Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse city in Northern Maryland, known for its rich history and welcoming rental market. Whether you’re drawn to the lively, walkable neighborhoods of Baltimore City or prefer the spacious, family-friendly communities in Baltimore County, this guide will help you compare your options. We’ll explore lifestyle, costs, neighborhoods, transit, amenities, and housing types, plus how local experts like The Mt Washington Group can support your search.
Lifestyle Preferences: City vs. Suburbs
City Lifestyle (Baltimore City)
If you crave urban living, Baltimore style, the city delivers. In Baltimore City, you’ll find diverse neighborhoods, a rich history, and a thriving arts scene. Here, most renters prefer to reside near museums, theaters, and nightlife in walkable areas.
Neighborhoods like Canton, Federal Hill, and Charles Village each have distinct vibes – waterfront restaurants in Canton, boutique shops in Fells Point, and college-town energy in Charles Village.
Suburban Lifestyle (Baltimore County):
Baltimore County offers a slower, more spacious pace. Suburban neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets and larger yards. Families often prefer county areas for the highly-rated public schools and roomy townhomes. If you love outdoor activities, the county’s parks and trails (from Loch Raven Reservoir to the Chesapeake Bay shoreline) are a major draw. Many suburban renters use a car for shopping and commuting, but they enjoy quieter evenings and weekend barbecues.
Cost of Living
Housing costs can differ between the city and county, though everyday expenses are similar. Overall, Baltimore City’s housing is about 14% cheaper than the national average, with an average rent of around $1,624 a month. However, that city average masks big variations: trendy neighborhoods can go much higher. One recent study found median apartment rents near $2,100 in the city versus about $1,850 in Baltimore County. In practice, this often means county renters get more square footage for their money.
Baltimore City’s utilities run about 11% above the national average, but groceries and healthcare are only a few percent higher or lower than U.S. averages. Both the city and county have large grocery stores, discount supermarkets, and local markets. Taxes differ slightly: Maryland income tax is the same in city and county, but Baltimore City has additional personal property and higher wage taxes, which renters feel through lower take-home pay. When budgeting, remember that in Baltimore, you typically spend more on transportation (car or transit) than on rent, so factor that in as well.
Neighborhood Atmosphere & Community
It is quite common to find historic rowhouse blocks in Baltimore where residents take initiative to organise community gardens and conduct block parties from time to time. Inner-city areas can be busy and diverse as residents share streets with small businesses, corner bars, and college campuses. This density fosters a real sense of community, albeit with more hustle and bustle. Public events and festivals (Artscape, Light City, etc.) happen right in town, giving city renters lots to do.
The suburbs, on the other hand, also have strong local identities. Baltimore County is made up of many towns and centers – for example, Towson offers a mini-downtown” with shops and restaurants, while Catonsville has a historic Main Street and universities nearby. The county “features a variety of distinct communities”, from the waterfront feel of Dundalk to the rolling hills around Hunt Valley. Neighbors in the county often know each other through schools, churches, or community centers. Life here is generally quieter; you might run into neighbors at the farmer’s market or soccer fields. In short, city renters get an energetic, urban vibe, while county renters get more suburban neighborhood camaraderie.
Commute Times & Transportation
Baltimore’s traffic and transit systems influence how you get around in each environment. The average commute for Baltimore City employees is about 29.4 minutes, and most people drive alone. Much of the city’s job centers (downtown, Inner Harbor, Johns Hopkins) are reachable by car, bus or light rail without overly long drives.
Baltimore’s public transit covers many areas, with MTA buses running citywide. There’s also the free Charm City Circulator downtown, plus the Metro SubwayLink and Light Rail connecting key spots. Moreover, for longer routes and daily commuting, residents can make use of the Metro SubwayLink that runs along the north-south corridor, as well as the Light Rail system, which further connects key locations within the city. There are also MARC commuter trains at Penn Station (for trips to DC or BWI Airport) and a comprehensive bike-share program downtown. All this means city renters can often skip car ownership if they live near transit.
In Baltimore County, most commuters also drive (and average about 28–30 minutes). County residents rely on highways like I‑695 (the Beltway), I‑95 (north-south to DC), I‑83 (North to Towson/Harrisburg), and I‑97 (south to Anne Arundel County). These routes can get congested during rush hour. The county does have some bus service into the city and its own job hubs (e.g. Owings Mills, BWI Tech Park), but coverage is sparser. Parking is easier in the suburbs, and many homes include driveways or garages.
Access to Amenities
Urban Amenities and Entertainment:
- Baltimore City and County both have plenty of amenities, but the style differs greatly.
- You can find walkable grocery stores, corner markets, and historic food spots like Lexington Market nearby.
- Supermarkets like Safeway, Lidl, and Giant are also easy to find. Bakeries in the vicinity are an add-on for most.
- Entertainment in the city is never short, from Oriole Park and Royal Farms Arena to the best of Mount Vernon and Inner Harbor museums.
