Five Star Family Neighborhoods
Looking for a home for your family? Baltimore City is full of great neighborhoods for parents and kids—so many, in fact, the search can feel overwhelming. To help you narrow your choices, Live Baltimore has designated a few communities as Five Star Family Neighborhoods. These selections are based on feedback and criteria generated from real city families. Don’t let this list limit you. Do consider it a starting point as you explore Baltimore.
If you’re already familiar with Baltimore’s neighborhoods, it’s likely you’ve heard of family favorites: Cedarcroft, Ten Hills, Hunting Ridge, Ashburton, and Howard Park (among others). But what additional areas should families consider? The communities listed below meet a specific set of selection criteria, earning them the title of Five Star Family Neighborhood. Keep these lesser-known spots in mind as you expand your family’s home search.
Remember, the best way to get to know a neighborhood is to explore it firsthand. Connect with neighbors who live in the community through our Neighborhood Ambassador program. Reach out to the neighborhood association through links on each neighborhood profile. And, check out safety-related details on Baltimore Crime Map. The right neighborhood is the one that feels right to you!
How we chose our Five Star Family Neighborhoods:
First, we listened. We conducted focus groups with parents currently living in Baltimore and analyzed survey data to determine the neighborhood characteristics many city families value most. Then, we created a rating system. To qualify as “Five Star,” neighborhoods must score well in the following categories.
| Active Parents’ Group ★★★★★ = a parent group is active in organizing meetings or events within the neighborhood; it’s easy to connect with other families | Great School Options ★★★★★ = the neighborhood’s public zoned elementary school is high-performing, diverse, and utilized by the in-zone community; charter and private options are also available in close proximity |
| Room to Grow ★★★★★ = homes in the neighborhood are large enough for growing families; properties offer yards or there is significant green space near by | Walkable to Shops and Restaurants ★★★★★ = the neighborhood’s walk score is high, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot |
| Affordable ★★★★★ = the median home price is below $300,000 | Kids in Neighborhood ★★★★★ = a high percentage of the neighborhood's households include children under 9 years old. |
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