Pigtown and Barre Circle’s biggest draws are their diverse community and location. While the neighborhoods have been steadily gaining in value, they continue to be very affordable, attracting students, retirees, young couples, and families alike. Those who call Pigtown or Barre Circle home love its proximity to Downtown, I-95, Federal Hill, the MARC train, and the stadiums. With a very involved community, they are growing rapidly and welcoming more and more new residents, businesses, and organizations every year. The Pigtown Historic District comprises some 36 city blocks lying in Southwest Baltimore, south and east of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad yards.
Developed initially as a community for railroad workers along Columbia Avenue (now Washington Boulevard), Ramsay, McHenry and Poppleton Streets, the area grew rapidly to the south during the industrial expansion of the mid 1800’s. In an effort to reinvigorate Pigtown, the neighborhood name was officially changed to Washington Village during the 1980’s. The true name of the neighborhood is still under debate.
With the rise in property values and the influx of newcomers to city life in the late 90’s through today, Pigtown’s population and quality of life have consistently risen. In the early 2000s, the neighborhood was designated an Empowerment Zone, bringing new businesses and homeowners. This effort has continued with its designation as a Main Streets Community, which promotes Pigtown’s eclectic business corridor.
Today, these neighborhoods are a thriving community of renters, homeowners, and businesses. Residents are socially, racially, and economically varied, making them one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Baltimore city. Residents are very proactive in their neighborhood organizations, contributing to the continuing growth, quality of life, and improvement of the community. The energetic community, diversity, value, growth, and great location continues to attract new residents, and development. Big things are happening in Pigtown and Barre Circle!
Healthy Neighborhoods is partnered with Pigtown Main Street
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