Section Image

Pen Lucy

Pen Lucy

Neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore City 21212, 21218

Neighborhood Reviews
3.2
$186,511 Average Value
$101 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

From stopping point to proud community

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.
Pen Lucy is a small neighborhood north of Baltimore.
Some rowhomes in Pen Lucy offer covered porches.
Some rowhomes in Pen Lucy offer covered porches.
1/2

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.
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.
Pen Lucy residents can pick up a great read at employee owned Red Emma's.
1/2

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.
Sherwood Gardens has more than 80,000 tulips that bloom in April.
There are several places of worship located in and around Pen Lucy.
There are several places of worship located in and around Pen Lucy.
1/2

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 can find commuter bus routes on Greenmount Avenue.
Pen Lucy is located 3 miles from Interstate 83.
Pen Lucy is located 3 miles from Interstate 83.
1/2

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.
Tudor influence on rowhomes in Pen Lucy offer unique details on classic housing.
Victorian influences are common in single family homes in Pen Lucy.
Victorian influences are common in single family homes in Pen Lucy.
1/2

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.
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.
Mullan Park in Pen Lucy features a full basketball court.
1/2

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.
Walter P. Carter Elementary School in Baltimore serves over 700 students.
Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School Facilities.
Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School Facilities.
1/2
Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Andy MacPherson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall

29 min drive

Bus

Argonne Dr & Lowndes Ave Wb

Bus

The Alameda & 43rd St Fs Sb

Bus

York Rd & 43rd St Nb

Bus

The Alameda & Argonne Ave Sb

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.2 4 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
7/30/2014 Niche Review
That part of town is fairly dull. All the stores close as early as 8 pm and there aren't many attractions or activities to participate in unless you want to go all the way downtown, which is an incovenience
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 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$215,000
Median Single Family Price
$268,000
Median Townhouse Price
$215,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$101
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
21
Months of Supply
5.70
Median List Price
$217,700
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
711
Median Year Built
1925
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,600
Below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12:30 - 2:30pm

    713 Cator Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218

    $219,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,730 Sq Ft
    • 713 Cator Ave

    Welcome to this stunning, fully renovated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home that combines modern style with timeless comfort. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open-concept layout filled with natural light, showcasing elegant finishes throughout. The spacious kitchen boasts sleek granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinet space, perfect for any home chef.

    Erynne Brown Keller Williams Main Line

    Section Image
  • Saturday, May 3
    1 - 3pm

    805 Cator Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218

    $230,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,488 Sq Ft
    • 805 Cator Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully renovated gem in the heart of Baltimore! Updated in 2022, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern finishes.Step inside to a bright and inviting sunroom, complemented by hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a main-level laundry area for added ease. The open-concept kitchen is a true showstopper, featuring Calcutta

    Ronni Cannady Samson Properties

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Andy MacPherson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,535
Median Age
40
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,756
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,823

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.9%
College Graduates
15%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

30 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

61 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

63 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Pen Lucy
Andy MacPherson
W F Chesley Real Estate, LLC.
Section Image