The small urban community of Penn North is located just south of Druid Hill Park in west Baltimore. Although it was once in disrepair, today Penn North is experiencing a renaissance as new residents move in. The neighborhood has benefited from partnerships with the Maryland Community Health Initiative and from incentives provided by the city to increase rental and ownership. Named Maryland’s first Black Arts and Entertainment district in 2019, Penn North is making a name for itself as a rising star in Charm City. “A lot of people buy there because they feel that the area is about to change,” says Realtor Joshua Savage with Keller Williams, who was born and raised in Baltimore. “It’s been through some tough times, but people believe in the future of the neighborhood.”
Get Downtown in no time from Penn North via one of the many routes.
Friendly residents of Penn North are always looking out for each other.
A lone single family home on a block of rowhomes in Penn North.
Penn North is just a short drive from Downtown Baltimore.
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The Penn North Metro is conveniently located in the middle of the neighborhood.
The Baltimore Metro
A defining feature of this neighborhood is its proximity to the Penn-North Metro station, which connects the community to the Johns Hopkins Hospital and shopping destination Owings Mills. Residents can catch the light rail from nearby Station North to Baltimore Washington International Airport, a trip which takes roughly one hour. North Avenue converges with Interstate 83, linking Penn North to Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor.
Traditional Baltimore row houses
Penn North is comprised mostly of traditional Baltimore row houses featuring short front stoops and narrow fenced-in backyards. “The houses are mostly from the 1880s and on,” says Francis O’Neill, a lifelong Baltimore resident and reference librarian at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Greek Revival and Federal styles are the most common, with neat rows of windows adorning the street-facing walls, although Queen Anne features like rounded towers are sometimes present on end units. Many of the homes require heavy renovations, with prices for some properties beginning as low as $20,000 and rising to $61,000. For move-in ready houses, prospective buyers can expect prices starting around $100,000 and rising as high as $235,000.
You'll find plenty of traditional brick rowhomes in Penn North.
Row-homes come in conditions from burned out shells, to rehabbed units in Penn North.
Older brick rowhomes will often have refreshed coats of paint to spruce up the facade.
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Penn North has plenty of options of homes for a Baltimore neighborhood.
Between Mondawmin and Charles Village
The closest grocery store to Penn North is the Shoppers at Mondawmin Mall, though many residents prefer to make the 3-mile drive around Druid Hill Park to Giant Food in Green Spring Tower Square. Mondawnmin is the closest shopping destination, featuring over 100 retailers and several casual eateries. Directly in the neighborhood, Sugar Hill Tavern is an understated watering hole where locals gather to cheer on the Orioles and enjoy cold drinks, while Round Belly Deli across the street serves some of Maryland’s most underrated barbecue in an intimate setting. “People mostly go to Charles Village for restaurants since it’s so close by,” Savage says. Charles Village Pub, a casual eatery with simple fare and cold brews, has maintained a loyal customer base in the area for over 35 years.
Hitting the books in Baltimore
Children in Penn North are zoned to begin their education at Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School, which Niche scores a B-minus and where they may participate in a new coding program that focuses on early exposure to basic computer science concepts. Students then apply to their choice of the city’s public high schools, including the nearby Bard High School Early College Baltimore, which earns a C-plus. Here, students can earn a tuition-free associate’s degree in addition to their high school diploma.
Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School servers students from Pre-K through the 8th grade.
Hanlon Park_Bard HS _Building 1
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Druid Hill Park
Penn North is just south of Druid Hill Park, one of Charm City’s oldest green spaces. The park’s south side features a reservoir that is ringed by the East Coast Greenway, a hiking trail that winds around the shore under the watchful eye of the historic Moorish Tower. There are also several baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts and a public swimming pool. The park’s north end is occupied by the Maryland Zoo, where tourists and locals can wander through the award-winning Penguin Coast exhibit.
There are green space and benches for locals to enjoy the space at Rawlings Conservatory.
Play a round of disc golf at the well-maintained Druid Hill Park course.
Druid Hill Park has numerous basketball courts for residents and visitors.
