Everything You Need to Know About Baltimore City’s First Neighborhood

The Live Baltimore team was privileged to receive a guided walking tour of the Jonestown neighborhood in Downtown Baltimore, led by the President of the Historic Jonestown Community Association, Amber Doherty. Read along to learn the history of Jonestown and why its residents love to call Baltimore City’s first-ever neighborhood their home.

The History

The Historic District of Jonestown was established in 1732 and is the first-ever Baltimore City neighborhood. Located on the East side of the Jones Falls, this neighborhood began as 20 half-acre lots and has now grown into the bustling community we know today. The Jonestown neighborhood was once home to the historic Hendler Creamery Company, and is also where you’ll find the famous Phoenix Shot Tower, and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House & Museum.

The Location

Located in Downtown Baltimore, Jonestown boasts a walk score of 91, a bike score of 77, a transit score of 100, and is convenient for students and employees of the Johns Hopkins Hospital East Baltimore campus. Residents enjoy quick access to the amenities and attractions of downtown, Baltimore’s Penn Station, many public transportation options, Hopkins Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House.

“There’s something about county living that’s a little sterile to me, and the City just has a warmer feel.”

-Roxanne Miller Epps

The Community

In addition to the convenient location, Jonestown residents enjoy the quiet, walkable streets and diversity in their community. The neighborhood offers a variety of home styles, including apartments, rowhomes, townhomes, and large, three-story rowhouses, as the area was once home to some of the wealthiest families in Baltimore. The Historic Jonestown Community Association facilitates opportunities for residents to connect, including managing the Exeter Street Community Garden and hosting the annual Jonestown Community Day held at McKim Park.

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

As Baltimore City’s first neighborhood, Jonestown saw its fair share of immigrants, many of whom have planted roots and have graciously shared their history and beliefs in their community. On our tour, we passed by the Jewish Museum, multiple synagogues, and the McKim Center which was once a spot on the Underground Railroad and is the oldest continuously active community center in the United States.

“I like the City because it has very little pretense. People can be themselves, and you can find your community no matter what.”

-Julia Slejko, PhD

It’s been great sharing everything we learned about the historic Jonestown neighborhood. View more photos from our tour in our Jonestown Facebook Album. You can learn more about Baltimore City’s 250+ unique neighborhoods on our Neighborhoods Page. Want to give us a tour of your neighborhood? Email us at hello@livebaltimore.com to set up a Live Baltimore staff visit. We can’t wait to meet you!