A cooperative community between two East Baltimore highways
Armistead Gardens is a Baltimore neighborhood that was developed during World War II. Many workers were brought from areas in the Appalachian Mountains to begin new jobs manufacturing defense equipment. Homes for these workers were rapidly constructed by the Armistead Homes Corporation, which still affects the community today. “It is a co-op area, so the corporation owns all the land and a percentage of the houses,” says Realtor Lening Rivera with Samson Properties, who was born and raised in Baltimore. “Whoever buys a house there gets a 99-year lease, which allows them to live there and be the owner.” This circumstance creates a home-buying procedure that looks different from other neighborhoods in the city. “You have to apply to the office, which also means you can’t just sell the house when you want to leave,” Rivera continues. “And their process is a little stricter. They ask for more documents than other cooperatives because they want to make sure the people that live there are good people.” The area is convenient to both the city of Baltimore and Baltimore County, with access to major thoroughfares a defining feature. However, the neighborhood also offers plentiful green space, a comparative rarity in most urban settings. This, plus its unique ownership circumstances, has helped to foster a generational sense of belonging since the community’s midcentury establishment.
A unique collection of corporation-owned townhouses
The neighborhood consists of uniform townhouses, tightly packed together on carefully planned streets. Since the community was designed to accommodate an influx of workers, most homes are less than 900 square feet and have compact yards. Chain-link fences hem in each property to add a sense of separation between neighbors. Because the community is a co-op, with all houses owned by the Armistead Homes Corporation, prices tend to stay low, fluctuating between $40,000 and $125,000. However, prospective owners should be aware that these prices are not for the property itself, but for the 99-year lease of the property. Maintenance, taxes and utilities are also included in a single monthly payment, known as an operating charge, for each leaseholder. “If there’s any issues with maintenance or exterior stuff, the office takes care of it,” Rivera says. “Inside, that’s more for the owners to do. They can make any changes they want as long as they comply with the property managers’ requirements.” Residents are notified of any increases to this operating charge by mail. Additionally, because leases can be renewed up to three times, many homes are occupied by second- and third-generation leaseholders. When selling, owners must follow Armistead Corporation procedures to transfer their lease to a new applicant.
The school in the center of the community
Children in the neighborhood do not need to travel far to get to class. “There’s a school right in the middle of Armistead Gardens,” Rivera says. “There’s also two churches and a big park right there, which helps create a sense of community.” The aptly named Armistead Gardens Elementary Middle School receives a C from Niche and educates students from kindergarten through grade 8. Patterson High, also rated C, is the closest public high school. Private faith-based alternatives are also available nearby. Archbishop Curley High, an all-boys school founded in 1961, is right next door to the neighborhood. Young women may attend The Catholic High School of Baltimore, which was voted the Best Private High School for Girls three years in a row by Baltimore Style magazine.
Herring Run Park is the de facto backyard of the neighborhood
Several trails lead from Armistead Gardens to Herring Run Park, essentially making it the neighborhood's collective backyard. This 375-acre urban woodland was once a city landfill, which is reflected in its unique undulating landscape. Today, it is a popular spot for bird-watching, hiking and fishing in the Herring Run. In the northernmost region of the park, there are playgrounds and a basketball court. According to Rivera, the community’s annual Fourth of July celebration is also hosted here.
Less than 5 miles from major shopping centers in Baltimore
In his 2010 autobiography "Role Models," Baltimore legend John Waters wrote, “No one ever shops in Armistead Gardens.” This may, strictly speaking, be true, as the neighborhood has practically no commercial footprint. However, the neighborhood is less than 5 miles from Canton, Fells Point and downtown Baltimore — all major shopping destinations. The Giant Food at Parkside Shopping Center is the closest grocery store, with the Harris Teeter and Target in the Shops at Canton Crossing providing more extensive alternatives. Restaurants like Blake’s Crab House and Barden Bar Jay Spot are located just on the other side of Erdman Avenue, and local favorite Chap’s Pit Beef is across Pulaski Highway. Armistead Gardens is also just 3 miles from Eastpoint Mall, home to over 120 retailers and eateries.
Commuting between the county and the city is simple
Armistead Gardens is immediately adjacent to Pulaski Highway and Interstate 895, so commuting to the city center or the outlying counties is simple. “The community is right between Baltimore city and Baltimore County,” Rivera says. Interstate 895 also provides the most direct route 15 miles southwest to Baltimore Washington International, the largest airport in Maryland. The LocalLink No. 59 bus makes several stops throughout the neighborhood, carrying passengers to Franklin Square Hospital and Martin Plaza Shopping Center in Whispering Woods.
Live music, pro sports and more in downtown Baltimore
The neighborhood is just over 4 miles from downtown Baltimore, where locals can enjoy live music at Baltimore Soundstage and orange-clad Orioles fans gather for baseball games at Camden Yards. CFG Bank Arena also hosts concerts, combat sports and Disney on Ice throughout the year. More low-key options are available in Fells Point, where area bands play late into the night at bars like The Horse You Came In On Saloon.
Overall crime in Armistead Gardens is slightly above average
The CAP Index Score for Armistead Gardens is 6 out of 10, which is a little higher than the national average of 4. However, the score for violent crime is 8 out of 10, indicating a significantly higher-than-average rate.
GreatSchools:
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Welcome to 1059 Bunbury Way, a freshly updated home in the desirable Armistead Gardens community. This inviting residence offers 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 fully renovated bathroom, perfectly blending comfort and style. Step into the main level featuring brand-new Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, providing a sleek and durable foundation for everyday living. Upstairs, the refinished hardwood
Welcome to 5014 E Eager St, a beautifully updated home nestled in the quiet and welcoming Armistead Gardens community. This charming residence features 2 comfortable bedrooms and 1 fully updated bathroom. Step inside to find new Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring on the main level, creating a modern, low-maintenance living space, while the upstairs showcases beautifully refinished hardwood floors
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,020
Median Age
36
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.7%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$40,911
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,381
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
60.9%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
8.6%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4%
% Population in Labor Force
48.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
16''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
48/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
