Mount Clare

Located in Southwest Baltimore, the community of Mount Clare is a densely populated urban community located just north of Carroll Park. Tracing its roots back to the early 19th century, many of the homes in Mount Clare were originally constructed to provide housing for the workers of the B&O Railroad. The neighborhood’s name is also derived from the railroad’s original terminal, Mount Clare Station.

Today, Mount Clare offers prospective buyers “A very small-town feel,” says Jose Resendiz, Vice President of the Mount Clare Community Association. “Almost all the neighbors here know one another and we’re very welcoming. On my block, we have a potluck every Sunday where we watch the game and break bread together.” A diverse and communal neighborhood, Resendiz adds that he has neighbors from around the globe. “We have a Mosque, a large Latinx community, and a mix of everything in between. My neighbor across the street is Serbian/Yugoslavian, another neighbor is from Brazil, and a family from Senegal too. We’re truly a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.”

Housing options here consist predominantly of row house styles, ranging from two- and three-storied builds, featuring red brick or stone facades, and short front stoops. “The property values are pretty low at the moment. You can get a nice three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath for under $70,000—a newly rehabbed row house for $150,000—which is still significantly less than other neighborhoods in Baltimore.” And he’s right! The average sales price here is $72,000, with price points varying depending on the age, size and condition of the property.

Students here attend Baltimore City Public Schools like Franklin Square Elementary/Middle and the Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy. Serving over 400 students in ninth through twelfth grades, the Vivien T. Thomas Academy is located in the historic Franklin Square Hospital Building, established in 1898. Today this school supports career pathways in the medical sciences ranging from emergency medicine to nursing and dental assistantships.

And while Mount Clare is a purely residential community, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on good eats or fun stuff to do. Within just a few minutes’ walk you’ll find the Mount Clare Junction Shopping Center, which features a Price Rite grocery store, a Family Dollar and several banking establishments. And of course, for a change of pace, residents can also pop over to neighboring Pigtown to explore the area’s various boutiques, breweries, and shops.

For some time outdoors, check out the local Traci Atkins Park. Featuring a communal green space, a playground and basketball courts too, this is a great place to meet up with neighbors. Or head over to the more expansive Carroll Park and enjoy 20 acres of green spaces. Offering a golf course, skate park and athletic fields, there’s plenty to do here. For the history buffs in your household, be sure to check out the Mount Clare Manor House and museum too. Located in Carroll Park, this historic home was owned by Charles Carroll, one of the original founders of the B&O railway and a Revolutionary War veteran.

Another perk of living in Mount Clare? “It’s an ideal location. We’re very close to 95, and we’re within walking distance from downtown and the Inner Harbor too,” says Resendiz. But that's not even the best part. "I love Mount Clare because of its residents. The people here are jovial too." And with an active community council, neighbors are working together to revitalize local spaces. In recent years, they've "transformed vacant lots into manicured green spaces, installed mural art throughout the neighborhood, and even planted trees, shrubs, and flowering plants."

Welcome to Mount Clare, a diverse and vibrant community in Southwest Baltimore.

Written By

Michelle Goshen

Photography Contributed By

Ren Dodge

Video By

Brandon Flash Craigie