Among the most unique and popular neighborhoods are Fells Point, Federal Hill, Butcher's Hill, Canton and Washington Village. These urban areas are known for their eclectic row homes, tight-knit communities and thriving entertainment and restaurant options.



Also gaining attention from Baltimore residents are Beverly Hills, Arcadia and other Lauraville locations. These neighborhoods are gaining popularity as their business corridors continue to thrive. Residents in these neighborhoods enjoy fantastic dining options and local shops within walking distance.

Baltimore also offers a full complement of ?big city? conveniences and entertainment. Besides the exceptional theaters, restaurants and night clubs, the city also boasts professional sporting events such as the Baltimore Ravens, Orioles and Blast games.

While Baltimore real estate offers much in the way of entertainment, community and quality of life, real estate in the area could be a wise investment as well. According to the National Association of Realtors, real estate in Baltimore has kept its value or slowly appreciated in value over the last few years as other areas in the country have suffered from severe property value loss.

One of the many reasons Baltimore has maintained its value is due to expected occupation growth. For instance, Maryland is poised to receive a tremendous amount of population growth and employment opportunities over the next several years as part of the Base Realignment and Closure initiative (also known as BRAC). This program was designed to move thousands of military personnel from the mid-Atlantic region to be in a more centralized area in and around the Baltimore/Washington corridor. As such, Baltimore realtors expect housing demand to trend upwards in the near future.

There has also been a trend over the last few years for residents of other local cities (primarily Washington, DC) to purchase homes and real estate in Baltimore. Similarly appointed homes in Washington, DC could cost twice or even three times as much as their Baltimore counterpart. This provides the opportunity to own a home in Baltimore and commute to work. Whether driving a straight shot on I-95 or taking the convenient rail system, metro Washington, DC is typically less than an hour away.

While Baltimore boasts a number of elegant and well-designed new construction, Baltimore real estate options also include a number of attractive historic homes built in the 1800's or early 1900's. About 25 percent of the city's homes are located in designated historic districts. This allows residents and homeowners the flexibility of several tax abatement and credit programs to help bring modern conveniences and amenities into their aging but charming homes.

Those first time home buyers contemplating a home purchase in Baltimore should consult with a Baltimore realtor or real estate agent. These professionals can provide useful insight into the current state of the market, how the home buying process works and how to prepare a beneficial contract for sale. Hiring a Baltimore realtor can also be beneficial because they will be aware of the various tax credits, grants and other assistance available for first time buyers and move-up buyers.

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