It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Baltimore, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very”
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone in my circle of friends and family”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and people. An evaluation was performed the same day I called about needing the service. They are very sensitive to your needs and follow through to make sure they are met in to the highest degree.”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us with sitting services for my father in a dementia facility after his return from a hospitalization but they have really gone above and beyond. She has been an amazing resource and really cares about helping people. I am a nurse myself and so impressed with how proactive and helpful she has been, far beyond just sitting services. Very appreciated and much needed. I would absolutely recommend using her and her company to help you and your loved ones.”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the senior care industry, Always Best Care has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to working with, and educating families on options and resources. I am always happy to work with them, knowing they will provide the best care and options for the families they serve!”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute we reached out to Haley, the owner of ABC, we have received excellent service. Haley responded to all of our concerns and has gone above and beyond to be sure our loved one has what is needed. Haley and her team at ABC were able to set up care for our loved one on very short notice. Working with Haley has made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. THANK YOU!”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly recommend!!!”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband was diagnosed with cancer. It was a diagnosis that came out of left field. It left them reeling with every unknown when they were told it had developed and progressed rapidly. I called a friend, who lives in my home state, to ask if she knew of any companies that could not only provide health care services to my PA friends, but be ready to do so without delays. She referred me to Haley Davis with Always Best Care Senior Services. I called as soon as I hung up. I left a voicemail, and received a call from Haley within 10 minutes. Providing as much detail and information as I could, I was assured they would be able to provide different levels of care as they were needed. She also said that I, or any member of my friends’ family, could call her if we needed anything. Today my PA friend said she emailed Always Best Care Senior Services last night. Later today I heard that Haley responded, and services were put into place. The absolute last thing anyone should have to be concerned about when they are emotionally overwhelmed and physically depleted from a devastating disease is dealing with automated phone systems, reaching the correct departments, filing requests in triplicate, and being told they’ll be put on a waiting list. Absolute Best Care Senior Services is just what the name says. They aren’t just able to provide the services that will be needed, they provide the peace of mind that allows their clients to focus on themselves. That’s what caring and compassion are about. I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude. Thank you.”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day we got in touch with Haley Davis, the owner/president of Always Best. She came to our home (within hours) on her day off. Had rented a wheelchair, reserved transportation to get our mom home, set up a nurse assessment and RN in-home care within 24 hrs! Our family couldn't be more pleased and appreciative of Haley and her team... class act!”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as she left rehab. Very flexible with scheduling and hours. Competitive pricing. I would recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my Mom’s heart surgery. Haley, Erin and Rebecca were all fabulous, super responsive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We very highly recommend them!”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been incredible! I love the communication, the dedication and consistency to helping others. Meeting new clients/patients is exciting and gives me purpose! Knowing I can be assistance to help others that need just a bit extra is an amazing feeling! This company is like a family as well as our clients. We treat everyone with the dignity and care that everyone should be entitled to. Despite being employed with the company, I would still offer these services to friends and family! :)”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very caring and compassionate. This is is the group that you should consider for any of your loved ones assistance! Highly recommend them!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Druid Hill Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Charleston or visit Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Baltimore, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Baltimore, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Baltimore, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
BALTIMORE, MD—Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the incredible women who’ve helped shape our lives. While flowers, chocolates, and spa vouchers are always appreciated, there’s something extra meaningful about sitting down for a great meal together. But if moms got to pick the restaurant, where would they most want to go?To find out exactly where moms really want to dine on their special day, Mixbook, the #1 rated photobook agency, survey...
BALTIMORE, MD—Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the incredible women who’ve helped shape our lives. While flowers, chocolates, and spa vouchers are always appreciated, there’s something extra meaningful about sitting down for a great meal together. But if moms got to pick the restaurant, where would they most want to go?
To find out exactly where moms really want to dine on their special day, Mixbook, the #1 rated photobook agency, surveyed 3,014 mothers. The goal? To uncover the most coveted local Mother’s Day restaurants, from elegant brunch spots to cozy neighborhood favorites and dreamy fine-dining destinations.
