Baltimore Photo

Pen Lucy, Baltimore,MD

Neighborhood Data
Proximitii Score score
? /100
Amenities Score Amenities Score Locked
Transit Score Transit & Commute Score Locked
Schools Score Schools Score Locked
Health & Safety Score Health & Safety Score Locked
City Crime Score Crime (City) Score Locked
Location Crime Score Crime (Location) Score Locked
Economy Score Economy Score Locked
Housing Score Housing Score Locked

Pen Lucy is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood in the north-central part of Baltimore, MD, known for its strong community spirit and rich history. If you're considering moving to this area, you'll find it offers a unique blend of urban living with a close-knit neighborhood feel. Residents often highlight the beautiful tree-lined streets and charming rowhouses that give Pen Lucy its distinctive character. The community hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of togetherness and belonging among neighbors. It’s an ideal place for those looking for a quieter residential area while still being part of the energetic Baltimore scene.

One of the standout attractions in Pen Lucy is the Pen Lucy Recreation Center, which serves as a hub for local activities and youth programs. This center is fantastic for families and individuals looking to engage in sports, arts, and community events. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts access to several parks and green spaces, perfect for weekend strolls or outdoor gatherings. Food lovers will appreciate the nearby local eateries offering authentic Baltimore flavors, adding to the neighborhood's charm and convenience. The sense of history and culture here is palpable, with many long-established churches and community organizations playing an active role in daily life.

For those commuting or seeking the buzz of city life, Pen Lucy is conveniently located just a short drive or bus ride away from Downtown Baltimore, making it easy to enjoy the city's theaters, museums, and dining options without giving up the tranquility of the neighborhood. This proximity allows residents to benefit from the best of both worlds: a peaceful home environment with quick access to the hustle and bustle of downtown. Whether you’re working in the city or simply enjoy exploring urban attractions on weekends, Pen Lucy’s location makes it a practical choice for relocating families, young professionals, or anyone looking to put down roots in Baltimore.

Community Snapshot

Population 3,582
Density (People/sqml.) 15,153
Median Age 40.6
Married Couples
25%
25% of the population of Pen Lucy aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
18%
18% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

About 25% of the Pen Lucy population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 18% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

Pen Lucy neighborhood age breakdown chart

Pen Lucy demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 3,582 residents, Pen Lucy is notably smaller than many other Baltimore neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Boasting a population density of 15,153, Pen Lucy is more densely populated than many other Baltimore neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The higher concentration of residents contributes to a lively street scene, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and urban amenities just steps from home.

With an average age of 41, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

Crime in Pen Lucy

Crime Safety Index Score Locked 1 2 3 4 5

 

Total Crime Incidents
Try for free within 1 mile
Score Locked per 100k people

Types of Crime

Pen Lucy neighborhood age breakdown chart

Pen Lucy Crime Map

The Pen Lucy crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing

? /10
Home Price $182,050
Median Rent $1,349
People/Household 2.4

Home Price Breakdown

Pen Lucy neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 49% Own 51%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 73% After 2010 27%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year YoY data

 

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Pen Lucy, the median home price is $182,050, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Pen Lucy can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,349, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

One World Cafe
Coffee Shop
min.
min.
Red Emma's Cafe
Coffee Shop
min.
min.

Entertainment

Attraction
Attraction
min.
min.
Santa Rosa Labyrinth
Attraction
min.
min.

Food & Drink

The House of Chiefs
Bar
min.
min.
New Rex Liquors
Alcohol
min.
min.

Groceries

Supermarket
Grocery Store
min.
min.
Lidl
Grocery Store
min.
min.

Parks

Playground
Playground
min.
min.
Playground
Playground
min.
min.

Shops

Store At Your Door Boutique
Clothing
min.
min.
York Food Market
Convenience Store
min.
min.

Getting Around

Transit Stops

Argonne Drive & 41st Street Westbound
Bus Stop
min.
min.
Argonne Drive & Elkader Road Westbound
Bus Stop
min.
min.

Transit Stations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

VA Clinic
Clinic
min.
min.
Adullum Community Healthcare Center
Clinic
min.
min.

Health Care

Spectrum Dental
Dentist
min.
min.
Harriet A. Woolford University Health Center
Doctor
min.
min.

Safety

Baltimore Fire Station 9
Fire Station
min.
min.
Baltimore City Fire Station 7
Fire Station
min.
min.

Top Neighborhood Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Walter P. Carter Elementary
820 E 43Rd St, Baltimore, MD
Elementary School PK - 8 School Score
First English Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten
39Th St, Baltimore, MD
Elementary School PK - KG School Score
Banneker Blake Academy For Arts And Sciences
1101 Winston Avenue, Baltimore, MD
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score
St Elizabeth School
801 Argonne Dr, Baltimore, MD
High School 2 - 12 School Score
Baltimore City College
3220 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Woodbourne School At Conrad
1301 Woodbourne Ave, Baltimore, MD
High School 7 - 12 School Score
The Community School
2939 Huntingdon Ave, Baltimore, MD
High School 9 - 12 School Score

Education Level Achieved

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Pen Lucy. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Pen Lucy offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.

Economy

? /10
Income Per Capita $30,489
Household Income $61,600
Unemployment 6.8%

Income Breakdown

Pen Lucy Income breakdown chart

Employment by Industry

Industry Employed
Agriculture & Mining Unlock
Construction Unlock
Manufacturing Unlock
Wholesale & Retail Unlock
Transportation & Warehousing Unlock
Information Unlock
Finance & Insurance Unlock

Local economic factors play a key role in shaping the character and accessibility of a neighborhood, influencing everything from lifestyle to opportunity. Household incomes in Pen Lucy average around $61,600, which is lower than average. This affordability contributes to a more accessible lifestyle, making it an appealing choice for first-time homeowners, young families, and those looking to enjoy the benefits of the area without a high price tag.

The employment landscape can reveal important details about the economic conditions of a neighborhood and the opportunities available to its residents. In Pen Lucy, the unemployment rate is 7%, which is higher than average. This elevated rate may point to a more competitive job market or transitional economic conditions, shaping the overall character and pace of the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of homes are common?

Pen Lucy features a mix of housing styles, predominantly consisting of rowhouses and brick townhomes typical of Baltimore's older neighborhoods. Many homes date back to the early 20th century, showcasing classic architectural details such as front porches and stone stoops. There are also some duplexes and single-family homes, offering a variety of options for residents seeking affordability and historic charm.

Are there any community events or local gatherings throughout the year?

Yes, Pen Lucy hosts several community-driven events throughout the year designed to bring residents together. The Pen Lucy Community Association organizes neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, and seasonal celebrations such as summer picnics at nearby parks like the Pen Lucy Park. These events foster a strong sense of connection among neighbors and encourage local engagement.

Are there major highways or transit lines nearby?

Pen Lucy benefits from convenient access to major transportation routes. It is located near Interstate 83 (Jones Falls Expressway), which provides a quick route into Downtown Baltimore and surrounding areas. Additionally, the neighborhood is served by multiple Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus lines, including Routes 27 and 8, offering residents public transit options for commuting and accessing other parts of the city.

Compare Nearby Neighborhoods

Location Overall Amenities Health Transit Schools Housing Economy Crime
Unlock to see 82 51 42 45 35 33 36 84
Unlock to see 75 83 74 70 76 31 85 74
Unlock to see 68 57 32 74 40 60 87 43
Pen Lucy Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe
Unlock to see 49 88 58 35 76 31 64 72
Unlock to see 36 62 52 58 89 46 82 65
Unlock to see 25 44 83 86 32 56 32 42

Other Neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD