Woodlawn Village Apartments in Baltimore: Affordable Mid-Rise Living in Southwest Baltimore
Woodlawn Village Apartments is a 300-unit mid-rise complex in the Woodlawn neighborhood of southwest Baltimore, offering one- and two-bedroom units at below-market rents tied to area median income. The property sits two blocks from the intersection of Liberty Heights Avenue and Woodlawn Drive, within walking distance of the Woodlawn Metro station and close to retail along nearby shopping corridors.
What Woodlawn Village Actually Is
Woodlawn Village is income-restricted housing, meaning rent is pegged to a percentage of area median income (AMI) rather than set at market rate. The complex is privately managed but operates under affordability covenants that cap what tenants pay, making it distinct from market-rate apartments in the same neighborhood. Most units serve households earning 60 percent of AMI or below, though some units serve up to 80 percent AMI. The buildings are modest, mid-1980s construction, not luxury, but are maintained and regularly updated.
Unit Types and Rent Ranges
One-bedroom units rent from approximately $650 to $750 per month, while two-bedroom units range from roughly $800 to $950 per month, depending on income qualification and unit location within the complex. These figures are verified annually and adjusted for inflation; confirm current rates directly with the leasing office, as income limits and rent caps shift each year. Utility costs are the tenant's responsibility. A security deposit equal to one month's rent is required at move-in.
Comparison: Market-rate one-bedrooms in Woodlawn and adjacent neighborhoods typically rent for $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Properties like Mondawmin Commons (income-restricted, 60 percent AMI maximum) and private market buildings along the Canton or Federal Hill waterfront command double or triple Woodlawn Village's prices. Choose Woodlawn Village if you qualify income-wise and prioritize affordability; choose market-rate if you need flexibility in income or prefer newer finishes and amenities like fitness centers or rooftop decks.
Lease Terms and Eligibility
Standard leases are 12 months. Income verification is required at application: you'll need pay stubs, W-2s, or proof of benefits to confirm household income falls within the property's limits. The application process typically takes one to two weeks. Tenants with eviction history or unpaid judgments face barriers but are not automatically denied; screening is individualized. Once approved, tenants must recertify income annually; if income rises above the limit, rent will increase or you may be asked to leave at lease end, though this is enforced inconsistently across similar properties in Baltimore.
Who It Suits and Who It Doesn't
Woodlawn Village suits working families, seniors, and individuals on fixed incomes (Social Security, disability) who qualify by income and want stable, affordable housing in a Baltimore neighborhood. It's practical for renters who plan to stay 12+ months and have the documentation to prove income. It does not suit those above the income cap, those who need month-to-month flexibility, or renters with significant credit or eviction issues. It's also not ideal if you want modern amenities; Woodlawn Village lacks a fitness center, pool, or package room.
The Application Process
Visit the leasing office in person or call to request an application. You'll need a photo ID, proof of income (two most recent pay stubs or benefit letters), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease). The office will walk you through income qualification and explain the AMI calculation for your household size. Once submitted, expect a decision within 5 to 10 business days. No application fee is charged.
Location, Parking, and Getting There
Woodlawn Village sits at the corner of Liberty Heights and Woodlawn Drive, 0.3 miles from the Woodlawn Metro station on the Green Line, making car-free commuting possible for riders heading downtown or to other transit destinations. Free surface parking is provided on-site at no extra charge; most units include one dedicated space. The neighborhood offers modest walkability to corner stores and the Woodlawn Shopping Center, one block away, which includes a Food Lion and family-owned shops. Bus service on Liberty Heights Avenue connects to downtown and outlying areas.
Hours for the leasing office are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; call ahead to confirm weekend availability.
Woodlawn Village fills a specific need in Baltimore's rental landscape: it makes homeownership-level affordability available without subsidy to working renters who hit income thresholds, and it anchors a neighborhood that has struggled with disinvestment. The trade-off is simplicity over luxury, but for renters priced out of market-rate apartments, the math is clear.
