Montgomery Arms Apartments in Baltimore: Affordable Mid-Rise Housing Near Downtown

Montgomery Arms is a 200-unit mid-rise apartment building in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, offering one- and two-bedroom floor plans at rental rates substantially below the neighborhood median. The building sits between Eastern Avenue and the harbor, within walking distance of the Cross Street Market and a half-mile from the Inner Harbor, placing residents near both local commerce and tourist attractions without the premium pricing those proximities typically command in Fells Point.

What Montgomery Arms Actually Is

Montgomery Arms operates as a conventional rental apartment community rather than a subsidized or income-restricted property. The building was constructed in the 1970s and maintains a stable occupancy typical of mid-range Baltimore rental stock. Units are unfurnished, and the property does not specialize in short-term or furnished leasing. The building is not luxury-focused; finishes are functional rather than contemporary, and amenities are limited to basics like an on-site laundry facility and a small lobby area.

Unit Types and Rental Pricing

One-bedroom apartments at Montgomery Arms rent in the $900 to $1,100 monthly range, while two-bedroom units fall between $1,200 and $1,450, depending on floor level and specific layout. These figures are current as of early 2025 and should be verified directly with the leasing office, as market-rate properties adjust pricing regularly. Utilities (water, sewer, trash) are included in rent; tenants pay their own electric and gas. There is no air conditioning standard in units, an important distinction in a Baltimore summer. The lease term is typically 12 months, with a security deposit equal to one month's rent required at signing.

How Montgomery Arms Compares to Other Fells Point and Near-Harbor Options

One-bedroom apartments in Fells Point average $1,300 to $1,600 monthly, making Montgomery Arms 15 to 25 percent cheaper than neighborhood competitors like the renovated lofts on Broadway or newer waterfront-adjacent buildings. The trade-off is visual: Montgomery Arms lacks the exposed brick, high ceilings, or water views that justify those higher rents. For renters prioritizing location and walkability over apartment finish quality, the cost savings are material. Canton, the adjacent neighborhood directly south, offers comparable or lower rents ($950 to $1,200 for one-bedrooms) with newer construction, but requires a 15-minute walk or a short drive to reach the same restaurant and retail core that Fells Point offers at street level. Federal Hill, west of the harbor, rents at similar rates to Fells Point proper and attracts a younger demographic; Montgomery Arms draws a quieter mix of long-term residents and professionals seeking stability over nightlife proximity.

Who It Suits and Who It Does Not

Montgomery Arms suits renters who work or spend significant time in Harbor East, Fells Point, or Canton and value short commutes over recently renovated interiors. It works for professionals in their late 20s through 40s who have outgrown student housing but do not need luxury finishes. Couples and small families without children benefit from the two-bedroom option and the relatively safe, walkable neighborhood. The building does not suit renters seeking modern appliances, in-unit climate control, or dedicated parking. It is not appropriate for renters with pets, as the building maintains a no-pets policy. Those drawn to Baltimore specifically for its gentrified waterfront lifestyle may find Montgomery Arms too plain, though residents consistently report satisfaction with the location and price combination.

The Leasing and Move-In Process

Prospective tenants apply in person at the leasing office on the building's ground floor or by mail. The application requires proof of income (typically at least 30 times the monthly rent annually), two references, and a background check covering criminal history and credit. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Once approved, tenants sign the lease, provide the security deposit and first month's rent, and receive keys. Move-in inspections are standard; tenants document the condition of the unit before occupying it, a step that protects both parties in disputes over wear and tear at lease end.

Parking, Hours, and Logistics

Montgomery Arms has no dedicated parking lot. On-street parking in Fells Point is permit-required for residents; Baltimore's Department of Transportation issues annual residential permits for approximately $130. Street parking is typically available within one block of the building, though availability varies by time of day and season. The leasing office is staffed weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Emergency maintenance is available 24/7 through the building's after-hours phone line. The property is accessible by the MTA's #10 bus line, which runs along Eastern Avenue toward downtown and Canton.

Montgomery Arms fills a specific role in Baltimore's rental market: a functional, affordably priced building in a genuinely walkable neighborhood where comparable newer stock costs substantially more. For renters who have mapped out their daily life around Fells Point and Harbor East, the cost-to-location ratio is difficult to match elsewhere in the city.