Here are Maryland moms’ top picks:
#1 The Milton Inn, Sparks
For a Mother’s Day filled with historic charm and fine dining, The Milton Inn in Sparks offers a setting as elegant as it is inviting. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century stone building, this renowned restaurant provides a refined yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for marking a special occasion. The Milton Inn’s brunch and dinner menus highlight carefully crafted, seasonal dishes that showcase both classic and contemporary flavors. The warm, sophisticated ambiance—complete with rustic wood beams, fireplaces, and impeccable service—creates an intimate and memorable experience for families looking to celebrate in style.
#2 Mon Ami Gabi, Bethesda
For a Mother’s Day celebration with Parisian flair, Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda offers an elegant and timeless dining experience. This classic French bistro is known for its sophisticated yet approachable ambiance, where guests can savor the romance of French cuisine in a charming setting. The weekend brunch at Mon Ami Gabi is a delightful affair, featuring an array of beautifully prepared French favorites, from delicate crêpes to expertly baked quiche. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch with a sparkling mimosa or gathering for an intimate Sunday dinner, the experience is elevated by attentive service and an extensive selection of fine wines. With its refined yet inviting atmosphere, Mon Ami Gabi brings a taste of France to Maryland, making it the perfect place to indulge Mom in a truly special celebration.
#3 Maggie’s Farm, Baltimore
For a Mother’s Day celebration that feels both cozy and vibrant, Maggie’s Farm in Baltimore is a wonderful choice. This beloved neighborhood gem is known for its welcoming atmosphere, commitment to locally sourced ingredients, and creative takes on farm-to-table cuisine. Saturdays and Sundays at Maggie’s Farm bring a lively and flavorful brunch, where guests can enjoy a mix of comforting classics and inventive seasonal dishes. The laid-back yet stylish setting, combined with handcrafted cocktails and fresh-brewed coffee, makes it the perfect place for families to gather and celebrate Mom in a warm, inviting space.
“Mother’s Day is about more than just gifts – it’s about connection,” says a spokesperson for Mixbook. “We wanted to find out where moms truly want to spend quality time with their loved ones, and these restaurants reflect that mix of heart, setting, and unforgettable food. It’s about creating memories – one meal at a time.”
The full nationwide list can be viewed online here.
Photo via Pixabay
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BALTIMORE, MD — Three Maryland journalists won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting on Monday.Alissa Zhu, Nick Thieme and Jessica Gallagher of The Baltimore Banner and The New York Times took home the honor for their coverage of overdoses in Baltimore.This is The Banner's first Pulitzer Prize, considered journalism's highest h...
BALTIMORE, MD — Three Maryland journalists won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting on Monday.
Alissa Zhu, Nick Thieme and Jessica Gallagher of The Baltimore Banner and The New York Times took home the honor for their coverage of overdoses in Baltimore.
This is The Banner's first Pulitzer Prize, considered journalism's highest honor, since the nonprofit news outlet launched three years ago.
The Pulitzer board applauded the reporters' "compassionate investigative series that captured the breathtaking dimensions of Baltimore's fentanyl crisis and its disproportionate impact on older Black men." It noted that the Banner had created a "sophisticated statistical model" that it shared with nine other newsrooms across the country so they could pursue their own versions of the investigation.
The two-year project started as part of a fellowship that Zhu completed with The Times from 2023 to 2024 that provided resources and coaching for local investigations that require significant time and effort.
"A deep dive on drug overdoses was one of The Banner's first big story ideas, when our editor Kimi Yoshino recognized that a crisis that was killing thousands in the city had been largely overlooked. We began to dig. We sued to obtain data that had been kept from the public's view and scoured the city for stories from mothers who have buried children, people struggling with addiction and frontline workers fighting to save lives every day," Zhu said in a press release, according to Poynter. "As a result, our team is honored to accept the organization's first Pulitzer Prize. We are even more honored to see the information we brought to light is now helping shape new conversations, policies and programs to tackle overdoses in our city and state."
