The Greektown Community

Greektown, located in Southeast Baltimore, is one of the city's most vibrant and historically rich neighborhoods. It was established in the early 20th century as Greek immigrants began settling in the area, drawn by industrial job opportunities and a desire to build a close-knit community. By the 1930s and 1940s, the neighborhood had become a cultural hub for Baltimore’s Greek-American population, centered around the Greek Orthodox Church, family-owned restaurants, and local businesses.

Originally known as "The Hill," the area was renamed Greektown in the 1980s to honor its strong ethnic identity and cultural contributions. Over the decades, Greektown has maintained its unique character while also evolving into a diverse and welcoming community.

Greektown today is a unique blend of the old and new. While many of the original Greek-owned businesses remain, they are now complemented by a growing number of restaurants and shops that reflect the area’s evolving cultural landscape. Major revitalization efforts, including new housing developments and infrastructure improvements, have helped breathe new life into the neighborhood while respecting its history.

The Greektown Neighborhood Association (GNA) plays a key role in preserving the neighborhood’s heritage while guiding its growth. Through community events, beautification projects, public safety initiatives, and inclusive planning, GNA helps ensure that Greektown remains a vibrant, welcoming, and forward-looking community.

From its early days as a haven for Greek immigrants to its current status as a diverse and dynamic neighborhood, Greektown continues to be a place where tradition, resilience, and community spirit thrive.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Homewood Ave 1935-1936. Source: https://stnicholasmd.org/
Mural by local artist, Minas Konsolas of Leini Leftafkis from the novel, Orlo & Leini. Photography by Tracey Brown/Papercamera