Exploring Baltimore's Canton Neighborhood

One of Baltimore’s hippest neighborhoods, Canton has exploded over the past two decades to become a vibrant center of culture and nightlife.

Its boundaries are defined roughly by Eastern Avenue to the north, Patterson Park Avenue to the west, Boston Street to the south and Clinton Street to the east.

Apartments and Real Estate

Unfortunately, there isn't an abundance of apartments available for rent in Canton. Generally, renters can choose from available rooms or rowhomes. Most of Canton's rowhomes were built around 1900 and many have been rehabbed to include higher-end features, like renovated kitchens, hardwood floors, and rooftop decks. They are primarily two- and three-bedrooms, and many are no wider than 13-feet. When you wander through the streets of Canton, it’s hard not to notice the signature marble and brick steps that lead from the sidewalk to the front door of most houses.

Schools

Canton is served by the following public schools:

Hampstead Hill Academy: Elementary

Patterson High School: High School

Restaurants

Canton has something for everyone’s palate, including seafood, Mexican, sushi, Thai and a number of bars with great pub grub. Canton Square is the neighborhood’s culinary hub, with anchors Nacho Mama’s (Mexican) and its younger sister, Mama’s on the Half Shell (seafood), drawing diners from the entire city and suburbs. Speakeasy, Looney’s and Claddagh Pub also sit on the square and offer diverse menus. Be sure to stroll off the beaten path to try more upscale offerings such as Jack’s Bistro and Annabel Lee Tavern.

Bars

The neighborhood is one of the city’s hottest after-dark destinations and features ritzy clubs like Pur Lounge. However, it’s best known for its friendly neighborhood pubs like Bartenders and Mahaffey’s Pub.

Parks

• Patterson Park
• Canton Waterfront Park (home to the Maryland Korean War Memorial)
• Canton Dog Park
• Two Rivers Park

History

The neighborhood is widely believed to have acquired the moniker Canton because of Capt. John O’Donnell, who owned much of the land in the late 1700s, traded tea, silk, and satin with Canton, China. The neighborhood was a major port but soon became industrialized. Its residential revival began roughly 15-20 years ago when restaurants began moving in and real estate speculators began buying and renovating rowhomes.