As a frequent visitor to charming cities along the East Coast, I always look forward to my trips to Baltimore, MD. With its scenic waterfront, historic neighborhoods, and world-class museums, Baltimore offers plenty to see and do. However, as with any large city, there are certain areas in Baltimore that are best avoided, particularly for tourists and first-time visitors. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights on the top neighborhoods to steer clear of when visiting Baltimore.
After numerous trips to this great city, I’ve learned that although there are many things to do, there are quite a few areas travelers should avoid when visiting Baltimore. By being aware of the city’s more dangerous neighborhoods, you can have a fun and safe experience exploring all that Charm City has to offer. As you plan your Baltimore itinerary, keep reading to learn about the key areas to avoid in Baltimore.
Areas to Avoid in Baltimore
1. Middle East
The Middle East neighborhood, situated just east of Johns Hopkins Hospital, is an area plagued by violent crime and poverty. Once a thriving German and Jewish community, this district saw rapid decline throughout the 20th century. Today it is rife with vacant homes and nearly half of residents live below the poverty line. Violent crime rates here are the highest in Baltimore, making it extremely unsafe for visitors. From muggings to carjackings, this area should be avoided altogether when visiting Baltimore.
Address: Middle East, Baltimore, MD, USA
2. West Baltimore
Spanning a large portion of the western part of the city, West Baltimore suffers from extensive poverty, urban decay, and violent crime. Neighborhoods like Greater Mondawmin, Harlem Park, and Poppleton have some of the highest homicide rates in the entire city, as drug trade activity and gang violence are rampant throughout the area. As a visitor, I do not recommend spending any time in West Baltimore, as robberies and assaults are common occurrences. Due to high crime and limited points of interest, it’s best to avoid West Baltimore neighborhoods.
Address: West Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
3. Grove Park
Situated between Greenmount Cemetery and Herring Run Park, Grove Park has long had issues with violent crime and gang activity. Low-income housing projects and vacant homes provide a breeding ground for drug trade and related violence in this East Baltimore neighborhood. As a visitor unfamiliar with the area, don’t risk your safety by spending time in Grove Park. This district is one of the most dangerous areas in Baltimore, so bypass it altogether on your travels.
Address: Grove Park, Baltimore, MD, USA
4. Cherry Hill
South of downtown, the Cherry Hill community is plagued by poverty and frequent shootings. As a result, I advise visitors to steer clear of this area when visiting Baltimore. Cherry Hill has worked to rebuild its image in recent decades, but it still grapples with violent crime linked to its open-air drug markets. Tourists wandering into this district risk robbery and assault. For your own safety, avoid Cherry Hill and stick to sightseeing in safer parts of Baltimore.
Address: Cherry Hill, Baltimore, MD, USA
5. Fairfield Area
The neighborhoods of Fairfield, Curtis Bay, and Brooklyn border the Patapsco River to the south of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Plagued by generational poverty and crime, Fairfield stands out as one of the most dangerous areas in South Baltimore. Shootings occur frequently within the neighborhood’s public housing units, while drug trade activity also contributes to the area’s high violent crime rate. With limited amenities for visitors, it’s best to avoid Fairfield and surrounding areas when touring Baltimore.
Address: Fairfield, Baltimore, MD, USA
6. Greenmount East
Historically a working-class community, Greenmount East has faced extensive decline over the past half-century. Abandoned homes, chronic drug activity, and frequent violence plague this East Baltimore neighborhood. As a visitor unfamiliar with Greenmount East, I strongly recommend avoiding it. Muggings and robberies pose a real threat in this district, so steer clear of the area for your own safety. Focus your sightseeing within safer neighborhoods in other parts of Charm City.
Address: Greenmount East, Baltimore, MD, USA
7. Greater Rosemont
The greater Rosemont area encompasses several west-side neighborhoods like Mondawmin, Coppin Heights, and Rosemont. Ongoing poverty and crime have long afflicted these communities. Illicit drug sales and related gang violence contribute to higher crime rates throughout Greater Rosemont. As with other west-side neighborhoods, I advise visitors to avoid Greater Rosemont when touring Baltimore. The lack of amenities, combined with safety concerns, make this an area for locals, not tourists.
Address: Greater Rosemont, Baltimore, MD, USA
8. Pulaski Industrial Area
Straddling the city’s eastern boundary, the Pulaski Industrial Area contains blocks of vacant homes, abandoned factories, and numerous public housing units. Chronic poverty and ongoing drug trade fuel high rates of violent crime in this district. Theft, burglary, and robbery pose significant risks, making Pulaski an unsafe area for visitors. For your own well-being, steer clear of the Pulaski Industrial Area when exploring Baltimore City.
Address: Pulaski, Baltimore, MD, USA
9. Sandtown-Winchester
Made famous by the hit crime drama The Wire, Sandtown-Winchester continues to suffer from extensive poverty, urban blight, and violent crime. Situated in West Baltimore, life in this community resembles what’s depicted on the TV show. As a visitor, I strongly advise against spending any time in Sandtown-Winchester. Robberies and assaults are commonplace, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Baltimore. For your own safety, avoid this neighborhood.
Address: Sandtown-Winchester, Baltimore, MD, USA
10. Orangeville
East of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Orangeville is another East Baltimore community plagued by violent crime linked to the drug trade. Chronic unemployment fuels illicit activities, while shootings and homicides occur frequently within this district. As an outsider traveling in Baltimore, using extra caution in Orangeville is prudent. Avoid the area altogether if possible, as muggings and carjackings pose too great a risk.
Address: Orangeville, Baltimore, MD, USA
11. Madison Eastend
North of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Madison Eastend grapples with many of the same issues facing other East Baltimore communities. Poverty, urban decay, drug trafficking, and associated violence persist in this neighborhood. Visitors should beware of walking in this area, as muggings are commonplace. Given its lack of amenities and dangerous conditions, Madison Eastend is best avoided when touring Baltimore.
Address: Madison Eastend, Baltimore, MD, USA
Conclusion
Baltimore, MD is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and charm. However, as with any major city, travelers should exercise caution and avoid certain high-crime areas. By steering clear of the neighborhoods listed in this article, you can safely explore all the sights and experiences this coastal city has to offer. Do your research ahead of time so you can map out a Baltimore itinerary that focuses on safer districts for visitors. Avoiding the most dangerous areas will help ensure you have an enjoyable trip discovering Baltimore’s many highlights.
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