East Arlington - Baltimore, MD

After European colonists established the city of Baltimore in 1729, the land comprising East Arlington remained sparsely populated for over a century. Baltimore gained economic might during the Revolutionary War, when its location created optimal trade conditions for resources, such as flour and iron ore. Throughout the 19th century, the city lost economic power in the face of competition from larger cities.

Near the turn of the 20th century, Baltimore saw a construction boom and subsequent population increase. Around this time, city residents began flocking to Druid Hill Park, helping spur a spike in residential construction around its borders. Because city planners chose not to landscape the northern sector of the park, it contains some of the oldest original forest in the city. East Arlington community members have easy access to some of Baltimore's finest cultural institutions, including the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens.

As a neighborhood covering very little geographic area, East Arlington’s dining options tend to lie outside its official borders, particularly to the north along Park Heights Avenue. Most nearby restaurants provide take-out service, including chains such as Subway, while sit-down service exists farther away. Similarly, night owls should head downtown for wild bars and lounges, though some popular laid-back options exist just west of Druid Hill Park.

To the north of East Arlington on West Belvedere Avenue, Royal Maroon Caribbean Carryout woos diners with classic island cuisine. The chef hails from Jamaica, a fact that shines through in the succulent curry goat with cabbage and peas. Be sure to order the jerk chicken, available with white meat only for those who ask.

A bit farther south on Park Heights Avenue near Oakford Avenue, Duke & Lou’s Delicatessen specializes in no-frills American comfort food. A true hole-in-the-wall gem, the restaurant serves food all day but earns raves for its breakfast menu. Try the French toast platter, sprinkled generously with cinnamon surgar, plated with eggs cooked your way and your choice of meat.

When the time comes for a nice dinner out, head over to The Food Market on West 36th Street in the neighborhood of Hampden. The kitchen here makes common ingredients into uncommon food, with an emphasis on local fare. For the ultimate Maryland comfort dish, order the crab cake, served with lobster mac and cheese, broccoli and tartar sauce.

Stay in the Hampden area after dinner to sample the spirits at Blue Pit BBQ and Whiskey Bar, where unpretentious bartenders and a cozy atmosphere keep regulars coming back. In the warmer months, make sure to hit up the patio while sampling one of the more than 100 American whiskeys on the menu.

Multiple public transportation options and proximity to major highways give East Arlington residents quick and efficient access to downtown, and the greater metropolitan area, while trips within the neighborhood require nothing more than your feet. The Maryland Transit Administration operates a bus and subway system, both of which have stops in or near the area. Bus Route 51, running until 1 a.m. daily, leaves from Dolfield Avenue and Hilton Road and arrives downtown in 25 minutes. The subway carries riders from the West Coldspring Station to the city center in 15 minutes, with trains running until midnight seven days a week.

Bicycles prove popular here, and nearby Druid Hill Park provides an escape from urban street traffic. Residents who drive have little trouble finding street parking and can reach downtown in as little as 15 minutes. Just to the east past the park, Interstate 83 connects with the northern suburbs and greater Baltimore. When you can’t or don’t want to drive, call a car service, or reserve a ride via Uber.

East Arlington residents enjoy good access to green spaces that charge no fee to enter. Just across the subway tracks to the northeast, Towanda Playground features a children’s play area and large basketball court. Limited trees mean ample opportunities to take in the sun’s rays.

A bit farther east lies the much more expansive Druid Hill Park. Visitors from near and far, including dog owners, come here to take in the park’s rolling hills, water features, jogging trails and athletic courts. Each summer, the park hosts the three-day Caribbean Carnival Festival, a celebration of Caribbean culture featuring traditional food, music and dancing.

Given its distance from downtown Baltimore and the city’s most sought-after amenities, the cost of living in East Arlington sits on par with the Baltimore average. Renters pay average monthly rents of just over $755, with prices varying widely depending on the condition of the apartment.

When it comes to essential goods and services, prices in the neighborhood hover slightly above the national average. A beer at a bar near the area sets you back around $3, and one-way bus and subway fares cost $1.60. Gas prices sit about 7 percent above the national average.

Shoppers head one stop south on the subway to reach Mondawmin Mall, or they head east to nearby Woodberry.

Over in Woodbury on Clipper Park Road, Corradetti Glassblowing Studio and Gallery highlights the vibrant, dizzying designs of local artists. Though the larger home decor pieces such as vases and bowls can set you back hundreds of dollars, they make a bold statement in any home. Tumblers and other smaller items sell for considerably less and make great gifts. Check out the roster of workshops and classes designed for a range of budgets and skill levels.

At the Mondawmin Mall, Downtown Locker Room represents a paradise for shoe lovers. The warehouse-like space brims with footwear options, including hard-to-find limited-edition Nike sneakers. A full range of clothing options to complete your look also line the shelves here.

Just north of East Arlington and well within walking distance, several stores provide groceries and other essentials, including chains such as ALDI and independent stores such as Dolfield Fresh Food Market. From June through September, make a longer trip to Druid Hill Park where local vendors sell farm-fresh fare at the Druid Hill Farmers Market every Wednesday. The scents and sights of fruit pies, jarred preserves and colorful produce lure you to vendors' booths, while live music and crafts demonstrations provide family-friend diversions.