When merchants of the 1830s began to utilize York Road to transport goods from Pennsylvania to the Baltimore Harbor, they needed a place to rest. And so became Pen Lucy in Baltimore's north end, which today defies its bedroom community origins. "We're very multi-generational and multi-cultural," says administrator for Faith Christian Fellowship Adrienne O'Connor. Although a skosh removed from high-traffic areas, Pen Lucy still holds much of the essence of Baltimore. Its red brick rowhouses surround a tight-knit community in which neighbors wave from their front porch to the familiar faces of churchgoers passing by on a Sunday morning. "Our youth director still walks to church every Sunday. It's very close knit, neighbors know each other, and so we're very established," says O'Connor.
Pen Lucy is a small neighborhood north of Baltimore.
Some rowhomes in Pen Lucy offer covered porches.
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Caffeine boosts a few blocks away
Pen Lucy only offers a little retail and dining of its own. But as O'Connor points out "There's so many places you can go nearby. Hampden is where I'll often go for a bite to eat on my lunch break." Where Greenmount Avenue intersects with 33rd Street, several businesses and eateries can be found. Locals head there for a no-frills American breakfast at Pete's Grill. If the bottomless coffee isn't enough, Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse is next door for an extra caffeine kick or a new book to unwind with. Locals also head south to visit a Giant Foods supermarket, although a Lidl location sits slightly closer to Pen Lucy's east on Havenwood Road.
Residents of Pen Lucy have convenient access to the Northwood Commons Shopping Center.
Pen Lucy residents can pick up a great read at employee owned Red Emma's.
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Where colors and flavors converge
Pen Lucy is close-knit but welcoming, a trait largely owed to its diverse religious congregations. Aside from weekly services, Faith Christian Fellowship hosts a potluck on the first Sunday of every month. "Everybody is welcome, we just ask that you bring a dish to share," says O'Connor. Come springtime, the 50,000 tulip bulbs that are planted in Sherwood Gardens also attract Pen Lucy residents to events such as the annual Bloom Party in April and weekly outdoor concerts in June.
Sherwood Gardens has more than 80,000 tulips that bloom in April.
There are several places of worship located in and around Pen Lucy.
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Heading to the interstate
Buses flank Pen Lucy on its major roads, which travel downtown and beyond or northward to Towson. The nearest highway to Pen Lucy is Interstate 83, which sits about 3 miles west and is roughly equidistant to the closest light rail stop at Woodberry. Drivers also have a major city road that can quickly take them downtown or out to Baltimore County. "York Road is really not as congested as you might think," says O'Connor.
Pen Lucy can find commuter bus routes on Greenmount Avenue.
Pen Lucy is located 3 miles from Interstate 83.
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Attached homes connect the community
Attached brick rowhouses are the most widely available option, some sporting classic red brick facades and others cloaked in fresh coats of bright paint. Many feature front porches with second-story bay windows looming overhead. Others have a Tudor-style influence, featuring details like steep roofs and half-timber facades. Most are attached, but detached stick homes with wraparound porches are not uncommon. Single-family options are few and far between. Even most detached houses have been retrofitted into multi-family dwellings. But with an expected price range of $100,000 to $400,000, buyers can find picturesque homes in the city for competitive buy in, and some properties in need of repairs can be snagged for well under $100,000.
Tudor influence on rowhomes in Pen Lucy offer unique details on classic housing.
Victorian influences are common in single family homes in Pen Lucy.
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Pickup games and volunteer pick-ups
Springfield Woods is a small thicket of forestry to Pen Lucy's east that contains a short hiking trail and freshwater spring, which has been the site of community cleanup projects since 2012. Residents also find familiar faces on Mullan Park's basketball courts and playground. For rainy days, an Enoch Pratt Free Library branch sits half a mile away in Northwood.
Located in Pen Lucy Springfield Woods is comprised of 3.5 acres of protected forest.
Mullan Park in Pen Lucy features a full basketball court.
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Programs for all kinds of young minds
Students in Pen Lucy begin at Walter P. Carter Elementary and Middle School, which has a C-minus Niche score and is within walking distance of most homes. The school also assists students with special needs through the Lois T. Murray School, located within. By 9th grade, Baltimore students apply to the school of their choice, often choosing the nearest option, Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School. It has a C-minus Niche score and offers many career and technical education pathways, such as arts, biosciences, and information technology. For afterschool activities, "Faith Christian Fellowship has the Pen Lucy Action Network," says O'Connor. "It's a tutoring program on Wednesday nights that also involves games. It's a very, very low-cost program that has actually boosted the academic performance of a lot of students."
Walter P. Carter Elementary School in Baltimore serves over 700 students.
Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School Facilities.
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
Are you familiar with the Pen Lucy neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Pen Lucy
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Pen Lucy Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Pen Lucy, Baltimore sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Pen Lucy, Baltimore over the last 12 months is $153,000, down 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home that perfectly blends modern upgrades with timeless character. Step onto the inviting front porch and into a warm, stylish interior featuring original exposed brick, recessed lighting, baseboard molding, and solid hardwood floors that add charm and personality to the living space. The upgraded kitchen is designed to impress with
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom property, thoughtfully updated from top to bottom and ready for its new owner. This spacious home features generously sized rooms throughout, offering comfort and flexibility for everyday living. The heart of the home is the oversized eat-in kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and plenty of room
Recently updated townhome in Pen Lucy, close to everything!!! Johns Hopkins and Morgan State are very close by excellent opportunity to own a home setup for student housing 5 bedrooms 2 baths above grade, 2 bedrooms and 1 bath below grade.