What is the best internet provider in Baltimore? After thorough research and testing, CNET's experts have chosen Xfinity as the best internet provider for most households in Baltimore, Maryland. This is due to Xfinity's wide availability across the city and its affordable high-speed internet plans. However, if Xfinity isn't availab...
After thorough research and testing, CNET's experts have chosen Xfinity as the best internet provider for most households in Baltimore, Maryland. This is due to Xfinity's wide availability across the city and its affordable high-speed internet plans. However, if Xfinity isn't available at your address, Verizon Fios and satellite internet provider Viasat are also solid picks.
In Charm City, Xfinity has the cheapest internet option, offering 400 megabits per second for just $30 a month. For those seeking the fastest speeds in Baltimore, Xfinity boasts a broadband option with speeds of 2,100Mbps for $85 per month.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Among all internet providers in Baltimore, the average starting price is around $51 per month. Xfinity has the lowest starting price of $30 for speeds up to 400Mbps, but the price rises by $63 after 12 months.
Another cheap option is Port Networks, which offers plans at $50 a month to customers in its footprint for download speeds of up to 100Mbps.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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The best internet deals and top promotions in Baltimore depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Baltimore internet providers, such as Xfinity, T-Mobile Home Internet and Port Networks, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Other providers, such as Verizon Fios, may run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Internet speeds in Baltimore -- median download speeds of 197Mbps -- are lower than the state (226Mbps) and the national average (280Mbps), according to Ookla's latest speed test data. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Many factors -- including equipment, connection mode, and the internet plan itself -- affect speed test results. Your results might vary greatly.
The city’s average download speed may not be impressive, but you can find much faster speeds with most providers in Baltimore. Xfinity, for example, offers a speed tier of up to 2 gigs in the Baltimore area. Verizon offers fiber-optic internet service in Baltimore, with download speeds of up to 1 gig and upload speeds of 880Mbps.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Like many cities, Baltimore has grappled with rural dead zones and a digital divide for years. According to the Baltimore Community Foundation, about 40% of the city's households did not have access to the internet during the pandemic. This imposed restrictions on many households, preventing children from learning remotely due to lacking access to telehealth.
Baltimore is taking steps -- like opening its Office of Broadband and Digital Equity -- to expand internet access to all of its residents. The city promises it will permanently close its digital divide by 2030.
Fiber internet is typically a better option than cable internet, but that’s not the case in Baltimore. Verizon Fios simply doesn’t cover enough people in the area. If you can get it, great. Start there. For most in Baltimore, the best option is Xfinity, which offers fast, reliable service with several plans to suit just about any household.
A U.S. judge is allowing victims of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to individually sue the church, even though the organization filed for bankruptcy.For more than a year and a half, victims have been prohibited from suing the church, and instead forced to go through the bankruptcy process, which involves filing a claim and waiting for mediation to resolve what the archdiocese can pay out.However, recent changes to Maryland’s Child Victims Act have complicated that process and necessitated a decision from U.S. Bankruptcy Jud...
A U.S. judge is allowing victims of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to individually sue the church, even though the organization filed for bankruptcy.
For more than a year and a half, victims have been prohibited from suing the church, and instead forced to go through the bankruptcy process, which involves filing a claim and waiting for mediation to resolve what the archdiocese can pay out.
However, recent changes to Maryland’s Child Victims Act have complicated that process and necessitated a decision from U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle Harner.
Under the original law, victims would be able to bring a case against their alleged abuser at any time and receive up to a $1.5 million payout. That would have been the option for victims if the bankruptcy negotiations failed and victims had to file suit outside of the bankruptcy proceedings.
A breakdown in bankruptcy negotiations is rare, but not unheard of said Phil Federico, a partner at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, which represents victims.
“Historically, when there is not a good faith effort on the part of the bankrupt or insurance companies involved with the bankrupt to resolve cases, the court has that option, and courts have done it before,” Federico said. “That is a very real possibility, because there certainly is precedent for it.”
However, confusion ensued when the Maryland General Assembly last month voted to change the Child Victims Act. The amendment to the law reduced the maximum of what survivors can receive from public institutions from $890,00 to $400,000.
