Often, the first thing that comes to mind when you say "Towson" to a Maryland native is "college town." True, this Baltimore suburb is home to both Towson University and Goucher College, and it has all the energy and youthful excitement you'd expect from a university town. But Towson is so much more than that. It's a vibrant, diverse city in its own right with all the amenities of metropolitan life and with none of the big-city drawbacks.
Planning a move to the Baltimore area? Here's why Towson should top your list.
Towson's demographic profile reflects a well-educated, relatively affluent population with an even mix of singles, couples, and families. Nearly two-thirds of Towson residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, and the median household income is around $75,000 a year. The city offers a wealth of public amenities and parks with plenty of bike trails, jogging paths, and recreational areas, including Cromwell Valley Park, with 400+ acres to explore.
There are three branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Towson, book-lover's oases with adult and kid-friendly classes and events, and the Towson branch of the Baltimore Public Library system is a full-service research library with a cozy cafe and Kids Kingdom. Ukazoo Books is a rare indie bookstore with plenty of comfy seating, live readings, free hot beverages, and thousands of unusual books. The Towson Arts Collective hosts exhibits of local and regional artists and offers classes in a variety of media for budding and amateur artists.
With over 30 civic and homeowner associations in the Towson area, and a council of community organizations to help coordinate and unify their efforts, Towson's residents have an active say on their community governance. And every spring, there's the Towson Town Spring Festival, the second-largest outdoor street fair in the state, with live entertainment, amusement park rides, animals, exhibits, and the most delectable array of street food you can imagine.
If your idea of healthy living involves organic produce, free-range poultry, regular yoga, and maybe an acupuncture treatment or two, you'll find everything you need in Towson. There's a weekly farmer's market with seasonal veggies and homemade goods and MOM's Organic Market, a green marketplace with a focus on seasonal, local, and sustainable products. The Natural Market has organics, gluten-free products, ayurvedic oils, and a plethora of coffees, teas, herbs, and natural bath and beauty products.
Yoga enthusiasts have their choice of several studios right in Towson, and dozens more close by. The Women in Wellness Center offers nutrition services, acupuncture, and healthy living classes for the family.
No health enthusiast would be content without a few good juice and smoothie bars, and Towson doesn't disappoint. Zia's Cafe and the Wild Carrot are two local faves when it comes to bowls, wraps, salads, fresh-pressed juices and blends, and there's a Jamba Juice for quick smoothies on the go.
Towson's pedestrian-friendly downtown area is an entertainment mecca, with plenty of live music venues and theaters. The Ottobar, a rocking club known for its indie bands and up-and-coming talent, has hosted major names such as Drive-by Truckers, Maroon 5, and Quiet Riot. They're also famous for theme parties like Underground Dance Party, Pet Wedding, and Book Burning for Peace. The Rec Room, a local legend, has weekly live music and the city's best happy hour.
In addition to national cinema chains, you can follow York Road to the nationally acclaimed Senator Theatre, a historic 1930s venue considered one of the 20 best theaters in the world. Catch dance performances, plays ranging from Shakespeare to Bertolt Brecht, live debates, classic films, Towson Symphony Orchestra performances, and lecture series at Towson's Center for the Arts. You can also see some excellent performances at Goucher's Kraushaar Auditorium.
Sports fans can be part of a devoted and enthusiastic fan base supporting the local college teams; Towson is an NCAA Division I program in the Colonial Athletic Association, while Goucher is a Division III school in the Landmark Conference.
In a metro area of some 2.7 million people like Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs, there's pretty much nothing a serious shopper can't find. Fortunately, Towson residents don't have to travel far to find anything, from designer shoes to vintage gowns to cutting-edge consumer electronics. Towson Town Center is one of the largest malls in the state, with 184 stores and restaurants, including a Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang.
Specialty shoppers love the Shops at Kenilworth, a more intimate community mall with local favorites such as Stebbins Anderson, Towson Bootery, and the Corduroy Button. Kenilworth is well-known for its summer movie nights and holiday train garden each winter, familiar traditions for Towson families.
You can also find art galleries, antiques shops, and any number of vintage fashion boutiques and thrift shops for those one-of-a-kind furnishings and accessories. If the mood strikes, you can even browse the newest Maseratis and Porsches at the upscale dealerships on Kenilworth Drive.
One of Towson's finest features is its wide variety of neighborhoods and housing choices. Young singles and couples can choose from sleek city condos with amenities galore or affordable townhouses with patios and covered parking. Young families with children have affordable options such as starter homes and new construction in planned communities with playgrounds and parks or established homes with lush lawns and mature trees. The median home price in Towson is $317,500, quite reasonable compared to some Baltimore suburbs.
In short, Towson is a great choice for anyone moving to the Baltimore area, with a diverse population, plenty of amenities and activities, reasonable commute times, and affordable housing for any budget.