- Public parks like Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park offer green spaces and activities right inside the city.
Suburban Living and Outdoor Spaces:
- Suburban shopping is more about malls like Towson Town Center and White Marsh Mall, full of big stores and restaurants.
- People in the suburbs often drive to places like Costco and Home Depot, not walk to smaller stores.
- Baltimore County shines in outdoor spaces, with Patapsco Valley, Gunpowder Falls, and Oregon Ridge Park as the highlights.
- County residents enjoy ample libraries, recreation centers, and local restaurants like Crab Town in Owings Mills.
- City living means constant amenities and convenience, while suburbs focus on parks, backyards, and larger shopping areas.
Housing Types Available
Baltimore’s housing stock is varied in each area. City renters find mostly apartments and townhomes. Many urban rentals are in converted historic rowhouses or mid-rise apartment buildings. You’ll also see new apartment towers downtown and condo-loft conversions. Rowhouse blocks in neighborhoods like Fed Hill or Canton offer 2–3 bedroom flats with classic brick facades. Studios and one-bedrooms are common near downtown or universities. There are also a handful of single-family rentals and co-op communities (e.g., Federal Hill townhomes).
Many Baltimore City units have modern interiors and even small balconies. These Baltimore apartments vary from brand-new luxury complexes with gyms to modest walk-up flats in the historic district. If you search for apartments for rent in Baltimore, you’ll see listings for everything from downtown lofts to character-filled flats in Charles Village and beyond. Section 8 voucher holders can often use them in these city rentals as well – The Mt Washington Group, for example, welcomes Section 8 rentals in Baltimore. In the suburbs of Baltimore County, rental housing leans toward larger units and multi-family complexes. Look for many townhomes for rent in Baltimore (especially in communities like Rosedale, Essex, or Pikesville) as well as garden-style Baltimore County apartments.
Newer apartment communities near Towson, White Marsh, or Halethorpe offer amenities like parking, pools, and on-site management. Some older single-family homes are also offered as rentals (often near Baltimore or for seasonal workers).
Suburban rentals like this spacious Rosedale townhouse living room give an idea of the extra space you get outside the city. In the county, landlords often focus on families, so floor plans tend to be bigger, and budgets can stretch a bit further per bedroom. When searching, you might use terms like Baltimore County apartments or townhomes for rent in Baltimore to find these suburban listings. Both city and county have their share of Section 8 or affordable units – in fact, many government-assisted vouchers can be used in either jurisdiction, though availability varies.
Affordability, Subsidies & Section 8
Affordability is a key concern for many renters in Baltimore City. Baltimore City’s government has been ramping up support for low-income renters. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) reports it helped 2,000 more families in 2024 through its voucher (Section 8) program, a 12% increase since 2020. HABC now serves over 23,000 households with housing vouchers, partnerships with landlords, and public housing projects. This means more opportunities for affordable housing in Baltimore if you qualify. There is also a Baltimore City Affordable Housing Trust Fund and inclusionary zoning rules encouraging new developments to set aside lower-cost units. Baltimore County also participates in the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, though its waiting list can be long.
Both city and county often post affordable listings on government websites and via non-profit housing counselors. In practice, finding a Section 8 rental in Baltimore usually involves: checking local housing authority resources, searching voucher-friendly rental listings, and contacting housing agencies early. The Mt Washington Group, for instance, maintains updated lists of apartments and homes that accept vouchers and explicitly welcome Section 8 tenants.
Some specific buildings or neighborhoods have higher concentrations of income-restricted units (often earmarked for seniors or families). You may also explore related programs like tax-credit apartments or city-subsidized communities. In any case, organizations like Housing Authority offices, the Baltimore Neighborhood Housing Services, or Baltimore County’s DHCD can offer guidance on the current availability of subsidized rentals in the city and suburbs.
Decision Time: City or County?
Choosing between Baltimore City and Baltimore County depends on your priorities. Are you looking for the convenience and energy of urban living, with the ability to walk to work, bars, and cultural events? Or do you prefer the space, schools, and calm of the suburbs, even if it means more driving? Young professionals and students often favor city life, while families tend to choose the county for larger homes and well-regarded schools. Budget is important too—county homes usually offer more space for the same rent. It’s a good idea to visit neighborhoods at different times, check crime statistics, and talk to current residents before deciding.
Browsing rental listings online can also help—city properties often feature historic architecture and lively surroundings, whereas county homes offer more parking and spacious layouts. For deeper insights, local forums and social media groups are great resources. When you’re ready to start your search, reaching out to professionals makes the process easier. With over 17 years of experience and nearly 1,700 units in the portfolio, we at The Mt Washington Group know both city and county markets well. We welcome Section 8 tenants and maintain up-to-date listings, including affordable housing options. Whether you want a city loft or a suburban townhouse, their team and website can help you find the perfect fit.