Shipley Hill

If you’ve been to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, you might be more familiar with Shipley Hill than you think. The since-demolished Shipley-Lydecker house once stood tall in the neighborhood and inspired the appearance of the highly favored attraction. Despite how the neighborhood’s past influenced the Magic Kingdom’s haunting ride, Shipley Hill’s proximity to vibrant green parks, coupled with its ongoing path to restoration, gives it a bright future. “Over there, they’re doing a lot of renovations. Johns Hopkins is coming in and eyeing up stuff and revitalizing the neighborhood,” explains Shanazar Beasley of Taylor Properties. While some vacant homes remain, others are restored to highlight their 20th-century charm.

A neighborhood flanked by the city’s largest park less than 3 miles west of downtown Baltimore, Shipley Hill balances its city feel with nearby serene spaces. Consisting solely of row houses, the neighborhood’s home styles vary from street to street. While other surrounding communities mainly consist of Federal-style row houses with compact front porches, Shipley Hill architecture is influenced by Italianate and Victorian styles. Find exteriors of brick and stone veneer with two to three levels lining each street. Although renters occupy many homes in the area, houses are still available to purchase. Turnkey properties with recent renovations cost between $130,000 and $163,000, while homes awaiting renovation range from $9,000 to $80,500, depending on the extent of work needed for the home’s restoration.

When it comes to academics, students begin at Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School at Bentalou, rated C-minus by Niche. From here, students transition to Katherine Johnson Global Academy, approximately a mile south of Shipley Hill. For high school, Baltimore City offers school choice, but one option within walking distance is Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy. Rated B-minus for diversity by Niche, the school provides training intended to prepare students for various careers in healthcare.

With Gwynns Falls brushing against the neighborhood’s western edge and a trailhead only a block away, it’s easy to escape the fast pace of city life. Wander along the 20-mile path weaved through Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park’s 1,200-acre woodland oasis to exchange the sounds of busy streets for the melodic songs of Orioles and Chickadees. When time limits your adventures, visit Warwick Avenue Park to climb on the playground or walk the dog through the open field between neighborhood streets. As if two park options are not enough, Carroll Park sits about a mile south of the neighborhood. With 12 different sports fields, skating rinks and a golf course, the dog-friendly park provides a space to enjoy recreational activities of all kinds.

Once outdoor activities leave you hungry, dine on the patio at Checkers, just outside the Westside Shopping Center. If you’re craving fried chicken or Asian cuisine, the shopping center includes other restaurants like KFC, Sunny’s Chicken & Fish and #1 Chinese. You’ll also find Food Depot here for all your grocery needs, along with a cell phone shop and clothing store.

While the shopping center borders the neighborhood to the south, the Maryland Area Rail Commuter tracks flank Shipley Hill along the northwestern edge. With the West Baltimore station only a few blocks from home, commute outside the city to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Bowie State University, Washington, and Silver Spring. For trips within the city limits, take advantage of nearby bus stops along West Baltimore Street and Frederick Avenue. Whether taking the LocalLink or CityLink, reach the heart of Baltimore in less than 3 miles. “You can get to downtown pretty easily,” Beasley says, “and it’s not far to Interstate 83 for easy access that way.” Whether traveling by train, bus or car, the neighborhood provides a simple solution for reaching your destination. Be part of Shipley Hill’s transition and enjoy easy access to the city and close proximity to peaceful parks in the process.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Jessica Stoddard

Video By

Brandon Flash Craigie