21217 ZIP Code: Living in Bolton Hill & Reservoir Hill, Baltimore, MD
Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024
ZIP code 21217 is in Baltimore City, Maryland, and covers Bolton Hill, Reservoir Hill, Druid Heights and Upton. Central West Baltimore with grand 19th-century rowhomes, MICA nearby and Druid Hill Park on its northern edge. About 30,792 people live in the 21217 ZIP code area.
21217 at a glance
Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21217, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.
What’s your 21217 home worth?
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Neighborhoods and communities in 21217
The 21217 ZIP code includes Bolton Hill, Reservoir Hill, Druid Heights and Upton. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.
Homes in 21217: what the housing looks like
Housing in 21217 is a mix of rowhomes, single-family homes and apartments. About 58% of homes were built before 1940, so expect older construction, plaster walls and period details. About 30% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners, so renting is common here.
| Type of home | Share of homes in 21217 |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 4% |
| Rowhomes and townhomes (attached) | 48% |
| 2–4 unit buildings | 21% |
| Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos) | 27% |
Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 19,995 housing units in total.
Commuting from 21217
Workers living in 21217 average a 32.6-minute commute, and about 22% ride public transit. About 14.9% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21217 ZIP code is from major job centers and travel hubs. These are straight-line distances; drive times depend on route and traffic.
| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| Downtown Baltimore | 2 miles |
| Washington, D.C. | 35 miles |
| BWI Airport | 9 miles |
| Annapolis | 24 miles |
| Fort Meade | 15 miles |
| Columbia Town Center | 14 miles |
| Towson | 7 miles |
Living in Baltimore City: what to know
Baltimore City is its own jurisdiction, separate from Baltimore County. It sets its own property tax rate, which is higher than the surrounding counties, and some city homes carry ground rent. The city also offers homebuying incentives for qualifying buyers.
Public schools in 21217 are run by Baltimore City Public Schools. Assignments go by street address, not ZIP code, so use the district’s school locator for a specific home. To compare schools, see the Maryland State Department of Education Report Card.
For taxes, commuting and lifestyle across the county, read our Baltimore City relocation guide. For parks and trails, see Baltimore City parks.
ZIP codes near 21217
- 21201 – Downtown, Baltimore
- 21211 – Hampden, Baltimore
- 21202 – Downtown, Baltimore
- 21216 – Walbrook, Baltimore
- 21223 – Hollins Market, Baltimore
- 21218 – Charles Village, Baltimore
Looking at homes in 21217?
See every home for sale in this ZIP code, updated throughout the day, or ask a local agent about the neighborhoods here.
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21217 ZIP code: frequently asked questions
What county is ZIP code 21217 in?
ZIP code 21217 is in Baltimore City, Maryland.
What neighborhoods are in the 21217 ZIP code?
The 21217 ZIP code includes Bolton Hill, Reservoir Hill, Druid Heights and Upton.
What is the median home value in 21217?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21217 is about $180,100, according to Census American Community Survey estimates for 2020–2024. Current asking prices can differ, so check active listings for today’s market.
How far is 21217 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?
The center of the 21217 ZIP code is about 2 miles from downtown Baltimore and 35 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.
Where can I see homes for sale in 21217?
You can see all current homes for sale in 21217 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21217/.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21217; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.