Park Circle

Though most of its residential construction began in 1900, the origins of Park Circle’s evolution date back to the construction of the Baltimore-Reisterstown Turnpike in the 1800s. Home to several well-known figures through the decades, like political activist and rabbi Arthur Waskow, the neighborhood is a registered historic district that tells a story of Baltimore’s past and its journey to the future.

Located less than 4 miles from downtown Baltimore, the neighborhood primarily consists of row houses and duplexes. While most properties incorporate brick and mansard roofs, one block of Reisterstown Road consists of Pueblo Revival duplexes. Because of the neighborhood’s densely packed nature, most homes feature compact front lawns. Cars line the sidewalks that connect the community’s rectangular street grid. Though close to Greenspring, Park Circle feels closer to the city center than its neighbor. “Park Circle is very different than Greenspring,” Blake Batema of Garner + Co explains. Each neighborhood includes unique features and different price points. Three-bedroom homes range from $129,000 to $255,000, while larger homes cost between $150,000 and $300,000.

When it comes to education, students can attend Park Heights Academy before transitioning to Pimlico Elementary/Middle, which is rated C-minus by Niche. For high school, students choose where to attend. One option within walking distance is ConneXions, an art school partnered with the Coppin State University Fine Arts Program, Jubilee Arts, Mondawmin Mall, and other organizations in the local area.

Bordered by Druid Hill, the neighborhood benefits from the park’s countless amenities like disc golf, tennis courts, trails, botanical gardens and a swimming pool. A staple in the heart of Baltimore since 1860, Druid Hill provides 745 acres of outdoor adventures amid urban living. If you’re looking for smaller-scale adventures, walk a block to Hanlon Park and jog around the perimeter of Lake Ashburton or wander along Keyworth Ave to peer at the historic Louisa May Alcott School, its Colonial-Revival style and striped design notable among the nearby houses. Now a 62-and-older community, the building includes original signage from its early days as School No. 59.

Less than two miles away, the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Forest Park location includes outdoor seating and work areas, study rooms, and technology-driven spaces for children and teens. First opened in 1910, the library remains a staple for surrounding communities. While the neighborhood once housed the Keyworth Ave library, the location closed in the 1980s. Its original building remains only a few blocks from the Delta Community Center, a neighborhood hub for performances, classes and meetings for all ages. Attend one of the live music or comedy events or take courses to hone your technical skills. For students, the center hosts monthly meetings for the Central Maryland Girl Scouts.

With Woodberry as a neighboring community and bridge to Hampden, Park Circle brings top-rated restaurants close to home. Order the special at Woodberry Kitchen for a farm-to-table entrée or kick back at Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar, both just over a mile away. If you prefer to create your own farm-to-table dishes, buy produce grown right around the corner at the Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm. Located right along Park Heights Ave, the farm runs fresh produce giveaways and hosts the Agrihood Farmers Markets throughout the city, from Druid Hill to Johns Hopkins.

To commute through the area, utilize Reisterstown Road, a main thoroughfare in the neighborhood. Reach Mondawmin Mall in less than a mile and Reisterstown Road Plaza in less than 4 miles. The road also connects you straight to downtown Baltimore, as it merges into Pennsylvania Avenue. For a blend of contemporary convenience and old-fashioned beauty, make your way to Park Circle.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Ren Dodge

Video By

Melinda Anselmo