Fully permitted renovation of end of group row home with rare off street parking for three cars. The one you've been waiting for. A fenced front yard and newly constructed winding sidewalk lead to the inviting front porch entrance. Inside, enjoy a bright open concept design featuring a gourmet kitchen with 41" white cabinetry, striking quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, pantry
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking for an affordable place to call home or an investor seeking a turnkey addition to your portfolio, this charming brick townhome is a wonderful opportunity! This move-in-ready home offers 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and a versatile front sunroom that would be perfect for a home office or sitting room! Major updates completed in 2020 include a renovated
Pen Lucy over here on the north end of Baltimore and this is a cool little classic, end of group Baltimore row home with a screened in front porch and three floors of living space. This neighborhood is a hidden treasure just south of Govans right along York Road and it's even convenient to Charles Village. Situated on a quaint little street here with awesome curb appeal, and friendly neighbors.
Seller offering a $2,000 credit and will be building a brand-new fence along the tree line. Step into this stunning fully renovated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home where modern design meets everyday comfort. Every inch has been thoughtfully updated — from the brand-new flooring and beautifully finished bathrooms to the sleek, contemporary kitchen featuring new cabinetry, quartz-style countertops, and
Great Investor Opportunity – Turnkey Rental with Guaranteed Cash Flow! This is a newly updated and very spacious, 3-bedroom, 1-bath brick row home and comes with a tenant in place, paying over $2,000/month—you can cash flow from day one! This home offers hardwood flooring, carpeted bedrooms, kitchen with granite counters and SS appliances, washer/dryer, central AC, new windows and a great
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits in the heart of Baltimore City’s established Pen Lucy neighborhood. Seller is providing an allowance toward kitchen expansion or renovation, giving the next owner an opportunity to create their ideal layout.With a functional layout, the home provides a great starting point for creating something special while building long-term value. Inside, the traditional
Welcome to a charming, move-in-ready Baltimore rowhome that perfectly blends modern comfort with timeless character. Step inside to discover an inviting living space featuring beautiful hardwood floors and an abundance of natural light that fills the room. The renovated kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and contemporary finishes, making it ideal for both
Discover the charm of this semi-detached colonial home in the neighborhood of Pen Lucy. Built in 1918, this home blends classic architecture with modern living, offering 1,890 sq. ft. of versatile space. Step inside to discover a warm interior featuring hardwood floors and crown moldings that enhance the home's timeless appeal. The spacious living room with its exposed brick walls is great place
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome located in the quiet and desirable Pen-Lucy neighborhood of Baltimore City. This well-maintained home offers approximately 1,960 sq. ft. of finished living space with modern touches throughout. Features include stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, a nice dining and kitchen perfect for cooking and entertaining. Enjoy a nice backyard
A premier housing community full of historic charm and long term residents, Willow Apartment Homes has provided spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes since the 1960s. Built during the post-World War II housing boom, Willow Apartment Homes began and continues to pride itself as home to many of Baltimore's best residents and employees.
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and exceptional service at Maplewood Apartments in the heart of Baltimore City. Our spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments are thoughtfully designed to suit your lifestyle, whether you’re working, studying, or relaxing at home. With our friendly and dedicated team always ready to help, finding your new home is easy and stress-free. Enjoy the
Property Id: 2714786 **Private ROOM Available** Monthly Rent: 1BR with SHARED BATH - N/A 1BR with PRIVATE BATH - $850 Security Deposit - same as rent Lease: Units are SINGLE occupancy (1 Person) **$150/month for Double Occupancy Month to Month Lease NO smoking and NO pets Utilities Included in Rent: Water, Electric, A/C, Trash Removal,
This charming Colonial townhouse in the heart of the Pen Lucy neighborhood offers a delightful blend of comfort and modern living. With 1,260 sq. ft. of well-designed space, this home features three inviting bedrooms and a full bathroom, perfect for relaxation and everyday living. The interior boasts luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, enhancing the warmth and style of the traditional floor
Property Id: 747634 **Private ROOM Available** Monthly Rent: 1BR with PRIVATE BATH - $700 Security Deposit: same as rent Lease: Units are SINGLE occupancy (1 Person) **$150/month for Double Occupancy Month to Month Lease NO smoking and NO pets Utilities Included in Rent: Water, Electric, A/C, Trash Removal, Laundry, Wi-Fi (speeds may be
Now available for rent or purchase! Welcome to a charming, move-in-ready Baltimore rowhome that perfectly blends modern comfort with timeless character. Step inside to discover an inviting living space featuring beautiful hardwood floors and an abundance of natural light that fills the room. The renovated kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and contemporary
July Move-In SpecialNew tenants who move in during July will receive a $300 security deposit for ALL rooms!To qualify:Pay the $300 security deposit and first month's rent at move-in.Present this special offer at the time of your showing.Restrictions Apply.**Private ROOM Available**Monthly Rent:1BR with PRIVATE BATH - $850Security Deposit
Bright and spacious second-floor 3-bedroom apartment located in the 21212 area. Features generous room sizes, great natural light, in-unit washer and dryer, gas cooking, and efficient gas heat. Comfortable layout with a private feel. Convenient to shopping, dining, and major commuter routes. Move-in ready.
Discover comfortable city living in this bright and spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath Baltimore rowhome. Filled with natural light, this classic residence offers a flexible layout and plenty of room to make it your own, all set in a well-established neighborhood. Each of the three bedrooms features warm wood flooring, neutral tones, and large windows that create an inviting atmosphere, along with
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