgoing without success
“Throwaway account, but I live in Baltimore. Have been on the apps for almost 1 year, I volunteer, go out with friends, try to be outgoing. I’ve had...”
Read the full commentAbout 5 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident suggested getting off dating apps and meeting people through activities and events instead
“Pour into yourself, your interest, and family and friends. Get off dating apps and try meeting people through activities and events.”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident who has lived in five major cities said Baltimore seems to be the worst for dating personally
“~30F here. I've lived in 5 major cities (ATL being one of them) and Baltimore seems to be the worst dating wise for me personally.”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident says Baltimore is one of the worst cities for singles even though people there are down to earth, noting the dating scene is tough everywhere in the digital age.
“Baltimore is one of the worst cities for singles, people in Baltimore are down to earth, The dating scene is tough all over in the digital age,...”
Read the full commentAbout 3 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident originally from Baltimore says the dating scene has completely dried up despite trying apps and events.
“How are girls dating in Baltimore? I'm from here and it's like dating scene has completely dried up. I've tried the apps. I've tried events.”
Read the full commentAbout 2 years agoOne resident listed Mobtown Ballroom and Ottobar as spots for dance parties.
“Royal Blue, Mobtown Ballroom, Ottobar hosts some fun dance parties, Soundstage or Rams Head downtown. Club Chuck, Bloom's or Coral Wig,...”
Read the full commentAbout 2 years agoOne resident mentions the B&O museum is hosting an adults only social night for neurodivergent people with trains and a bar.
“The B&O museum has an adults only social night coming up specifically for neurodivergent folks. Trains, and awkward people, plus a bar!”
Read the full commentAbout 2 years agoOne resident near Federal Hill prefers Checkerspot over Diamondback Brewing but also recommends Monument
“Near Fed Hill you've got Diamondback Brewing and Checkerspot. They're both good, but I prefer Checkerspot. I also usually recommend Monument...”
Read the full commentAbout 5 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident describes Knotty Pine in Brewers Hill/Canton as feeling like hanging out in a best friend's basement
“Put on for your corner bar! I'm shouting out Knotty Pine in Brewers Hill/Canton. It's like hanging out in your best friend's basement.”
Read the full commentAbout 2 years agoOne resident lists several favorite bars in Canton/Highlandtown/Upper Fells including Mahaffeys, Knotty Pine, Baltimore Taphouse, Spirits, Venice Tavern, and Hucks
“In Canton/Highlandtown/Upper Fells I like: Mahaffeys, Knotty Pine, Baltimore Taphouse, Spirits, Venice Tavern, Hucks to name a few. Personally,...”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoOne resident says The Wine Source in Hampden has an amazing selection and suggests stopping at Nepenthe Brewing beforehand
“The Wine Source in Hampden (North Baltimore Area) has amazing selection can't go wrong. Bonus you can stop at Nepenthe Brewing prior for a...”
Read the full commentAbout 11 months agoOne resident listed several favorite nightlife spots including Club Chuck, The Depot, and Brewer's Art
“Club Chuck, The Depot, Brewer's Art, Mt Royal Tavern, The Crown, Ottobar, Eightbar, Holy Frijoles, Golden West, Rocket to Venus, Frazier's on...”
Read the full commentAbout 2 years agoOne resident named Kenwood Tavern in Canton as their favorite spot
“Copied from r/Buffalo . For me it's Kenwood Tavern in Canton.”
Read the full commentAbout 3 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident mentioned that longtime Baltimoreans know certain unwritten rules, like being careful about package deliveries.
“For anyone that has lived in Baltimore for a while, there are certain thins that you just 'know'. Things like the fact that you should get your packages...”
Read the full commentAbout 8 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident noted the low cost of living and friendly, warm atmosphere where neighbors greet each other.
“Cost of living is very low, people are super nice and down to earth, everyone smiles and says "hi" to each other on the street, it's warm and...”
Read the full commentAbout 3 years ago. Things may have changed since.One resident says the sense of community in Baltimore is better than anywhere else they have lived, citing the Smalltimore phenomenon of frequently seeing familiar faces
“The sense of community here is better than any other place I've lived. “Smalltimore” is also so real and I regularly see people I know while out...”
Read the full commentAbout 8 months agoRecent stories from local outlets. Tap a headline to read it.
About 9,016 business locations in the Baltimore area, employing about 218,551 people. That's about the usual U.S. share.
U.S. Census County Business Patterns, 2023. Counts business locations with paid employees, not job openings.
One resident says the Baltimore job market is extremely bad right now and desired salary should be in the first 25 percent of the posted range.
“Baltimore job market is extremely bad right now. -Desired salary should be in the first 25% of the posted range; no more than 50%.”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoJohns Hopkins Access services was mentioned as a reliable employer, especially its Specialty Services crew.