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Baltimore’s first Black arts and entertainment district
Penn North still retains some measure of its history as Baltimore’s first Black arts and entertainment district. The Arch Social Club has served the community for over 100 years and is the last remaining venue for live jazz on this historic commercial strip. The Pennsylvania Avenue Branch of the Pratt Free Library offers story time programming for adults and children and computer literacy courses. At Station North, 1.6 miles east of the neighborhood, residents can jam to local bands at The Crown or catch the latest blockbuster at the historic Charles Theatre.
The Arch Social Clubhouse is the last remaining venue for live entertainment in Penn North.
Culturally significant murals can be found throughout Penn North.
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Progress in Penn North
While Penn North’s overall CAP Index crime score is 5 out of 10, just above the national average of 4, the scores for robbery and homicide climb to 8 and 9 out of 10, respectively. However, as of March of 2024 the neighborhood has gone a full year without a homicide. In addition, the Penn North Recovery Center has served as the community's only outpatient addiction treatment provider in the area since 1993. The center serves more than 600 people every day.
Indulge in authentic Caribbean cooking at Brudah's Caribbean Kitchen in Baltimore's Penn North.
A set of colorful rowhomes overlook the busy North Avenue corridor.
Even some newer rowhomes can be found in Penn North like this blue and grey triplex.
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
23 min drive
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North Ave & Druid Hill Ave Wb
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North Ave & Pennsylvania Ave Wb
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Pennsylvania Ave & Retreat St Nb
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Cloverdale Rd & Mcculloh St
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Pennsylvania Ave & Fulton Ave Nb
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Fulton Ave & Flora St Nb
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Fulton Ave & Reisterstown Rd Fs Nb
Reviews
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Penn North
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Penn North Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penn North, Baltimore sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn North, Baltimore over the last 12 months is $47,500, down 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious and move-in ready two bedroom brick townhome.Brandnew roof, paint, flooring and appliances. This is ready for your primary residence or a rental property.
Welcome to this 3-level townhouse that offers a blend of classic character and modern potential, making it an excellent investment opportunity! Built in 1900, this home features a timeless brick façade that exudes warmth. Inside, you'll find a cozy layout with three spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom equipped with a tub shower, perfect for relaxation. The eat-in kitchen with custom-built wood
DREAM BIG! Discover the potential in this classic Baltimore row home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Whether you’re looking to create the home of your dreams or add a great investment property to your portfolio, this property is a true blank slate ready for your vision and personal touches. With a functional layout and endless possibilities, you can renovate to suit your style or maximize
ONLINE AUCTION: This auction takes place on the Ashland Auction Group website bidding platform. Bidding begins 7/22/2026 @ 10:00 AM. Bidding ends 7/24/2026 @ 12:00 PM. The list price is the suggested opening bid. Deposit: $7,500.00. This two-story porch-front townhouse is located in the Penn North neighborhood of Baltimore City. Residents can enjoy the nearby attractions and facilities such as
Builder-Owner Renovation | Catch the Wave on Baltimore's Next Breakout Block The Seller is the Builder who oversaw every detail of this top-to-bottom renovation from the ground up. Ask any question about what's behind the walls; you'll get a straight answer. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a turnkey, end-of-group home directly from the owner who built it. This 5-bedroom, 3-full-bath
Step into a beautiful blend of historic charm and modern convenience at 2532 Druid Hill Ave, a striking Baltimore rowhome that makes a grand first impression with its classic brick facade and soaring ceilings. This residence has been thoughtfully updated to offer a turnkey experience, featuring an open-concept main level where sun-drenched living spaces flow seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen
ONLINE AUCTION: Bidding begins 7/17/2026 @ 10:00 AM. Bidding ends 7/21/2026 @ 1:10 PM. The list price is the suggested opening bid. Deposit: $5,000. This two-story townhouse is located in the Penn North neighborhood of Baltimore City. Residents can enjoy the nearby facilities and amenities such as the Druid Hill Park, Coppin State University, and Mondawmin Mall. The property is vacant and its
ONLINE AUCTION: Bidding begins 07/01/2026 @ 10:00 AM. Bidding ends 07/03/2026 @ 11:20 AM. This auction takes place on the Ashland Auction Group Bidding Platform. List Price is Suggested Opening Bid. Deposit: $5,000. This two-story townhouse is located in the Penn North neighborhood of Baltimore City. Residents can enjoy the nearby facilities and amenities such as the Druid Hill Park, Coppin State
Investment opportunity with tenant in place. This is a long term tenant with a 20+ yr history in the home. Currently on a M2M lease. Ideally, new owner would be willing to keep such a long term tenant in place. The home does need updating.
