Hello, Neighbor: Lake Walker

Lake Walker is a literal cottagecore haven, populated with two styles of cozy early 20th-century cottages throughout, not to mention Tudor rowhomes, brick townhouses, bungalows, farmhouse-style homes, and squat apartment buildings along its northern edge. This leafy outer locale straddles the Baltimore City-County line and grew from the ashes of Linden Farm, a former 19th-century estate whose last remaining structure, a farmhouse, burned down in 1902.

Shop: Neighbors will soon be just a stroll away from Baltimore City’s first Trader Joe’s location, opening at the Anneslie Shopping Center just to the north. Also nearby are the Giant at York Road Plaza, Eddie’s of Roland Park just to the west on Charles Street, and the weekly Govans Farmers Market on York Road from June through November. Walgreens and assorted shops at Belvedere Square are also within walking distance.

Dine: The latest iteration of Belvedere Square seems to have it all: sushi (Hilo), Thai (Thai Landing), smoked fish and other meats (Neopol Smokery), tacos (Pono), lobster rolls (Mason’s), pizza (The Pizza Trust), Moroccan (Kesh and Fresh), and so much more. York Road boasts reliable mainstays (Zen West, Swallow at the Hollow, Jerry’s) and carryout for Indian, pizza, pasta, and more.

Play: Chinquapin Run, an urban stream, runs right past Lake Walker and has its own park with ballfields, tennis courts, and a playground. DeWees Park, about a mile south, has a newly renovated playground next to its football and baseball fields. And a short ride away eastward down Northern Parkway are the city-operated Mount Pleasant Ice Arena and Golf Course, one of Baltimore’s “Classic Five” municipal greens.

Arts & Culture: Catch a movie (with a milkshake from Clark Burger next door) at The Senator Theatre, a beautifully restored Art Deco cinema that screens everything from blockbuster films to indie flicks and regular throwback matinees. Closer to home, this tight-knit neighborhood celebrates with annual traditions like a block party, plant exchange, chili cookoff, and more.

Neighbor Spotlight 
Jim Pickett, 88. Lake Walker resident since 1990. Former president of the Lake Walker Community Association

“My wife and I were taking a walk, and we happened to be going through this neighborhood, and we saw a house that had a ‘For Sale’ sign in front. We said, [let’s] look at it right now and we ended up buying it. That was in 1990. We had our kids with us when we moved here but they’re up and off and have children of their own. We’re empty nesters here.

“Back in 1992 we started a block party, and it’s run ever since. It’s gotten to be quite a big affair. We have a winter walk where families come and they go around to the different houses and people have all sorts of food and activities.

“We have a plant exchange where we set up a table in our backyard and people come and trade plants. People come with their plants and wheelbarrows, just gather in the yard and it’s a nice affair. We do a lot of gardening, my wife and I. You feel like you’re out in the country—there’s just green everywhere and it’s quiet. It feels like a safe and happy place to be.”

Neighborhood Stats
Population: 1,944; Occupancy Rate: 89 percent; Owner/Renter Split: 39 percent/ 61 percent; Median Home Purchase Price: $365,000; Estimated Monthly Mortgage: $3,155; Estimated Rent: $1,024; Walk Score: 62; Bike Score: 36; Transit Score: 57