Greektown, Baltimore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greektown
|
|
|---|---|
|
Neighborhood of Baltimore
|
|
Sign for Greektown, December 2014.
|
|
 Greektown
Location in Baltimore
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| City | Baltimore |
| Named for | Greek-American ethnic heritage |
Greektown is a lively neighborhood found in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is known for its strong Greek American community.
The neighborhood has clear borders. To the north is Lombard Street. O'Donnell Street is to the south. South Haven marks the west, and I-895 is to the east. A main road called Eastern Avenue runs right through the middle of Greektown.
Greektown's History
Greektown has been home to a busy Greek American community since the 1930s. It was once simply known as The Hill. In the 1980s, the people living there asked the Baltimore City Council to officially change its name. They wanted it to be called Greektown, and the council agreed.
A scene from the movie Diner, directed by Barry Levinson, was filmed here. It shows a bridge at Fleet Street and South Newkirk Street.
The neighborhood started a big improvement project in 2001. This helped to make Greektown even better.
Life in Greektown Today
Greektown is a diverse place where many different people live. In 2010, about half of the residents were white. Other groups included Hispanic, African American, and Asian people. It is a community with many different backgrounds.
The neighborhood has many single-family townhouses. It is famous for its many restaurants serving authentic Greek food. You can also find Greek coffee houses and bakeries here. Many small businesses thrive in Greektown.
The Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a very important part of the community. It has about 1,000 members. The church helps lead efforts to improve the neighborhood. Greektown also hosts the yearly Baltimore Greek Festival and Parade. These events celebrate Greek culture with food, music, and dancing.
The streets that run north and south in Greektown follow a special pattern. Their names go in alphabetical order. These streets include Lehigh, Macon, Newkirk, Oldham, Ponca, Quail, Rappolla, Savage, Tolna, and Umbra.
Students in the area attend Dr. John Ruhrah Elementary Middle School. This school building was built in 1930 and is a city landmark.
Notable People
- Stavros Halkias, a well-known comedian, is from Greektown.
