Merritt Station Apartments in Baltimore: Mid-Rise Rental Near the Light Rail
Merritt Station Apartments is a mid-rise rental complex in the Waverly neighborhood, three blocks from the Lexington Market Light Rail station. The building holds 156 units across studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans, positioned as a relatively affordable option in a walkable central Baltimore location without the price premium of Inner Harbor or Canton.
What Merritt Station Actually Is
Merritt Station is a six-story residential building completed in 2010, situated at the corner of North Eutaw Street and East Preston Street. It serves renters who prioritize proximity to public transit and downtown commuting over amenities or newer construction. The property is managed by Bluerock Residential Growth and draws a mix of young professionals and long-term residents taking advantage of light rail access. Unit sizes range from 450-square-foot studios to 850-square-foot two-bedrooms, with finishes that reflect the building's age: vinyl plank or tile flooring, basic kitchen appliances, and modest bathroom fixtures. The building stands in a historically industrial pocket of Baltimore that has seen incremental stabilization but no dramatic neighborhood transformation.
Rents and What They Cover
Rents for studios start around $850 to $950 monthly; one-bedrooms run $1,050 to $1,250; two-bedrooms range from $1,300 to $1,500. These figures shift seasonally and with lease terms, so contact the leasing office directly to confirm current pricing. The lease typically requires first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Utilities are tenant-paid. The building does not include parking in the base rent; a reserved spot in the attached lot costs approximately $50 to $60 per month. Tenants have access to a small fitness center, package room, and community room. Laundry facilities are in-unit or coin-operated in the building depending on unit type and vintage.
How Merritt Station Compares to Other Baltimore Rentals
Merritt Station's main advantage is light rail access at Lexington Market, which connects directly to Penn Station, the Harbor, and BWI Airport without driving. One-bedroom rents here are typically $100 to $150 cheaper per month than comparable units in Canton or Fells Point, where walkability is higher but transit-dependent commuting is less convenient. Federal Hill apartments of similar age and size command $1,200 to $1,350 for one-bedrooms, also without light rail at the doorstep. For renters without a car, the transit advantage justifies the neighborhood's fewer restaurant and entertainment options. Those prioritizing a lively nightlife or newer finishes should consider Canton or Harbor East, where rents are higher but the immediate streetscape is more developed. Waverly itself has fewer new construction projects than neighborhoods closer to the water, so Merritt Station's 2010 vintage represents the building stock here.
Who Merritt Station Suits and Who It Doesn't
Merritt Station works best for tenants commuting by light rail, bus, or on foot to downtown jobs, Johns Hopkins University, or the Inner Harbor. Young professionals without cars, shift workers using the 24-hour transit network, and budget-conscious renters in their first Baltimore lease often settle here. The building also suits people who accept an older, quieter neighborhood in exchange for lower rent and a short walk to a major transit hub. It does not suit anyone expecting modern finishes, an active street scene with bars and shops steps away, or in-unit laundry as standard. Families may find the small unit sizes and modest community programming limiting. Renters with cars will find the $50 to $60 monthly parking charge adds up and may prefer neighborhoods with free lot parking or garages included.
Applying and Moving In
The application process requires proof of income (typically 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent), identification, and a credit check. Background checks include criminal history and eviction records. Most applicants hear back within 3 to 5 business days. The lease term is typically 12 months, with some flexibility for shorter terms during slow leasing periods. Move-in costs are substantial: first and last month's rent plus the security deposit plus the parking deposit if you reserve a space. The building does not impose application fees. Tours are available by appointment through the Bluerock leasing office.
Hours, Parking, and Getting There
The leasing office is located on the ground floor and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The attached parking lot is a reserved-spot system; spaces are not guaranteed at lease signing but assigned when available. Street parking is available but unreliable, especially weekday evenings. The Lexington Market Light Rail station is a three-minute walk; the Charles Street and Lombard Street bus lines also pass within one block. The building sits one block north of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District, which provides some foot traffic and cultural programming but remains quieter than neighborhoods closer to the water.
Merritt Station fills the niche for renters who value transit access and affordability over the walkability or finishes offered in Baltimore's more celebrated neighborhoods. For anyone relocating to Baltimore without a car, or changing jobs to a downtown location, it remains a practical entry point into city living.
