27-04-2025
EXCLUSIVE Former 'murder capital' that's stuffed with cute, cheap period properties is finally on the up
The city once nicknamed 'Mobtown' has begun to shake off its gritty TV image with a flourishing revival of upscale dining and luxurious boutique shops.
Baltimore has dramatically reinvented itself, leaving behind its reputation as the crime-ridden city portrayed in HBO 's hit series 'The Wire' for a new identity as an up-and-coming hotspot for luxury hotels and foodie hotspots.
Where 'The Wire' depicted abandoned row houses and open-air drug markets, visitors today might be more likely to find craft cocktail bars, waterfront developments and Michelin-quality restaurants.
Kelly Harris, a Maryland-based Realtor and real estate investor, has witnessed the city's evolution up close.
'Baltimore's housing market has grown steadily over the last three to five years, with average home prices increasing nearly 20 to 30 percent in key neighborhoods,' Harris told the
'Areas like Canton, Federal Hill, and Hampden continue to thrive due to their walkability, cultural appeal, and access to new retail and dining developments,' she explained.
The historic Latrobe Building, for example, was once a symbol of Baltimore's decline, has since been transformed into the Ulysses Hotel, which opened in September 2022.
Originally the building was built in 1912 as luxury apartments before falling into disrepair and abandonment.
At the Ulysses, visitors are now greeted with blue leopard print carpets, claw-foot bathtubs surrounded by silk curtains, and a lobby adorned with Caravaggio-esque paintings and silver orchid planters with swan's neck handles.
The city's revival began gaining momentum in 2017 when the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore opened, a sleek waterfront hotel.
According to Harris, the city's housing market has maintained higher pricing compared to pre-pandemic levels, though certain zip codes are seeing corrections as interest rates shift.
'Despite that, there's strong demand for renovated rowhomes, multi-units, and mixed-use properties, especially from remote workers and investors looking for value in an urban setting,' she said.
Lisa Vonakis of the Lee Tessier Team at EXP Realty, who was born and raised in Baltimore, has watched her hometown transform over decades in the real estate business.
'Sagamore Pendry is an amazing luxury hotel in the heart of historic Fells Point,' she told the
Vonakis, who grew up on the Baltimore City/Balto County line and has been a realtor for more than 20 years, has seen the ups and down of her city - like all big metros.
But she believes it's about time her city got the recognition it deserves.
The lifelong local says the city's notorious TV portrayal has overshadowed its true character for far too long.
'Baltimore has its ups and downs like most big cities and sometimes the negative issues get much more press,' she explains. 'It is a town of hard-working neighbors.'
Baltimore's transformation is also reflected in the statistics.
The city recorded its lowest homicide rate in nearly 15 years in 2024, with 201 homicides marking a dramatic 12 percent decrease from 2023 and a staggering 41 percent drop from 2021 levels.
Maryland as a whole is becoming safer too, with statewide homicides falling from 519 in 2023 to 455 in 2024, while violent crimes plummeted from 1,190 to 891 during the same period.
And just this week a report from U.S. News & World Report no longer included Baltimore among the most dangerous places in America.
The digital media company released its Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. 2024-2025 list and normally Baltimore would be in the Top 25 but this year it didn't make the cut.
The list is compiled based on a city's murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people.
According to Vonakis, the real estate market is feeling the benefits of this urban revival.
'Lots of thriving neighborhoods like Canton and Brewer's Hill, Towson and more - property values have been growing greatly in the last few years,' she revealed.
Baltimore's culinary scene has also transformed.
Lisa Vonakis of the Lee Tessier Team at EXP Realty, who was born and raised in Baltimore, has watched her hometown transform over decades in the real estate business
Little Donna's, a row-house restaurant in Upper Fell's Point run by Robbie Tutlewski, made the New York Times list of America's best restaurants in 2023.
The menu features innovative and unique dishes like crab pancakes with chili jam and lobster pierogi.
Vonakis highlighted the city's diverse food offerings as a major draw to locals and incoming residents.
'There's a great food scene with lots of locally owned cafes and restaurants and ethnic specialties like Samos Restaurant in Greektown, DiPasquale's Deli and more,' she said.
She added that 'Baltimoreans enjoy snowballs, which is unique to our area.' Snowballs are finely shaved iced with flavored syrups.
The city's historic food markets are also receiving dramatic makeovers.
Lexington Market, which was established in the 18th century, moved to a sleek new downtown building in late 2022.
The market now brings together international cuisines from Malaysian to Dominican to Nepali under one roof.
Faidley's Seafood, a market fixture since 1886, has also relocated to these modern buildings.
Another new modern 'minimalist' hotel called Roost was opened in 2023 as part of Baltimore Peninsula - a massive 235-acre, multibillion-dollar development along the Patapsco River partially funded by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank.
Nearby, the Sagamore Spirit Distillery offers visitors flights of rye whiskey with views of the now out-of-use piers.
A renowned chef, Spike Gjerde, has also reinvented his Woodberry Kitchen as the more intimate Tavern at Woodberry Kitchen.
There, he serves specialties like locally sourced ham stuffed with herbs and fresh oyster pie.
New businesses are also capitalizing on the revitalized market scenes.
Amanda and Joseph Burton opened Rooted Rotisserie near Hollins Market in 2023 after losing their hospitality jobs during the pandemic.
They were inspired by a trip to Paris, with their restaurant offering prepared rotisserie chicken and double-cut pork chops.
The city's transformation is especially noticeable in Hampden, a neighborhood of row houses that has attracted young creatives priced out of more expensive cities.
Sports also remains a cornerstone of Baltimore's identity.
Vonakis emphasized that the city has a 'great sports scene' with the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles - two of the best parks in major league sports.
'Baltimoreans are passionate about our teams,' she said.
For those considering a move to the city, Vonakis pointed out another major advantage.
'In addition to the perks of living in Baltimore, we have close proximity to DC, Philly and an easy commute to NY for business and fun trips.'
While Baltimore still ranks among cities with high murder rates per 100,000 people, experts point to major progress.
Karen Herren, executive director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, credits the improvement to a coordinated approach.
'There is not one simple solution to gun violence, or we would have figured it out a long time ago. There are a lot of different pieces, and those pieces have to start working in tandem, which I think is partially what we are seeing,' Herren said to WYPR.
The Justice Department has attributed the success in reducing crime to specialized teams focused on firearm crimes and repeat violent offenders.
Herren also mentioned that Maryland's gun laws have helped reduce violent crimes.
'I'm very proud of the leadership that this office's public servants have shown in coordinating law enforcement and community efforts throughout Maryland and beyond to protect our nation and promote safer communities,' U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron told WYPR.
'We will continue to be a force-multiplier for the work of our various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and community-based partners.'
Looking ahead, Harris sees 'cautious optimism' for Baltimore's market over the next one to two years.
'Neighborhoods like Greenmount West, Milton-Montford, and Pigtown offer tremendous upside potential - but there's a caveat,' she warned.
'As an investor myself, I believe the city must address inefficiencies in permitting and zoning processes,' she added. 'Reducing bottlenecks in approvals for builds, flips and renovations will be critical to sustaining growth and unlocking Baltimore's full development potential.'
Despite this, Harris remains optimistic about the city's future.
'Baltimore's appeal is real: historic charm, affordability, culture, and access. Now it's about continuing that momentum with smart policy and streamlined infrastructure to support long-term reinvestment.'
