Chris Janian

A native Baltimorean, Chris Janian, not only lives in Harbor East, he works there, too. Chris, who says he's lived in Canton and Federal Hill before moving to the city's newest neighborhood moved to Harbor East because "you have everything right outside of your front door...the best restaurants and retail in the city and a great safe neighborhood."

"I moved six months ago. My job is right across the street, so I have an incredibly easy commute. All the amenities here are better than anything else. Within three blocks I have Whole Foods, CVS, Landmark Theater. My apartment is great. I have a water view and we have a pool. And, when you're at the pool, you feel like you're out of the city. It's a lush, landscaped pool and its unbelievable in the summer. Everybody goes out and they're fighting for chairs but you can't hear the city. All you can really here is the water," he says with a smile.

All Baltimore

Despite its ultra-modern high-rises and a distinct abscense of anything that resembles Baltimore, Chris says the neighborhood is still distinctly Baltimore.

"It's revolutionizing the way people feel about Baltimore. Before Harbor East, Downtown was dead after 5 p.m., so there was no real restaurant crowd besides the tourist and the retail was almost nowhere. People can feel safe in Harbor East coming from different parts of the city, from the suburbs," he explains.

"You really have a neighborhood that can be visited after work hours, during the day when people are working and on the weekends. Wherew physical Downtown Baltimore was lacking, now they're trying to keep up, putting in more restaurants and retail to make it vibrant. What really makes a good city is its vibrancy and Harbor East has helped Baltimore find that again," Chris says.

New York without the 'tude

It's like living in New York, according to Chris, with everything located within a few blocks.

Chris likes to eat and shop in the Harbor East. For a fancy meal, he heads over to Charleston. "Charleston is hands down the best in the city. Pazo is my go to for consistently great food and a fun atmosphere. The Newcomer, Talara has proven to be another great food and fun option as well."  

"South Moon Under and Urban Chic are always good shopping options during the week. And although its primarily a ladies' handbag and accessories store, Handbags in the City has a small section of wallets and bags for men.I love catching a movie at the Landmark," Chris says.

The best of Baltimore

The best things about Harbor east are that you can live in a beautiful apartment or condo, walk across the street to whole foods and the Maryland Athletic Club and feel safe anytime in the neighborhood because of the 24/7 security. Plus there are four nice hotels for friends and family to stay right across the street, notes Chris.

"People should visit Harbor East because of the shopping, restaurants and theater. [They] should move to Harbor East because it is a fun, vibrant, urban neighborhood that's expanding all the time," he concludes