During the Christmas season, Hampden plays host to hundreds of visitors who flock to the 700 block of 34th St. to gawk at the houses' over-the-top lights and decorations. The annual display draws travelers who might otherwise bypass the central Baltimore neighborhood.
Bounded by Johns Hopkins University to the east and the Jones Falls Expressway (Interstate 83) to the west, Hampden shares no crossroads with the rest of the city. Its main business street, 36th Street, is known as "The Avenue" and cuts across avenues such as Chestnut, Elm and Hickory. The main north-south arteries are Falls Road, Keswick Road and Roland Avenue, which leads to Hampden's northern neighbor, Roland Park.
"People don't have any sense of living in the city here because of the geographic boundaries," says Richard Wheatley, director of Hampden's Roosevelt Park Recreation Center.
And the city around it may have little sense of Hampden.
While the rows of illuminated candy canes, nativity scenes and ++ strands of lights dazzle visitors, the characteristics that make Hampden unique year-round are less visible.
But talk to some of the Hampdenites gathered along 36th Street for the 22nd annual Mayor's Christmas Parade, and the attributes become clearer.
"Hampden is like one big family," sums up Kathy Turner. And she should know. Mrs. Turner grew up in Hampden and is part of four generations of Turners who live within walking distance of each other.
Many residents echoed her assessment of the neighborhood.
"You can walk down the street, and you'll always know somebody," says Viola Herd. The 35-year-old waitress grew up in Hampden and moved back five years ago with her husband, William, 42. Initially they were planning to rent out the house they bought next door to Mrs. Herd's parents on Chestnut Avenue, but they decided to move in themselves.
The Herds were attracted by the area's affordability, a feature that appeals to young and first-time homebuyers, according to O'Conor, Piper & Flynn agent Alex Smith.
"They're kind of looking for a 'grandma' house with all the updated conveniences," says Mr. Smith, who has been selling homes in Hampden since 1984. The variety of architectural features, from big porches to bow fronts, at affordable prices attracts buyers who don't mind doing some fixing up, he says.
Prices for single-family houses range from $30,000 to just over $100,000.
