The principal thoroughfare of West Baltimore’s Upton neighborhood is Pennsylvania Avenue, once a thriving epicenter of commerce compared to Harlem, New York’s Lenox Avenue. One of Baltimore’s earliest African American middle-class communities, Upton was home to many influential figures like T. Willis Lansey, the first black Baltimore City Councilman; Violet Hill White, a community activist and Baltimore's first black female police officer; and Thurgood Marshall who grew up and attended school here before becoming a Supreme Court justice. Today, Upton maintains much of its historic spirit, while facing modern-day challenges and working towards revitalization. It’s home to a subway stop, some of West Baltimore’s best recreation centers, and is served by an active community coalition looking to improve access to essential resources and set the groundwork for full-bodied success in local families.
Historic Upton rowhomes
Homes in Upton vary from historic row houses in Queen Anne and Italianate styles, to more modern builds like the Upton Gateway community, a new development of brick rowhomes. With many homes here built in the early 1900s, most feature charming old-world details like decorative ironwork, bowed fronts, original wood double doors and conical roof towers. The average listing cost is $110,000 with price points ranging from as low as $20,000 for abandoned properties to $400,000 for multifamily homes.
Many homes in Upton were built in the early 1900's and feature charming architectural details.
Historic rowhomes with ornate architectural details are common in Upton, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Dining along Pennsylvania Avenue
Upton residents enjoy the area’s walkability and convenience to local amenities like the Save A Lot grocery store and Walgreens drug store on McMechen Street, or the Dollar General on Pennsylvania Avenue. For fresh produce and good eats, they visit vendors at the historic Avenue Market (formerly the Lafayette Market) established in 1871, or order from one of the many casual eateries located along Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Land of Kush is a popular choice for vegan soul food in Upton, Baltimore.
The Avenue Market is a historic marketplace built in 1871 in Upton, Baltimore.
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Events with the No Boundaries Coalition
No Boundaries Coalition—committed to “deconstructing boundaries and reconstructing community” in central West Baltimore—hosts a wide range of events and programs for Upton residents. The 12-week Block Captains Boot Camp Program builds leadership and community activism skills in young adults, while Fresh at the Avenue and Fresh Fridays offer opportunities to purchase fresh produce at a reasonable price, as well as culinary training. No Boundaries hosts Election Fairs to bring people straight to the polls, and even free Yoga in the Park.
Schools at each grade level in Upton
Students here attend Baltimore City Public Schools like Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School, which earns a C-minus from Niche. Booker T. Washington Middle School also earns a C-minus, along with Renaissance Academy. Serving over 245 students in grades nine through twelve, this high school option offers both college preparatory course and Career and Technology Education (CTE) pathways, with a focus on law, government and justice studies. Upton is also close to highly-regarded institutions like The University of Baltimore and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).
Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School is a public school serving grades PK-5.
Renaissance Academy is a public high school serving students from 9th through the 12th grade.
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Family recreation and Upton monuments
The Shake & Bake Family Fun Center hosts activities like bowling, arcade games and roller-skating for the whole family, while Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center offers group basketball at all age levels, as well as events like Father & Son Basketball. History buffs can spend an afternoon scouting out the area’s iconic landmarks, like the Billie Holiday statue on Pennsylvania Avenue. Built to honor the singer’s famous Baltimore roots, this statue sits across from another monument honoring the Royal Theater and the many jazz clubs that lined its streets during previous decades. Along Madison Avenue, the Douglas Memorial Community has stunned onlookers with its Greek revival style architecture and towering columns since 1857.
Located in Upton Shake & Bake Family Fun Center is a family favorite for a night out.
Wilson and Etting Park is a public park with a basketball court for locals to enjoy in Upton.
The Billy Holiday Plaza is located in Upton and is a stop on the Baltimore Heritage Trail.
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Commuting from Upton
Locals can walk to Upton Station, their namesake Metro stop. CityLink bus stops run along Pennsylvania Avenue, and Routes 5 and 21 run near the neighborhood. Baltimore’s Penn Station sits just over 1 mile away, while major highways like Interstate 83 and Maryland route 295 take residents a little under 11 miles to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. UMMC Midtown Campus and Mercy Medical Center are also about a mile from Upton in case of an emergency.
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
19 min drive
Subway
Upton
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave & Presstman St Sb
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave & Mosher St Nb
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave & Mosher St Sb
Bus
Lafayette Ave & Myrtle Ave Fs Wb
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave& Laurens St Nb
Bus
Lafayette Ave & Myrtle Ave Eb
Bus
Dolphin St & Pennsylvania Ave Fs Eb
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.65 Reviews
2.0Current Resident
7/11/2017Niche Review
Upton is a decent neighborhood. Crimes and drug dealers are usually seen here in the afternoon and night. Although it's not the ideal place to live, rent is easy to pay and there are plenty of food markets/carry-outs
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Upton
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
10
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Upton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Upton, Baltimore sell after 129 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Upton, Baltimore over the last 12 months is $151,250, up 38% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity knocks on your doorstep. End unit building with 8 units. (Five 2BRs, One 1BR and Two Efficiency/Studio) Buyer to verify current zoning, ground rent, and seller makes no guarantee or claims as to the current zoning status. GROUND RENT MAY EXIST, AND THE SELLER WILL NOT REDEEM. The property is being sold with Interior Sight Unseen in As-Is condition with OCCUPIED TENANTS. PLEASE DO NOT
UPTON GATEWAY - MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY! LUXURY RENOVATIONS WITH OVER 100K OF POSSIBLE BUYING INCENTIVES THAT MAKE OWNING A HOME MORE AFFORDABLE THAN RENTING! Standard features include 3 finished levels, wood floors throughout the main level and hallways, carpet in bedrooms, kitchens with 42" cabinets, Frigidaire ss appliance package, and granite counters. Main level with an open floor plan
Chris CookeBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty
ONLINE AUCTION: Bidding begins 12/26/2025 @ 10:00 AM. Bidding ends 12/30/2025 @ 11:30 AM. List Price is Suggested Opening Bid. Deposit: $5,000. This two-story townhouse is located in the Upton neighborhood of Baltimore City. Residents can enjoy the nearby facilities and attractions such as Coppin State University, Mondawmin Mall, and Druid Hill Park. The property is vacant. The property has easy
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Baltimore City, WestView on the Avenue stands as your gateway to the city's finest attractions. From the bustling Inner Harbor and historic Fells Point to the thrill of Ravens Stadium, and the allure of Camden Yards, the best of Baltimore is just moments away. Embrace urban living at its finest, with everything you desire within easy reach at our selection of
Home for the Holidays Savings Event A new home is the best holiday gift . Get $250 off your first month’s rent when you apply and are approved by 12/31/25! Welcome to 1619 1/2 Division St! This completely renovated 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom property is available now! Home features fresh paint, new flooring, an updated kitchen, an updated bathroom, and an in unit washer and dryer! Here are the rental
Property Id: 2156311Spacious 5-Bedroom Townhouse - 1726 Druid Hill Ave, Baltimore, MD Property Highlights:5 Bedrooms - Perfect for families or roommates2 Full BathroomsThree Levels of Living SpaceBasement for Storage OnlyCentral Air & Heat for year-round comfortWasher & Dryer included (located in the basement)Private Backyard
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