It limits the cap on private institutions from $1.5 million to $700,000.
It also caps fees for attorneys at 20% for cases settled out of court and 25% for cases that go to trial.
But, cases that are filed before June 1 will not be subject to the new caps. That’s where Harner’s decision comes into play.
“What the judge said is “Look, I'm going to lift the automatic stay as to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and you can file those cases, but once you have a lawsuit pending, the bankruptcy will continue,’” said Robert Jenner managing partner at Jenner Law.
The cases will not go forward unless bankruptcy breaks down, but if it does, then the victims will be entitled to the maximum payout before the new caps go into effect.
Jenner described the work as a “herculean” task as law firms are trying to field all sexual abuse cases, even from outside the church, before the deadline passes.
“The lawyers will do it, because they have to do it,” Jenner said. “But it's no small feat.”
The Archdiocese of Baltimore did not respond in time to a request for comment on this article.
Maryland isn't a state I've explored as much as its neighbors, but every time I visit, I'm increasingly impressed with all it has to offer. One of my favorite things about the state and its largest city, Baltimore, is its convenience to new and unique places. There are a lot of fantastic day trips near Baltimore, Maryland, because the city is a perfect jum...
Maryland isn't a state I've explored as much as its neighbors, but every time I visit, I'm increasingly impressed with all it has to offer. One of my favorite things about the state and its largest city, Baltimore, is its convenience to new and unique places. There are a lot of fantastic day trips near Baltimore, Maryland, because the city is a perfect jumping-off point for other destinations. It's just outside the DC metro area, and conveniently close to parts of Virginia, making a great spot to stay if you're looking to explore the nation's capitol. It's also on the country's most frequent Amtrak route, the Northeast Regional, which means jumping up and down the coast between Boston and DC is a breeze. Here are just a few day trips from Baltimore that excite me.
Baltimore was one of the key sites in early American history, and its most famous site is Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Located on Locust Point with an incredible harbor view, this fort played a key role in the Battle of Baltimore, fending off the British Army during the War of 1812. The old cannons that played a key role are still present—and if you ask locals, so are the spirits of the brave men who fell in battle here.
One of my favorite local spots, this historic music venue is located in Alexandria less than an hour outside of the Baltimore area. As part of the DC metro area, it's very accessible, and I love its affordable ticket prices to see famous acts. I've been here twice, to see Chayce Beckham and Phil Vassar, and the music hall-style seating is a great place to see a show and have a classic Southern meal. I recommend the red beans and rice!
As a New Jersey resident, I love a good boardwalk. However, the Ocean City Boardwalk gives even our best a run for its money! Spanning miles with a convenient trolley ride along it, the area features some of the best attractions in the state, including an amusement park with some famous dark rides, an outpost of the popular Ripley's Believe It or Not franchise, and a world-famous seafood buffet named The Bonfire. This is a fantastic place to spend a few days during the summer when it's in full swing, but the 2.5-hour drive can be worked into a day trip with an early start.
I love aquariums, and I've visited them in NJ, NY, and Boston, but I don't think I've ever seen one as spectacular as the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Located in the city center, it's easy to spend the whole day here. The aquarium features hundreds of species in unique ecosystems; you'll find local species, exotic sea life from around the world, and even land animals in what feels a little more like a state-of-the-art zoo.
My favorite thing to do in the Baltimore area has got to be to head into the DC city center and explore the 17 museums that make up the Smithsonian Institution. The stunning dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum and the historic vessels on display at the Air & Space Museum are the most famous. Still, my favorite hidden gem has to be the National Museum of the American Indian, one of the newest museums. It's also home to Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, a culinary hidden gem spotlighting traditional tribal foods from around the country.
Have you taken any of these day trips near Baltimore, Maryland before? If not, make sure you tell your travel buddy about this article and plan out your own Baltimore adventures! If you're looking for a home base in the area, I was thrilled to find the Homewood Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor right in the city's center. I have always loved this chain for its conveniently large suites and its delicious complimentary breakfast buffet.
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