Historic Franklin Square Park and Edgar Allen Poe’s home
Brimming with history, Franklin Square is a National Historic District just a little west of downtown Baltimore. Home to the B&O Railroad Museum, the area has been a major part of the city’s history for years. Built around Franklin Square Park in the late 1800s, mid-19th century row houses line the streets, including Edgar Allen Poe’s former residence. Today, painted brick exteriors and antique lamps by the front door give the area a historical feel in a modern setting. “Franklin Square is within walking distance of most downtown attractions, like the Baltimore Ravens Stadium, the convention center and lots of restaurants and museums,” says Floretta Davis, a Realtor with Samson Properties who has been selling in Baltimore since 2003. The average list price for homes is about $145,000, which is almost half the price of homes in Poppleton and Harlem Park but is higher than in Lexington to the west. Folks can spend a day at the park or at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Center. Students study within the Baltimore City Public School district, which is graded an overall C-plus on Niche.
Franklin Square Park history and persisting character
Franklin Square Park was created in the 1830s and is one of the oldest parks in Baltimore. Folks can stroll the paved paths or sit on green lawns beneath tall, mature trees. “I think some people like the city center areas like Franklin Square because of the skylines and views of the city,” Davis says. “There are some parts of Franklin Square Park that are elevated where people can look around.” Though local organizations like Southwest Partnership have worked to improve and update public facilities, the park still maintains its historic gazebo and iron fencing around the fountain from the 1830s. North of the park, Sunflower Village on Carey Street is a small community-adopted lot for gardening, art installations and gatherings. “The neighborhood is working hard to beautify the area. They’re paving new roads and have just put in a new public playground on North Calvin Avenue. There are also some really beautiful murals on the buildings around town,” Davis says. The Ruth M. Kirk Recreation and Learning Center at Vincent Street Park is open in the afternoons from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. for after-school tutoring and GED classes for adults. Vincent Street Park also has a basketball court and playground for families to enjoy.
Franklin Square Park is one of the oldest parks in Baltimore City.
Sit back and relax in the shade at Franklin Square Park.
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Hollins Street Market and local carryout favorites
Baltimore Street, once part of the National Highway, is now home to a few local restaurants. Bill’s Place is a famous carryout spot known for its savory cheesesteaks and homemade cheesecakes. Southeast on Hollins Street is the historic Hollins Market, which has been in the community since 1836. The restored market is one of the only places to get fresh produce in the area and is less than a mile from most homes. The market is undergoing more redevelopment and will add groceries, pop-up stalls, seafood and baked goods to its roster. They also provide public restrooms, seating and Wi-Fi. For other shopping needs, Westside Shopping Center has a Food Depot, Dollar Tree and Advanced Auto Parts.
Bring your own alcohol and listen to some smooth jazz at Bill's Place.
Swing by the Food Depot in Westside Shopping Center for all your grocery needs.
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Hollins Market community events and gatherings
Hollins Market is also a community event space, hosting several gatherings throughout the year. The Southeast Baltimore (SOWEBO) Art & Music Festival kicks off the summer festival season on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year. Neighborhood volunteers bring together a roster of local music, artists, food and entertainment for all ages.
Baltimore’s historic row house communities
Franklin Square is home to some of Baltimore’s most revered historic row house groupings, including Waverly Terrace, Linden Place and Canby Place, which reflect Baltimore’s golden age in the 1870s to 1920s. Residences sit alongside historic stone churches, like the Star of Bethlehem, and often maintain their own historic features. Unique architectural designs, like cast iron fencing and balconies or brownstone facades, are common in Franklin Square. Potential homebuyers can invest in properties costing around $50,000 to $90,000 at auction or buy newly renovated and updated homes for prices between $160,000 and $300,000.
If you are looking for affordable housing, there are some nicer row homes on W Fayette St.
Apartments more your style? Franklin Square has the place for you.
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Access to downtown Baltimore and the CityLink Purple bus line
Franklin Square is only 2 miles from downtown Baltimore and attractions like Carrol Park and the M&T Bank Stadium. West Baltimore Street has plenty of bus stops for trips into the city center. Locals take the CityLink Purple line to get where they need to go. For trips out of town, the Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is about 10 miles south via Route 295. For medical checkups and appointments, the Total Health Care Saratoga Health Center is right in the neighborhood on Saratoga Street.
Balitmore City Public School programs and courses
Neighborhood students may first attend Franklin Square Elementary Middle School, which is graded a C-minus on Niche and teaches kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers several clubs, sports and activities, including chess club, lacrosse and a successful mock trial team. Students can then apply to the middle school and high school of their choice. Vivien T Thomas Medical Arts Academy, graded a C, teaches medical arts and health science skills. Students can study within one of six tracts, such as dental assistant, pharmacy technician and emergency medical technician.
Franklin Square community aid and support organizations
The CAP Index rates Franklin Square a 7 out of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4. The neighborhood benefits from several non-profit organizations that actively support Franklin Square’s youth. The Safe Alternative Foundation for Education (S.A.F.E.) Center focuses on promoting after-school activities, like hands-on classes that support the development of career goals in STEAM subjects, literacy, health and fitness. The Salvation Army Franklin Square Boys & Girls Club also offers after-school classes throughout the year and summer camps from June through August.
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.
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall
18 min drive
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Baltimore St & Fulton Ave Wb
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Mulberry St & Calhoun St Eb
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Baltimore St & Gilmor St Wb
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Calhoun St & Saratoga St
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Carey St & Mulberry St
Franklin Square Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Franklin Square, Baltimore sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin Square, Baltimore over the last 12 months is $98,000, up 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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