Neighborhood Spotlight Series by Live Baltimore

Baltimore Fishbowl is partnering with Live Baltimore to launch 'Neighborhood Spotlight,' a new series showcasing popular areas in the city that form distinct communities. Look for Neighborhood Spotlight every month. Learn about Baltimore from Live Baltimore.

When you ask merchants and residents of Hampden what makes their neighborhood a great place to open a business, grow a family or just to live day-to-day, the answer is always the same.

“It’s a unique blend of artists, working class people, general Baltimore weirdos and business owners all mixing together with new residents and visitors,” said Benn Ray, co-owner of Atomic Books on Falls Road and president of the Hampden Village Merchants Association, a group of about 150 merchants that promote the neighborhood’s business interests. “[Hampden] is a neighborhood with a lot of character and community.”