Dundalk, MD

Dundalk’s long history began back in 1608 when John Smith first explored this area around the Patapsco Neck. By 1664, Virginia’s Thomas Todd purchased the area, making it the first official deed in Baltimore County. However, during the War of 1812, in the Battle of North Point, much of the area was burned down by the British, including Thomas Todd’s estate. The home called “Todd’s Inheritance” was rebuilt and stands as a historic landmark.

In 1916, the Bethlehem Steel Company purchased 1,000 acres in the area to create housing for its workers. Along with the new housing, schools and parks were also developed in the region. In 1983, the city was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society, residents can learn more about the history of Dundalk, the development of this region and its role in the war of 1812.

Dundalk’s welcoming personality shines through in their dining and nightlife scene.

At Boulevard Diner, patrons can enjoy fresh-made traditional diner food and authentic Greek fare, served 24 hours a day on the weekends. This diner was featured on the hit television show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” but it is known for more than its 15 minutes of fame. The diner’s infamous sour beef and dumplings, and stuffed grape leaves come from an old family recipe that ranks as a must-try for anyone visiting the establishment.

At the Poplar Inn diners can enjoy homemade comfort food and classic American cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. However, the restaurant has also thrown their hat in the ring when it comes to the area’s competition for best crab cake. Their secret recipe crab cake has many wondering if the Poplar Inn’s rank as the best in area.

When it comes to nightlife, residents can head down to the local tavern Playbook Sports Bar and Grill, where critically acclaimed dishes and a comforting atmosphere come together. With pub food, nightly week specials and an impressive list of on-tap beers available, this Irish pub provides the perfect watering hole for the neighborhood. Seeking more excitement with your nightlife? Then visit Mustang Alley’s, a late-night bar and club with several bowling lanes to keep patrons in the competitive spirit as they sip local beers and signature cocktails.

Boston Street and Interstate 95 connect Dundalk with nearby Baltimore City and provides residents with an easy route to the center of the action. Travel by car in Dundalk remains quick and convenient. Interstate 95 connects the community to the northern suburbs and to downtown. However, traveling to the city through Interstate 95 requires a $4 toll and necessitates a journey underneath the Harbor Tunnel. While Dundalk can't be described as particularly walkable, several bike routes throughout the community make it relatively biker-friendly. The Maryland Transit Authority services Dundalk with its MTA bus route. This route connects several areas of Dundalk and provides easy access to downtown Baltimore.

Cabs prevail in the area, and the Uber car service extends its reach to Dundalk, making safe transport into the city a breeze.

The spacious community of Dundalk house several public parks designed to accommodate the whole family. The community’s main park remains Chesterwood Park, located along Chesterwood Road. Here kids and pets can explore the more than 16 acres of space. Community events, charity 5Ks and annual fundraising festivals all take place. The park also houses playgrounds, fishing ponds, picnic areas, and walking and biking trails.

Those seeking sports fields, including soccer fields and baseball diamonds, can visit Lynch Cove Park in Dundalk. This park serves several children’s sports leagues, and adult softball and kickball leagues.

Those interested in enjoying the great outdoors with views of the stunning Chesapeake Bay can visit Merrit Point Park. This park has boat ramps, fishing spots, playgrounds and pavilions. Children and dogs alike find plenty to keep them busy at this park that spans more than 23 acres.

The cost of living in Dundalk settles in around 5 percent less than the Maryland average, making this small community an affordable and welcoming place to call home. Residents who are not in the market to purchase a home and would rather lease can find reasonable rent in Dundalk. Here, you can expect to pay $692 per month, on average, for an apartment.

A ride on the MTA bus line to the center of Baltimore averages $1.60 one-way, and the price of gas tends to hover around 0.5 percent higher than the national average. Residents can expect to pay about $3 to $4 for a pint of beer at the local bars.

Convenient access to everyday essentials create a reliable shopping scene in Dundalk. At the East Point Mall, trusted brands such as Burlington Coat Factor and JC Penney provide shoppers with access to affordably priced clothing, shoes, accessories and home items. Stop by Dundalk's Payless Shoe Source for deals on footwear for the whole family, or visit Radio Shack for all of your electronics needs. If Boutique shopping sounds more your style, then Cheryl's Creative Crafts provides the perfect stop for all of your crafting supplies or pre-made gifts. Seeking a new piece of jewelry, stop in to Poplar Jewelry and Pawn in the Poplar Place Shopping Center for a wide selection of specialty items. Dundalk residents can buy their groceries at Geresbeck's Food Market, where the shelves line with everything from grocery and baking essentials to fresh, locally caught seafood. At the area's Giant grocery store, everything from cooking and baking supplies to home essentials can be found along the aisles. This massive grocery store chain also makes fresh-rolled sushi and pre-made hot-and-ready dinner items. In the spring, summer and fall residents in Dundalk can visit the local Dundalk Farmer's Market. Open on Saturday mornings, this market features food and fresh produce from area farmers.