The Tala at Washington Hill in Baltimore: Market-Rate Apartments in Midtown
The Tala at Washington Hill is a 285-unit residential building completed in 2021 on the corner of Washington Boulevard and North Avenue in Baltimore's Midtown neighborhood, offering market-rate one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments within walking distance of the University of Maryland, Baltimore medical campus and cultural institutions along the Avenue. It fills a specific niche: new construction on a prominent corner site that caters to young professionals and graduate students rather than luxury renters or subsidized housing seekers.
What the building actually is
The Tala occupies a six-story structure designed by Baltimore architecture firm Ziger/Snead. The project replaced a long-vacant industrial lot and sits at an active intersection where Washington Boulevard meets North Avenue, putting tenants within 0.2 miles of the Bouncing Tree coffee roastery, Station North galleries, and the core of Midtown's walkable retail. The building contains no parking lot; residents use a paid garage structure operated separately or rely on street parking and transit. The name references Tala, a traditional Samoan greeting, though the developer's rationale for the name choice is not publicly documented.
Unit types and pricing
The building offers 285 apartments across three bedroom counts. One-bedroom units range from roughly 650 to 750 square feet. Two-bedroom layouts span approximately 950 to 1,050 square feet. Three-bedroom units occupy roughly 1,200 to 1,350 square feet. Pricing as of late 2024 ranged from approximately $1,500 to $1,650 for one-bedrooms, $1,950 to $2,150 for two-bedrooms, and $2,400 to $2,650 for three-bedrooms, though rents in Midtown shift regularly; confirm current rates directly with the leasing office. All units include stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and in-unit washer-dryer hookups (hookups only, not machines provided). HVAC is zoned per unit. Leases start at 12 months.
Amenities and building services
Common areas include a fitness center on the ground floor, a co-working lounge designed to support remote workers, a package room for deliveries, and bike storage. The building does not have a pool, restaurant, or concierge. Pet policy allows two pets per unit with a one-time fee of $500 per pet and a $35 monthly per-pet charge; breed restrictions apply (verify specifics at lease signing). Trash removal and bulk item pickup follow Baltimore City schedules.
How it compares to other Baltimore apartments
The Tala sits in the mid-market segment, priced noticeably higher than older walk-ups in nearby Hampden or Fells Point but lower than luxury high-rises in Harbor East or Downtown. The closest comparable is One Lexington, a 14-story mixed-use building at the edge of Downtown that opened in 2017 and commands rents roughly 12 to 18 percent higher for similar square footage, though it includes a fitness center, parking structure on-site (at additional cost), and more dining options at street level. The Tala offers better walkability to academic and arts institutions; One Lexington trades that for proximity to financial district jobs and waterfront access. Both require separate parking payments.
For renters seeking new construction without premium pricing, The Tala competes against several earlier Midtown infill projects like the Henderson on North Avenue, which opened in 2017 and now prices slightly below The Tala for comparable units, though finishes are simpler and the building sits one block further from major cross-streets. The Tala's main trade-off is that Midtown location: cheaper than Harbor East or Federal Hill, denser foot traffic and fewer single-family alternatives than Canton, and no water views.
Who should and should not consider this building
The Tala suits professionals in health care, academia, and creative fields who work within a 10-minute commute of UMB, the Station North arts district, or Johns Hopkins institutions. Its in-unit washer hookups appeal to renters who prioritize convenience; its walkable corner location attracts those without a car or those who drive occasionally. The building does not suit renters seeking a quiet, low-density neighborhood; Washington Boulevard and North Avenue carry substantial traffic, and the surrounding area maintains a student-oriented nightlife density typical of Midtown.
It also does not suit renters looking for included parking or affordability below $1,500 per month, or those who need furnished units or short-term leases under 12 months.
The leasing process
Applications require proof of income (typically 30 times the monthly rent, or a guarantor), a credit report, and background screening. Leasing appointments are conducted in-person at the building's ground-floor office. Processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days. Move-in requires a security deposit equal to one month's rent plus the first month's rent. The building requires tenants to carry renters insurance (not provided).
Hours and logistics
The leasing office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Street parking is first-come, first-served; the off-site garage ($120 to $150 per month as of 2024, subject to change) is accessible via a pedestrian bridge. The building is accessible by the MTA 3 bus line running on North Avenue. Contact the leasing office directly to confirm current rates and parking availability.
The Tala fills a gap in Midtown's rental stock by offering modern construction and unit control without requiring either luxury pricing or a lengthy commute into Downtown. For Baltimore renters whose work centers on health care, the university, or the arts, it remains a straightforward option worth a leasing office visit.
