The Upton in Baltimore: A Mid-Rise Rental in a Walkable Neighborhood
The Upton is a mid-rise apartment building developed by Bozzuto in the Upton neighborhood, roughly two miles north of downtown Baltimore. It offers 261 rental units across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, positioned as a market-rate option in a historically residential area undergoing incremental commercial growth along North Avenue.
What The Upton actually is
Completed in 2017, The Upton occupies a full block on North Avenue between Fulton and Lanvale. The building is six stories and includes ground-floor retail space, a fitness center, a rooftop deck, and a bike storage room. Units feature in-unit washer-dryers, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and floor-to-ceiling windows in many layouts. The building's design acknowledges the neighborhood's rowhouse vernacular through its brick and glass exterior, though its scale and density differ sharply from surrounding blocks. Upton itself is mixed residential and commercial, anchored by the Auchentoroly Terrace public green space three blocks south, with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants dispersed along North Avenue and side streets.
Rent and lease terms
Rent varies by floor plan and lease length. As of early 2024, studios start around $1,300 monthly, one-bedrooms around $1,600, and two-bedrooms around $2,000; these figures shift seasonally and with unit-specific amenities. The building typically requires a 12-month lease, though shorter terms are occasionally available. A security deposit equal to one month's rent is standard. Lease renewals often include a small increase; Baltimore's lack of rent control means increases are negotiable but unregulated. Verify current pricing and move-in specials directly, as rental rates change quarterly in this segment.
The Upton accepts online applications, conducts background and credit checks, and generally requires proof of income at least 30 times the monthly rent (approximately $39,000 annual income for a $1,300 studio). Pet policies allow dogs and cats with a separate pet deposit, typically $250 to $500 per animal, plus monthly pet rent of $25 to $50.
How The Upton compares to other Baltimore rentals
Baltimore's rental market divides into several tiers. Buildings like The Upton occupy the middle ground: newer construction with consistent amenities, located outside the immediate downtown corridor but in neighborhoods with pedestrian infrastructure and local services. They differ from both luxury high-rises downtown (where rents exceed $2,500 for comparable one-bedrooms and parking is often required) and older walk-ups in Canton, Fells Point, or Federal Hill (where rents are similar but buildings lack elevators, in-unit laundry, and fitness centers). The trade-off is location: Upton residents are farther from the Inner Harbor and nightlife corridors but closer to transit and neighborhood stability.
Nearby alternatives include The Fitzgerald on North Avenue two blocks south (similar vintage and pricing), and Park Charles (one mile south, near Penn Station, with higher rents but closer to commuter rail). The Upton suits renters who prioritize modern amenities and walkability to neighborhood restaurants and shops over proximity to downtown entertainment. It does not suit those seeking luxury finishes, a car-free lifestyle (parking is limited and requires separate payment), or the social density of inner-harbor neighborhoods.
Who The Upton suits and does not suit
The building attracts young professionals, small families, and remote workers seeking a quieter neighborhood with local character and reliable building services. The in-unit laundry and fitness center appeal to renters who value convenience. The rooftop deck and ground-floor retail create informal community nodes. Limited parking (paid separately, around $100 to $150 monthly) makes it best for one-car or car-free households; those requiring multiple spaces should consider alternatives with surface lots. The neighborhood's walkability depends on personal tolerance: North Avenue is serviceable but not as dense or animated as Canton or Fells Point. Public transit (several MTA bus lines serve North Avenue) is adequate for downtown commutes but slower than driving.
Families with children may find the building suitable; the neighborhood includes nearby schools and the Auchentoroly green space, though schools in the zip code rank below Baltimore's highest-performing districts.
What to expect on a first visit
Leasing hours are typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends; confirm via phone or website. A first visit involves meeting a leasing agent in the ground-floor office, touring a model unit (exact layouts depend on availability), reviewing lease terms, and discussing move-in costs (first month's rent, deposit, any pet fees). The application process is completed online and takes 3 to 5 business days for approval. Parking validation for leasing visits is available; street parking around the building is free but often competitive on weekday evenings.
Parking and logistics
The Upton has a dedicated parking garage with approximately 260 spaces, fewer than the number of units. Parking is reserved, not included in rent, and costs $100 to $150 monthly depending on level and lease length. Street parking on surrounding blocks is free but unreliable. North Avenue is accessible by car from downtown via I-83 in roughly 10 minutes; Baltimore Street runs parallel one block south. The MTA operates bus routes along North Avenue (primarily the #3 and #10 lines), connecting Upton to downtown and outlying neighborhoods on a 15-to-30-minute schedule.
The Upton anchors a neighborhood that is still defining itself, offering modern rentals at mid-market rates without the premium for downtown proximity or the trade-offs of older stock elsewhere in Baltimore.
