Relocating to Hampden (Baltimore: neighborhoods, movie theater, university)

[maomobile]

My wife are relocating and we would like a perspective on the area in general. We are in the 30's with no kids currently. We choose the are because of its lively environment, safety and it seems very walkable. Pro's and con's, Thanks.

[Joakim3]

Hampden definitely one of the better urban areas of the city to live in thats not on the Inner Harbor.

Hampden is sandwiched in-between JHU (John Hopkins University) to it's immediate east, and I-83/Druid Hill Park/Woodberry to it's immediate west & south so it's very sheltered from the rest of the city in a literal sense, but yes it's still very walkable neighborhood.

In terms of safety, its substantially safer than anything in West Baltimore or NE, but it still looks & feels old so it's a weird paradox but theres a good mix of people in the neighborhood.. Just use common sense & basic street smarts and you'll be fine. On the other hand due to it's relative isolation, Hampden has it's own town center with Restaurants, grocery stores, bars and a full on movie theater, all are at your literal front door.

If there is any cons, it's just the neighborhoods relative distance from the hustle and bustle of Downtown/Inner Harbor or quick access to I-95. Hampden is ~3 mile drive to Downtown/Inner Harbor if you jump on I-83. If you don't feel like driving, you're in luck; it's a 5-10 minute walk to the light rail station at Woodberry that connects all the way to Penn Station/Downtown/Stadiums or BWI Airport.. so getting into the city center is a breeze.

Hope that answers some of your questions