Hampden
Now considered one of the trendier areas, this was traditionally a blue collar neighborhood where the mill workers once lived. Artists began to move in and the area enjoys a new vitality. The eclectic neighborhood now comprises lifelong residents, artists, graduate and some undergraduate students.
This area is also where Baltimore's own Miracle on 34th Street takes place each holiday season. Be sure to visit it around the holidays. Local filmmaker, John Waters, shot most of his film Pecker in Hampden. The Avenue (36th street) is also a great place for interesting shops and cafes.
Here are some links about Hampden:
Information about the shops in Hamden
The Christmas Street Tradition in Baltimore
The Shuttle Bug- Hampden's own shuttle service