Howard Park

Also referred to as Forest Park, Howard Park is not so much a distinct neighborhood as it is a region consisting of smaller neighborhoods in Northwest Baltimore. Included in this “super-neighborhood” are Ashburton, Callaway-Garrison, Central Forest Park, Dolfield, Dorchester, East Arlington, Forest Park, Grove Park, Hanlon Longwood, Howard Park, Garwyn Oaks, Purnell, West Arlington, West Forest Park, and Windsor Hills. An economically diverse area historically the center of Baltimore's Jewish Community, the area experienced “white flight” during the 1960s and became a predominantly African American area. Within Howard Park, however, there is a variety of social and economic conditions; some areas have experienced a great deal of urban decay, while others are prosperous upper-middle class neighborhoods.
In addition to being a residential area, Howard Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. It is home to Hillsdale, Hanlon, and Powder Mill Parks in addition to the Forest Park Golf Course. It is in close proximitiy to the Baltimore Zoo and Druid Hills Park. Other than these, however, the area does not offer much in the way of retail shopping or other economic opportunities. Because of the varied conditions in the smaller neighborhoods that make up Howard Park, anyone considering moving to the area should look at conditions on specific streets and blocks.