Beautiful architecture and charming neighborhoods make Baltimore a great place to live. Historic Homes of Baltimore creator Jason Freeman scanned recent real estate listings to pick three standout homes listed for less than $400,000.

Take a look at Freeman’s picks and let us know which one you would pick.

A street-level view of a classically beautiful residential building. A red brick building with white marble on the first floor, black iron railings and a large wooden front door stained in warm tone.
A street-level view of a classically beautiful residential building. A red brick building with white marble on the first floor, black iron railings and a large wooden front door stained in warm tone. (Coldwell Banker Realty)

Historic penthouse condo in Bolton Hill

Inside this stately Bolton Hill building, a beautiful penthouse condo full of charm and updates awaits its next owner. Large columns and a beautiful entry chandelier welcome you inside this spacious home. An open kitchen and dining room are accented by a fireplace (one of two) and lots of natural light. There are three bedrooms, one of which could be used as a large living room, and two baths, one of which has been recently updated. Original wood floors and high ceilings throughout give the home unique character and warmth.

A large balcony off the back of the house and a shared courtyard complete the home. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance to Bolton Hill parks (John Street Park is my favorite pocket park in the area!), Maryland Institute College of Art, and downtown/Mount Vernon entertainment and restaurants.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

The details:

A photo from a real estate listing shows a black piano and piano bench positioned against the wall of a bright room painted white, with two columns in the foreground, a chandelier overhead and hardwood floors that are stained in warm tones. Two windows appear on the far wall and frame trees and blue sky.
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
A picture of an open concept dining room and kitchen with a large wooden table, pendant light fixtures, a fireplace, and a kitchen counter and cabinets.
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
A photo of a large bathroom with a glass-walled shower, light gray walls, white wainscoting includes modern sink fixtures and a modern light fixture.
A photo of a large bathroom with a glass-walled shower, light gray walls, white wainscoting includes modern sink fixtures and a modern light fixture. (Coldwell Banker Realty)

(Courtesy of Long & Foster Real Estate)

Charming 1910s cottage in Mount Washington

A large front porch and curved front door welcome you to this tucked-away cottage in Northwest Baltimore’s Mount Washington neighborhood. Inside, this small home has been thoughtfully laid out, with a comfortable living room, open dining room and updated kitchen. There are two bedrooms and one bath on the main level, with another full bathroom downstairs. There are wood floors throughout and a large fireplace, perfect for cooler weather.

Outside, a magical garden awaits, with crushed stone and green space. The yard is perfect for gardeners and those looking to find peace at home. You’re conveniently located to the Mount Washington village shops and restaurants, a community pool, light rail station and the beautiful Mount Washington Arboretum.

The details:

(Long & Foster Real Estate)
(Long & Foster Real Estate)
(Long & Foster Real Estate)

(Stephen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams)

Spacious updated home with character in Arbutus

This spacious home in Baltimore County’s Arbutus neighborhood provides just the right mix of updates and character. As you enter the home from the front porch, you’ll find a light-filled living room, which seamlessly leads to the dining room and kitchen. There’s also a bonus family room, providing extra space to relax or entertain.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Built in the 1930s, this home features an updated kitchen and bathrooms. An arch on the main level, original molding and hardware, and hardwood floors provide unique charm. There are four bedrooms and two full baths, with a basement that could be finished to provide more space.

A fenced-in backyard features two patios, green space, a garage and parking pad. The home is conveniently located to Baltimore County parks, University of Maryland Baltimore County as well as area shops and restaurants.

The details:

(Stephen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams)
(Stephen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams)
(Stephen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams)
Stephen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams (Stephen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams)
(Setphen Posko/Hometrack Real Estate Marketing/Keller Williams)

Jason Freeman runs the @historichomesofbaltimore Instagram account. Jason began Historic Homes of Baltimore in 2019 as a way to learn more about Baltimore history and its beautiful historic homes. He researches and documents Baltimore homes, neighborhoods and general history, and shares his favorite homes for sale in his popular For Sale Friday series.

Jason Freeman writes about real estate and historic homes around Baltimore.

More From The Banner