Amira and I took a stroll through Bolton Hill today as she was in the mood to be near fountains. The historic fountains are one of the attributes that this neighborhood is known for in addition to its tree-lined streets, architecture, urban mansions and abundance of churches. While granting her wish of beautiful fountains I also set a mission to find out what makes Bolton Hill so great, besides the before mentioned. Why is it that I immediately feel so tranquil, at home and safe when I step foot in this neighborhood? Heres what I gathered.
What’s To See in Bolton Hill
I personally thrive off of environment, so to see the well upkeep historic homes all with their own beautiful architecture that tells both the story of its 19th century age and its current owners really gives the imagination something to run with. The gardens are another eye – mazing thing that soothes the soul. Be it a full garden or a marble stoop with a beautiful arrangement of potted plants, there is no shortage of greenery and floral aesthetic in this neighborhood. The parks sprinkled throughout the area makes it easy to walk the entire BH even for my toddler. Walk a few blocks and you’ll come across a bench probably situated for you to enjoy a great view of a historic statue, water features, and or floral arrangements. Theres not a bad seat in the…neighborhood.
The Music To My Ears
…and it not coming from the MICA students. For Bolton Hill to be an inner city neighborhood, you truthfully get more of a quaint hidden town when strolling through. The streets never seem to be overcrowded and everyone you encounter sincerely speaks. One resident saw my daughter enjoying the hydrangeas and came over to further engage her into the different names of the other flowers as well as tell us where to find a nice pond in another neighbors yard that had some colorful fish that a three year old would probably enjoy. I visit this area quite often as I enjoy On The Hill Cafe and today it dawned on me that I never see cars racing through, just slowing creeping, probably surrendering to the visual pulchritude they are in.
Feel in Bolton Hill
I feel the unity, and I feel welcomed, I feel the sencerity and full attention when conversing with the residents. I feel like the residents work hard to keep this historic neighborhood preserved and a real community. Not the “Ill keep my side clean and you keep your side clean, but please don’t interact with me. Just mind your business and Ill mind mine” kind of community. I mean the kind that I use to hear my grandmother speak of and that I was born on the very tail end of. The “your problem is my problem community”. A “lets find real resolutions” community. An “Ill respect, love and look out your home and family like I do my very own even if I do not know you” kind of neighborhood. Now THATS a Community.
Im fully aware that Bolton Hill has a fascinating mix of residents of all age groups, races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and lifestyles, making it one of the most diverse and accepting neighborhoods in Baltimore. In efforts to put my finger on the pulse of why I get this great feeling when I’m in BH. I asked a few of its residents what, in their opinion, was the best thing about the area. Most said the architecture, while others said the greenery. Without question these areas are held to unbelievable standards, but one neighbor in particular gave me a response that shook ground for me, ” The residents care about everybody, even complete strangers”. When looking to buy a home or settle into a neighborhood for a good while, I, not sure of who would want that kind of a community.
All in all, I guess thats it. Bolton Hill has a well rounded community that takes care of it, therefore Bolton Hill takes care of everyone that encounters it, visually and mentally.
Schools in Bolton Hill
Restaurants in Bolton Hill
- On The Hill Cafe
- The Tilted Row
Looking for a home in the Bolton Hill area? It would be my pleasure to guide you around and assist in your home search. Call or text with any questions you may have 443.468.0757.
