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Dorchester

Dorchester

Neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore City 21207, 21215

$251,629 Average Value
$116 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Dorchester sees a new start

Dorchester is a northwestern Baltimore neighborhood that rests between Interstate 695 and downtown. “It’s convenient to the city and to public transportation," says Terry Carter, a Realtor with Douglas Realty who has lived in Baltimore for more than 35 years. “It’s also almost completely residential, so it tends to be fairly quiet.” In the late 1900s, many Baltimore residents moved to the suburbs and most of the neighborhood’s more spacious, single-family homes were converted into apartment buildings. Over time, grocery stores and other amenities closed as well. Today, the trend is moving in the other direction. Developers are changing multifamily buildings back to their original single-family style, and community members are working to bring other amenities back to the area, including a theater that was damaged years ago in a fire.
Dorchester is a neighborhood not far from the city.
Dorchester is a neighborhood not far from the city.
A whimsical mailbox greets you to the Dorchester neighborhood.
A whimsical mailbox greets you to the Dorchester neighborhood.
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Renovated early 1900s homes in Dorchester

Housing options in Dorchester include early-1900s duplexes and renovated single-family homes. Many of the duplexes are brick, and some have Tudor-style architectural details. There are a good number of single-family Foursquares and bungalows as well. Residences range in size from 1,100 to 3,500 square feet, and many boast wide front porches overlooking grassy front lawns. Though a few homes may hit the market in the $90,000 to $120,000 range, these usually require extreme renovations. Units in duplexes generally sell between $180,000 and $275,000, and fully redone single-family residences often list from $350,000 to $500,000. Dorchester has an overall CAP Index score of 4 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4, but has an 8 out of 10 for violent crime.
Traditional rowhomes can be found in Dorchester.
Traditional rowhomes can be found in Dorchester.
Charming brick homes are available in Dorchester.
Charming brick homes are available in Dorchester.
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Nearby parks and the upcoming Ambassador Theatre project

There are several outdoor recreation areas within a short drive or bus ride from Dorchester. In the summer, neighborhood kids follow the sidewalks and cross Liberty Heights Avenue to swim at the Liberty Swimming Pool. About 1 mile south is the Forest Park Golf Course, which originally opened in the 1930s. This public, 18-hole course’s irregular terrain provides a welcome challenge for golfers. Once the renovations to 100-acre Hanlon Park are finished, Dorchester residents will be able to visit its playground and improved walking trails. Druid Hill Park is also within a few miles of the community. On weekends, it’s a popular spot for a round of disc golf or a game of basketball. The Maryland Zoo and the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens also rest within the park’s 745 acres. At the corner of Liberty Heights and Gwynn Oak avenues is the Art Deco-style Ambassador Theatre, which was built in the 1930s. Though the theater closed many years ago, it is currently being restored for use as a community art space. When it is completed, locals will be able to walk to movies, art classes and live performances.
The Ambassador Theater is a historic landmark in Dorchester.
The Ambassador Theater is a historic landmark in Dorchester.
Dorchester families can spend the day at the Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park.
Dorchester families can spend the day at the Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park.
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Liberty Elementary, then school choice for middle and high

Children who live in Dorchester may attend Liberty Elementary School, which earns a C-minus Niche score. Families have a choice of several middle and high schools. For sixth through eighth grade, some students attend Dr. Nathan A. Pitts-Ashburton Elementary/Middle School, also rated a C-minus. Forest Park High School receives a C-minus rating as well and was renovated in 2018 as part of a district-wide initiative to build 21st-century schools. It features a television studio and an indoor pool.
Liberty Elementary School serves Dorchester students from Pre-K through the 5th grade.
Liberty Elementary School serves Dorchester students from Pre-K through the 5th grade.
Ashburton Elementary/Middle School in Dorchester helps students succeed.
Ashburton Elementary/Middle School in Dorchester helps students succeed.
Forest Park High School is a great place for Dorchester youth to learn and grow in Baltimore.
Forest Park High School is a great place for Dorchester youth to learn and grow in Baltimore.
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Northwest Baltimore youth programs and a community-wide parade

Several nearby community groups organize youth programs and neighborhood events. On the third Saturday in December, locals gather at the Concord Baptist Church for the annual tree lighting and holiday parade, which features marching bands and vividly painted antique cars. The Liberty Rec & Tech offers basketball lessons for kids under 13. On Saturday mornings, area children can strengthen their academic skills at the Development of a Square’s Saturday school, a program staffed by retired principals and teachers.

From Dorchester to D.C. or downtown

Many Baltimoreans rely on cars to get around, though there are some public transportation options in the city. Liberty Heights Avenue, which marks the southern edge of Dorchester, is a four-lane artery that takes residents toward downtown or to Interstate 695. While a good number of residents work within the city, Baltimore’s comparatively lower housing costs have made some Washington, D.C. natives take notice. Commuters can travel to Washington via I-695 or drive about 6 miles to Penn Station-Baltimore station, where they can catch a train to Union Station. To travel around Baltimore, people can take the Maryland Transit Administration’s CityLink buses, which stop along Liberty Heights. There’s also an MTA Metro station around 1 mile away.

Pick up groceries from ShopRite and drive for sit-down dining

Dorchester is just a few blocks from the Howard Park ShopRite, which is one of the largest grocery stores in the city. ShopRite carries heat-and-eat meal options, and there are several takeout restaurants beside it as well. With a Home Depot and Burlington in the Reisterstown Road Plaza and a few clothing stores in the Mondawmin Mall, locals have some retail options within a 3-mile drive. “They aren’t really that popular though — in Baltimore, you have to do a bit of driving to get to most things,” Carter says. Some folks head to Towson Town Center for more upscale chain stores and into Fells Point or Harbor East to enjoy an evening out, she says.
Do your shopping in Dorchester at ShopRite.
Do your shopping in Dorchester at ShopRite.
Grab a bite to eat at Mangal Grill Express near Dorchester.
Grab a bite to eat at Mangal Grill Express near Dorchester.
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Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Bryan Allen
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Allen
Everett Hall-McNeill
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Terry Carter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall

27 min drive

Bus

Garrison Blvd & Barrington Rd

Bus

Garrison Blvd & Cold Spring Ln Sb

Bus

Garrison Blvd & Belle Ave Sb

Bus

Liberty Heights Ave & Granada Ave Wb

Bus

Liberty Heights Ave & Eldorado Ave Nb

Bus

Garrison Blvd & Liberty Heights Ave Sb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Dorchester US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Dorchester Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$283,685
Median Sale Price
$281,185
Median Single Family Sale Price
$364,750
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$272,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
28%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$116

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
449
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
2.70

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Terry Carter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,491
Median Age
40
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$53,077
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,737

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.9%
College Graduates
18.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.5%
% Population in Labor Force
54.1%
Below the national average
65.1%

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®

42 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

56 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

63 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Dorchester