Is Baltimore Highlands Safe, Pros and cons of living in Baltimore Highlands
Baltimore Highlands, Maryland, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This unincorporated community within Baltimore County provides residents with a sense of close-knit community while maintaining proximity to the vibrant cultural and economic hub of Baltimore City. Its appeal is further enhanced by affordable housing options and convenient transportation networks, positioning it as a desirable location for a diverse range of individuals and families.
The area is characterized by its quiet streets and a laid-back atmosphere, which contributes to its reputation as a peaceful residential enclave. For those considering a move, understanding the various facets of life in Baltimore Highlands, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these aspects, drawing on current data to paint a clear picture of what it’s like to live in this Maryland community.
Is it Safe to Live in Baltimore Highlands?
Baltimore Highlands presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates that are significantly higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 45.07 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This places the community in the 13th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 13% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest area within Baltimore Highlands.
The violent crime rate is also notably high, with a rate of 4.472 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This translates to a D+ safety grade, suggesting that violent crime is higher than in the average U.S. city (according to CrimeGrade.org). Neighborhood variations exist, with chances of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 21 in the northeast to 1 in 25 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are particularly concerning, standing at 4,111.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 124% higher than the national average (according to DoorProfit).
Housing Costs and Availability
Baltimore Highlands offers relatively affordable housing options compared to the broader Maryland market, making it an attractive location for homebuyers and renters. The median home value in Baltimore Highlands is approximately $267,200 (according to Vertex AI Search). This figure is lower than the Maryland state median home price of $400,000 (according to LivingInMaryland.com).
For renters, the market is also more manageable, with the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,400 (according to LivingInMaryland.com). This is slightly below the Maryland average rent of $1,600 (according to LivingInMaryland.com). The homeownership rate in Baltimore Highlands is around 54.1%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (according to Vertex AI Search).
Job Market and Economic Landscape
The job market in Baltimore Highlands benefits from its strategic location, offering residents access to a diverse range of employment opportunities within Baltimore City and surrounding areas. While specific unemployment rates for Baltimore Highlands are not readily available, the area’s proximity to major employment hubs suggests a dynamic job market (according to Kurby AI).
The average salary in Baltimore Highlands is approximately $61,197 per year, or $29.42 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). This is slightly lower than the state average salary of $61,000 in Maryland (according to LivingInMaryland.com), but the lower cost of living helps to balance this difference. Major employers in the broader Baltimore region include the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins University, offering a wide array of positions (according to LivingInMaryland.com).
Cost of Living
Baltimore Highlands is recognized for its affordability, presenting a cost of living that is generally lower than the Maryland average. The median household income in Baltimore Highlands is $62,304 (according to Vertex AI Search). This income level, combined with lower housing costs, contributes to a favorable cost of living for residents.
Utilities in Baltimore Highlands are typically on par with the rest of the state, with average monthly costs for electricity around $120, water at $40, and internet at $60 (according to LivingInMaryland.com). Overall, the community provides a cost-effective option for individuals and families looking to live near Baltimore without the higher expenses associated with the city itself.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Baltimore Highlands experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 29°F to 88°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 17°F or exceeding 96°F (according to Vertex AI Search).
Summers, from late May to mid-September, bring average daily high temperatures above 79°F, with July being the hottest month, reaching a high of 88°F. Winters, from December to early March, are cold, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F, and January being the coldest month with lows around 30°F (according to Vertex AI Search). The area experiences significant seasonal variation in humidity, with muggy conditions common from late May to late September.
Education and School Ratings
The educational landscape in Baltimore Highlands includes Baltimore Highlands Elementary School, which is part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district. This district is ranked 17th out of 25 districts in Maryland and holds a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (according to Vertex AI Search).
Baltimore Highlands Elementary School consistently ranks in the bottom quarter of Maryland elementary schools, showing significantly below-average performance on standardized tests. For instance, in a recent academic year, only 10.6% of students demonstrated proficiency in math, compared to county and state averages of 20.7% and 26.5%, respectively (according to Vertex AI Search). The school has received a C+ grade on Niche and a 4/10 GreatSchools Rating (according to Homes.com).
Demographics and Population
Baltimore Highlands is a community with a population of approximately 8,206 residents (according to Vertex AI Search). The racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up about 32.4%, Hispanic residents at 30.2%, and Black or African American residents at 26.3% (according to Vertex AI Search). A notable portion of residents, around 24.1%, were born outside the United States (according to Vertex AI Search).
The median age in Baltimore Highlands is 34 years (according to Vertex AI Search). The community has seen steady growth, partly due to its proximity to Baltimore City and its relatively affordable housing (according to LivingInMaryland.com). The area has a slightly higher male-to-female ratio, with approximately 130.1 males for every 100 females (according to Vertex AI Search).