This home is IDEAL for those investors who are ready with ideas and a crew to finish for a great addition to your portfolio! With 3 levels, 4 total bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home is just waiting for your creativity. For added storage, the full basement offers just that. This home is located in a neighborhood with convenient access to schools, parks and shopping centers and key
Renovations started with new drywall and paint, updated electrical and plumbing. New carpet installed . Good investment property or for a first time homebuyer.
***************NEW LOWER PRICE. ************* Investor Opportunity! 2BR/1BA rowhome priced to sell quickly and offering tremendous upside potential. Lowest-priced property on the block! Ideal for renovation and resale or long-term rental income. Property requires total renovation and is being sold as-is. Conveniently located near historic Pennsylvania Ave, Bolton Hill, Reservoir Hill, and walking
This historic three-story rowhouse at 2505 Woodbrook Avenue blends classic urban character with practical living. Fresh paint and carefully maintained exterior details create an inviting street presence, set among mature trees and convenient street parking. Inside, the home offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms across 1,256 square feet, with neutral tones and LVP floors that provide a clean,
Property Id: 1770456**Private ROOM Available**Monthly Rent:1BR with PRIVATE BATH - $850Security Deposit: $850Lease:Units are SINGLE occupancy (1 Person)**$150/month for Double OccupancyMonth to Month LeaseNO smoking and NO petsUtilities Included in Rent:Water, Electric, A/C, Trash Removal, LaundryProperty Description
Property Id: 1770455**Private ROOM Available**Monthly Rent:1BR with SHARED BATH - $650Security Deposit: same as rentLease:Units are SINGLE occupancy (1 Person)**$150/month for Double OccupancyMonth to Month LeaseNO smoking and NO petsUtilities Included in Rent:Water, Electric, A/C, Trash Removal, Laundry, WiFi (speeds may be
Cozy and comfortable 3 bedroom row with some recent updates. Entrance is open with spacious living and dining area. Half bath on first floor for guests. Unfinished basement provides significant storage. On the exterior, enjoy deck and landscaped yard for relaxation and entertainment. Located close to Druid Hill Park and the Maryland Zoo bordering Reservoir Hill. Laminate floors throughout.
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
Experience elevated city living at 2534 McCulloh St!A beautifully renovated historic rowhome located in Baltimore's sought-after Reservoir Hill neighborhood. This spacious 4-bedroom, 2 full bath, 2 half bath residence blends timeless Baltimore charm with modern luxury across more than 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space.From the moment you enter, you'll be welcomed by
Great house with a spacious living room and great kitchen layout. This 2 Bedroom + Den townhouse also boasts a great backyard.Housing vouchers welcome.
Welcome to our property listing! We're delighted to present this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom row home located near Druid Hill Park, home of the Baltimore Zoo and Rawlings Conservatory as well as Mondawmin Mall and Shoppers Food Market . This property is a commuters dream with a 80 walk score, a 83 transit score and a 69 bike score. The Metro Subway, LightRail Link and buses 85,
Discover comfortable living at 2540 Francis St, Baltimore, MD. This spacious 1,100 sq ft residential townhome features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, perfect for families or roommates. Enjoy the charm of hardwood flooring and the comfort of air conditioning throughout the home. The property includes convenient laundry facilities, enhancing your daily routine. Located in a vibrant neighborhood, this
Welcome to your New 3 bedroom 3 bathroom Home!!! Your home has hardwood floors, Modern Appliances, Dishwasher, Finished basement, Washer & dryer, as well as Central Air.Please Call or Text Leasing Agent CJ or complete inquiry form Contact us to schedule a showing.
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