“If you don't mind call center work, Johns Hopkins Access services is always hiring. We're a good bunch, especially the Specialty Services crew.”
Read the full commentAbout a year agoA jobseeker suggested visiting one of Baltimore's job centers for resume workshops and employer lists.
“Try visiting one of Baltimore's job centers . They have resume workshops, mock interviews, and a giant list of employers currently hiring.”
Read the full commentAbout 9 months agoPick a month. A dot means residents talked about that time of year.
No resident has talked about October yet.
One newcomer from the Boston area said they were seeking good hikes and backpacking spots nearby.
“I just moved to Baltimore from the Boston area and I am looking for some good hikes. I don't mind driving for good backpacking, but I am hoping to do a...”
Read the full commentAbout 4 years ago. Things may have changed since.“Billy Goat Trail Section A and Maryland Heights (Harpers Ferry) are going to be your best overall options.”
One resident listed Mobtown Ballroom and Ottobar as spots for dance parties.
“Royal Blue, Mobtown Ballroom, Ottobar hosts some fun dance parties, Soundstage or Rams Head downtown. Club Chuck, Bloom's or Coral Wig,...”
Read the full commentAbout 2 years agoJohns Hopkins Access services was mentioned as a reliable employer, especially its Specialty Services crew.
“If you don't mind call center work, Johns Hopkins Access services is always hiring. We're a good bunch, especially the Specialty Services crew.”
Read the full commentAbout a year ago“It's definitely green. And friendly.”
What's nearby
Within 5 miles of the center of the Baltimore area.
Counts from OpenStreetMap, a volunteer map, so small or new places can be missing. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Biking and trails
Within 5 miles of the center of the Baltimore area.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Counts depend on how well local volunteers have mapped the area, so treat them as a rough guide.
What rent costs
Of about 356,649 rented homes in the Baltimore area, 75% rent for under $2,000 a month and 96% for under $3,000.
Census American Community Survey 2019 to 2023 (table B25063). Gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Today's asking rents for open apartments usually run higher.
What moving costs
Average cost: $1,946
From a 2025 survey of 1,000 people who hired movers. This Old House. Your quote depends on your stuff, stairs and the time of year.
The middle rented home in the Baltimore area rents for $1,500 to $1,999 a month. Before you get the keys, expect about $3,000 to $3,998 for first month plus a deposit, or up to $4,500 to $5,997 where landlords also ask for last month.
Many landlords want your income to be about 3 times the rent. For $1,500 to $1,999, that's a yearly income of about $54,000 to $71,964.
Estimate from Census rent data (2019 to 2023, rent plus tenant-paid utilities). Deposits and fees vary by landlord and state law.
Moving to Maryland: before and after
- Forward your mail: USPS change of address. It costs about $1 online to confirm who you are.
- Switch your driver's license and car registration. Each state sets its own deadline, often somewhere between 10 days and a few months after you move. Find the Maryland DMV.
- Register to vote at your new address: Maryland voter registration.
- Set up power, gas, water and trash. Some cities bill water and trash together, and some ask new customers for a deposit.
- Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance and the IRS (Form 8822 if you're not filing soon).
- Find a doctor and dentist early. New-patient waits can be weeks, even in big cities.
Public schools
One public school district serves this county, with about 111,082 students. Which one serves a home depends on its address.
NCES Common Core of Data 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics. Varro doesn't rate or rank schools. For test results and programs, see each district's site and your state's school report card.
Childcare and colleges
Maryland keeps an official list of licensed childcare, with inspection reports and openings in many states. In a lot of towns, infant spots fill up months ahead, so it helps to get on waitlists before you move.
| Age | Daycare center | Home daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (under 2) | $345/week about $17,900 a year | $229/week about $11,900 a year |
| Toddler (2) | $256/week about $13,300 a year | |
| Preschool (3 to 4) | $256/week about $13,300 a year | $204/week about $10,600 a year |
| School-age | $233/week about $12,100 a year |
For an infant at a center: $345/week here, $330 across MD, $259 across the U.S.. Full-time infant care at a center here costs about 16% of a typical family's income. These are 2022 prices, the newest the government has published by county, and prices have gone up since.
25 colleges in the county and the wider metro around Baltimore. Prices are yearly tuition and fees for full-time undergrads, before financial aid.
Moving for school? Public colleges charge state residents much less, and community colleges often charge even less to people who live in their district. Most states want you to have lived there about 12 months, for reasons other than school, before you count as a resident for tuition. The rules differ by state, so check with the college's registrar.
IPEDS 2023-24, National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS). Degree-granting public and nonprofit schools with 100+ students. Varro doesn't rank colleges.