Accommodation in Baltimore

There is a wide range of accommodation in Baltimore, giving new arrivals moving to the city some room to manoeuvre when it comes to finding the right home at the right price. That said, more people working in Washington, DC choose to base themselves in Baltimore and commute rather than fork out the extortionate rental rates in the capital, which has had an effect on Baltimore’s property market at times.

Areas and suburbs in Baltimore

With more than 250 neighbourhoods, Baltimore has an area and suburb to suit new arrivals from all walks. The city is divided into 14 districts, each with a distinct feel, and people usually refer to the city's different regions when describing their location. 

Young professionals and single arrivals looking for a trendy neighbourhood should look no further than Hampden. This artsy suburb boasts a community feel while playing host to some of Baltimore's best events and festivals. Families and young professionals looking for water views, easy access to amenities and a tight-knit community will love Canton. This area is known for its walkability and fantastic seafood. Families love Canton for its proximity to one of Baltimore's best charter schools, Hampstead Hill Academy. Other popular areas for young arrivals include Fell's Point and Federal Hill. 

Families moving to Baltimore are well catered for thanks to the availability of a wide range of neighbourhoods in Downtown Baltimore and further out of the city. Those who would like to live in a central area while having access to picturesque single-family Victorian homes will find that Mount Vernon meets much of their needs. Additionally, the neighbourhood offers many cultural offerings and is also home to the best arts high school in Baltimore. 

New arrivals with room in their budgets should consider Ellicott City. This neighbourhood was voted the best place to live in Baltimore and has 22 public schools as well as 10 private schools. Homes in this suburb are fairly pricey but are largely presidential 50th-century houses with many bedrooms and a large yard. The only downside to Ellicott City is its location outside Baltimore City proper, which means new arrivals will have to commute into the city centre.  

See Areas and Suburbs in Baltimore for detailed information on the city's neighbourhoods. 

Types of accommodation in Baltimore

The type of accommodation new arrivals choose depends on where they intend to live in Baltimore, among other personal preferences. Apartments and condos tend to be most suitable for young professionals and small families who wish to live close to the centre of town. The further one moves into the suburbs, the more spacious the properties become. 

Rowhouses

Rowhouses can be found in almost all suburbs of Baltimore, but their appearance and set-up can vary quite dramatically depending on location. Generally, these are two or three-storey houses that are attached to one another. Older rowhouses tend to have little to no outdoor space, while modern rowhouses – most often found in suburbs further afield – tend to come with small gardens and a front veranda.

Apartments

Apartment living is commonplace in Baltimore, and apartment sizes vary greatly. Some apartments are located within older historic buildings with no modern features, while modern complexes often come equipped with additional facilities such as security services and communal spaces. 

Condos

Condos are similar to apartments, but the communal facilities on offer tend to be more extensive. Generally, complexes come equipped with shared facilities such as gardens, swimming pools, fitness centres and laundry facilities. A major advantage of condo living as opposed to living in an apartment or an individual family home is that there is a noticeable sense of community in these complexes. This makes them a sensible option for those who've just arrived in Baltimore and are looking to establish a social network. 

Finding accommodation in Baltimore

While accommodation tends to be more readily available in Baltimore compared to nearby Washington, DC, it is still wise to start the property search as soon as possible. Online property portals are an excellent starting point as they allow prospective tenants to get an idea of the types of properties available in different parts of the city, and how much to budget.

Factors such as access to public transport, proximity to schools, places of work, amenities and shopping hubs, as well as space requirements and lifestyle considerations will all come into play when looking for a suitable home in Baltimore. 

Local real-estate agents are a great source of information and can assist those unfamiliar with the different areas and suburbs of Baltimore find a suitable home that matches their requirements. Expat social media groups are also a fantastic platform for those looking for accommodation in Baltimore. 

Renting accommodation in Baltimore

Owing to the fact that Baltimore is not as populated as nearby Philadelphia and Washington, DC, demand for property tends to be lower, which means that finding a suitable rental in the city shouldn’t be too difficult for newcomers.

Making an application

Potential tenants looking to rent a property in Baltimore will need to file an application either via an agent or by dealing directly with the landlord. Once the relevant checks have been done and references are verified, the landlord and tenant will sign a lease agreement. Having a US bank account and social security number set up will speed up the process.

Leases, costs and fees

As is the case throughout much of the US, a rental contract in Baltimore is usually valid for a year with the option to renew once the term is over. In some cases, tenants can negotiate a shorter lease, especially in quieter months when demand for rental properties is lower.

When signing a lease agreement, tenants are required to put down a security deposit usually equal to a month’s rent. This is refundable once the lease has come to an end. It's important to make sure a detailed inventory is carried out at the beginning and end of a rental period, as any damages will be deducted from the deposit.

New arrivals should ensure their rental apartment is registered with the City of Baltimore. The city will ensure that the rental property is habitable and protects tenant's rights. 

Read Accommodation in the USA to learn more about the national rental market and processes.

Utilities

Potential renters should check the terms and conditions of the lease carefully to determine which utilities are included. In some cases, landlords cover the costs of standard utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Tenants are usually expected to pay for extras such as internet, cable TV, and telephone services.

Electricity and gas

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) supplies the electricity and gas in Baltimore City. To start a service, new arrivals should contract BGE online, via the company's app or telephone at least three days before their intended moving date. Newcomers will need to supply their identity documentation, the address where they'd like to start the service and their social security number. Those who are starting a service may have to pay a security deposit.

Water 

The drinking Water in Baltimore comes from the Gunpowder Falls, North Branch Patapsco River and the Susquehanna River and the supply is managed by Baltimore City Public Works Department. For new arrivals who will be renting property, the water bill will remain in the owner's name but property owners may add their name as an additional bill recipient. Otherwise, they must make payment arrangements with their landlords. 

Property owners can start a new service by contacting the Baltimore City Public Works Department online and filling out the appropriate customer service form. New arrivals will likely have to pay a fee to have a new meter installed. Utility bills are generally paid monthly via direct debit, credit card or deposit. 

Bins and recycling

The Baltimore City Public Works Department oversees waste management and recycling in Baltimore. Waste is collected weekly, and Baltimore City provides an interactive map for residents to determine their rubbish collection day. The municipality provides trash cans and yellow bins for recycling, but these are not a necessity. 

Baltimore does not require residents to separate recyclable waste and allows new arrivals to use any type of rubbish bin or laundry bag to dispose of recyclable waste. The use of plastic bags for disposing of recyclable waste is strictly forbidden. 

For bulk waste items, residents are allowed to dispose of three large items per month at no charge. They can simply call the municipality to arrange collection or take their waste to a drop-off centre at no cost. 

Useful links

• BGE's website has more information on stopping and starting gas and electricity services in Baltimore. 
• New arrivals can visit Baltimore City Public Works Department to learn about water connections and rates in the city. 
• Newly arrived residents can find their rubbish collection days using Baltimore City's interactive map.