Hello, Neighbor: Ridgely’s Delight

LIVE

This area is located on former Susquehannock Native American land and is named for Col. Charles Ridgely II, a plantation owner whose estate occupied part of the neighborhood during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The neighborhood’s first rowhouses were built in the early 1800s.

SHOP

Walk up to University Square Park for the weekly farmers’ market (May-November, Tuesdays 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.), or head across MLK to Pigtown Main Street to shop for books, clothes, gourmet groceries, and more.

ARTS/CULTURE

Soak in some Baltimore baseball lore at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Several blocks north and east bring you to Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave, the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, and theater and entertainment options, including Everyman and The Hippodrome.

PLAY

Catch a ballgame at Camden Yards or M&T Bank Stadium, or head down to the Inner Harbor for the views and buzz. For open space, stroll through Conway Street Park or take the kids to the playground at Penn & Melvin Street Park.

DINE

The Corner Bistro & Wine Bar is a local favorite for good burgers and wine. Also try beloved pub grub options at Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille, and reliable American and Greek carryout from Penn & Pratt Restaurant, there since 1975.

“I moved here in 2000 because I owned a hair salon in downtown Baltimore, and I wanted to be able to walk to work. I was looking at other neighborhoods that were within walking distance, and the prices were just too expensive at the time. Ridgely’s was just very affordable and it’s very friendly.

As soon as I moved in, my neighbor across the alley came and introduced herself, the next-door neighbors introduced themselves. In my old neighborhood, where I lived for nine years, I don’t think I could tell you what my neighbors’ names were. I started going to baseball games with my Ridgley’s neighbors and I’ve had season tickets since I moved in. Even when the Orioles are playing terribly, it’s an event for our neighborhood. Instead of going to a neighborhood bar or going out someplace, we’re going to a baseball game.”

—Susan Clayton, a Ridgely’s Delight resident of 22 years and the owner of running apparel company WhitePaws RunMitts.

Neighborhood Stats

Estimated rent: $1,600
Estimated monthly mortgage: $1,947
Median home purchase price: $270,000
Median household income: $69,485
Owner/renter split: 22 percent/78 percent

Sources: Live Baltimore and the Baltimore Department of Planning