Everything We Learned About the Original Northwood Neighborhood

Original Northwood is a rustic, wooded neighborhood in North Baltimore comprised of beautiful single family and semi-detached properties that line quiet streets curving through old-growth trees. The Live Baltimore team was delighted and honored to receive a guided walking tour of this historic neighborhood, led by residents Carla Paisley, Executive Director of the Southeast Community Development Association and Lena Bonds of Cummings & Co. Realtors. Read more to find out all the things we learned about Original Northwood and the neighbors who call it home.

Family Friendly

The neighborhood is very popular among families with children and has been for many decades. Children in the community attend nearby Baltimore City schools like Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School, Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, Western High School, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and Friends School of Baltimore.

Historic Value

Development for this suburban-like neighborhood within the city began in 1930 by the Roland Park Montebello Company, and was one of the first planned communities in America. The lead architect, John A. Ahlers, put thoughtful consideration into the neighborhood’s design, architecture, and landscaping, creating an urban oasis for its residents. Original Northwood received its official designation as an Historic District in 1998.

My particular home was called the exhibition house…the model home of the days. Original Northwood was developed in sections. The Deepwood Road development is where I live… And it’s the only house that’s allowed to have a picket fence in the front.

-Lena Bonds

Community Events

Original Northwood boasts a very active community association and hosts various events for its residents of all ages. Neighbors attend events like Thursday night Popsicle Socials, food truck Wednesdays (a COVID-19 initiative created to support local restaurants), wine and cheese parties, community dumpster days, yard sales, an annual block party, and more!

Supportive & Close-Knit Neighbors

Neighbors in Original Northwood, many of whom are longtime residents, make it a point to get to know each other and offer assistance in whatever way they can. Dog walkers, babysitters, and carpools are popular ways residents support one another. Throughout our tour, we chatted with several friendly neighbors we met along the way.

I was six and my sister was four. Lena took care of us after school. It was like ‘finish your homework, then go to Lena’s house.’ And we wore that path thin!  When I got old enough, I could babysit for Ian (Lena’s son). And then Ian’s younger sisters babysat for my children. And my children now babysit from time to time for Lena’s grandchildren… It’s just a loop.

-Carla Paisley

Our team truly enjoyed our time in Original Northwood. By the end of it, many of us had already begun planning our move. We want to extend a very special thank you to Carla and Lena for being our knowledgeable guides! You can find more photos from our tour in our Original Northwood photo album on the Live Baltimore Facebook page. Visit our neighborhoods page to learn more about the historic Original Northwood neighborhood.

Photo by Phylicia Ghee for Live Baltimore