The principal thoroughfare of West Baltimore’s Upton neighborhood is Pennsylvania Avenue, once a thriving epicenter of commerce compared to Harlem, New York’s Lenox Avenue. One of Baltimore’s earliest African American middle-class communities, Upton was home to many influential figures like T. Willis Lansey, the first black Baltimore City Councilman; Violet Hill White, a community activist and Baltimore's first black female police officer; and Thurgood Marshall who grew up and attended school here before becoming a Supreme Court justice. Today, Upton maintains much of its historic spirit, while facing modern-day challenges and working towards revitalization. It’s home to a subway stop, some of West Baltimore’s best recreation centers, and is served by an active community coalition looking to improve access to essential resources and set the groundwork for full-bodied success in local families.
Historic Upton rowhomes
Homes in Upton vary from historic row houses in Queen Anne and Italianate styles, to more modern builds like the Upton Gateway community, a new development of brick rowhomes. With many homes here built in the early 1900s, most feature charming old-world details like decorative ironwork, bowed fronts, original wood double doors and conical roof towers. The average listing cost is $110,000 with price points ranging from as low as $20,000 for abandoned properties to $400,000 for multifamily homes.
Many homes in Upton were built in the early 1900's and feature charming architectural details.
Historic rowhomes with ornate architectural details are common in Upton, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Dining along Pennsylvania Avenue
Upton residents enjoy the area’s walkability and convenience to local amenities like the Save A Lot grocery store and Walgreens drug store on McMechen Street, or the Dollar General on Pennsylvania Avenue. For fresh produce and good eats, they visit vendors at the historic Avenue Market (formerly the Lafayette Market) established in 1871, or order from one of the many casual eateries located along Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Land of Kush is a popular choice for vegan soul food in Upton, Baltimore.
The Avenue Market is a historic marketplace built in 1871 in Upton, Baltimore.
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Events with the No Boundaries Coalition
No Boundaries Coalition—committed to “deconstructing boundaries and reconstructing community” in central West Baltimore—hosts a wide range of events and programs for Upton residents. The 12-week Block Captains Boot Camp Program builds leadership and community activism skills in young adults, while Fresh at the Avenue and Fresh Fridays offer opportunities to purchase fresh produce at a reasonable price, as well as culinary training. No Boundaries hosts Election Fairs to bring people straight to the polls, and even free Yoga in the Park.
Schools at each grade level in Upton
Students here attend Baltimore City Public Schools like Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School, which earns a C-minus from Niche. Booker T. Washington Middle School also earns a C-minus, along with Renaissance Academy. Serving over 245 students in grades nine through twelve, this high school option offers both college preparatory course and Career and Technology Education (CTE) pathways, with a focus on law, government and justice studies. Upton is also close to highly-regarded institutions like The University of Baltimore and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).
Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School is a public school serving grades PK-5.
Renaissance Academy is a public high school serving students from 9th through the 12th grade.
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Family recreation and Upton monuments
The Shake & Bake Family Fun Center hosts activities like bowling, arcade games and roller-skating for the whole family, while Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center offers group basketball at all age levels, as well as events like Father & Son Basketball. History buffs can spend an afternoon scouting out the area’s iconic landmarks, like the Billie Holiday statue on Pennsylvania Avenue. Built to honor the singer’s famous Baltimore roots, this statue sits across from another monument honoring the Royal Theater and the many jazz clubs that lined its streets during previous decades. Along Madison Avenue, the Douglas Memorial Community has stunned onlookers with its Greek revival style architecture and towering columns since 1857.
Located in Upton Shake & Bake Family Fun Center is a family favorite for a night out.
Wilson and Etting Park is a public park with a basketball court for locals to enjoy in Upton.
The Billy Holiday Plaza is located in Upton and is a stop on the Baltimore Heritage Trail.
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Commuting from Upton
Locals can walk to Upton Station, their namesake Metro stop. CityLink bus stops run along Pennsylvania Avenue, and Routes 5 and 21 run near the neighborhood. Baltimore’s Penn Station sits just over 1 mile away, while major highways like Interstate 83 and Maryland route 295 take residents a little under 11 miles to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. UMMC Midtown Campus and Mercy Medical Center are also about a mile from Upton in case of an emergency.
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall
19 min drive
Subway
Upton
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave & Presstman St Sb
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave & Mosher St Nb
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave & Mosher St Sb
Bus
Lafayette Ave & Myrtle Ave Fs Wb
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave& Laurens St Nb
Bus
Lafayette Ave & Myrtle Ave Eb
Bus
Dolphin St & Pennsylvania Ave Fs Eb
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.65 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
8/30/2017Niche Review
The Upton area was intimately involved in the rioting associated with the death of Freddie Gray. While others chose to abandon the area--my brother (along with family support) decided to stay! Our entire family has become a part of the solution as opposed to the problem!
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Upton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Upton, Baltimore sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Upton, Baltimore over the last 12 months is $132,400, up 39% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Property is being sold AS IS. Tax Parcel0311060416021. Current zoning is R-7 and encompasses both buildings, 1218 and 1220, each requiring significant rehabilitation.Building 1220 is metered for five units and has a rough-framed interior for six units (two per floor).1st Floor: framed as a 1BR/1BA and a 2BR/1BA2nd Floor: framed as two 2BR/1BA units3rd Floor: framed as two
This beautifully updated rowhome is the perfect blend of charm, functionality, and modern finishes. Boasting three spacious bedrooms and one full, tastefully renovated bathroom, this home is filled with natural light that flows effortlessly throughout the space. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the seamless luxury vinyl plank flooring that adds warmth and continuity across every
Robert BreedenBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty
A true showstopper, this renovated residence combines striking contemporary design with thoughtful details across four bedrooms and four full bathrooms. From the moment you arrive, the curb appeal, bold entry steps with iron railings, and oversized windows set the tone for what awaits inside.Step through the front door where you are greeted by a bright, open floor plan centered around a
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Baltimore City, WestView on the Avenue stands as your gateway to the city's finest attractions. From the bustling Inner Harbor and historic Fells Point to the thrill of Ravens Stadium, and the allure of Camden Yards, the best of Baltimore is just moments away. Embrace urban living at its finest, with everything you desire within easy reach at our selection of
NEWLY UPDATED 2BD/1BA APARTMENT FOR RENT IN MADISON PARK! - Welcome to 1426 McCulloh st, Unit 2. This upgraded 2BD/1BA home features brand new wall-to-wall plush carpet, high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The Kitchen boasts plenty of cabinet space, granite countertops and updated appliances. Central air & heating. Spacious bedrooms with ample closet space. This apartment has
1 bedroom apartment located on 2nd floor. Tenant pays BGE. Water included. Application requires 4 recent pay check stubs. Fill out the application and apply. Move in ready.
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