Nestled between Bellona Avenue and York Road, just over the city line, the Rodgers Forge neighborhood embodies the humble character, small town feel, and work ethic of Baltimore.
Named after a family of Irish blacksmiths who settled on four acres in 1800, Rodgers Forge consists of more than 1700 red brick colonial homes with varied fronts. Some have porches, others bay windows, and all have small lawns and beautiful, majestic sycamore and cedar trees.
It remains a great place to raise children because of the excellent schools.
“My daughter Lea went through Rodgers Forge Elementary, Dumbarton Middle School, and Towson High,” said Caryn Coyle, a resident since the early ‘90s.
“I couldn’t have asked for better schools.”
The neighborhood was built in the 1920s and it expanded with the housing boom after World War II. Over the past five decades as one of Baltimore County’s most sought after locations for families, Rodgers Forge has also upheld its long-standing tradition for parades, block parties, and celebrations.
A recent parade in honor of Michael Phelps traveled down York Road past his former street. He grew up in the 300 block of Hopkins Road – in the original section. Forge residents lined sidewalks applauding their world class neighbor.
“Halloween is the biggest party of the year,” said Coyle.
The children parade in their costumes and ghoulish delegations from surrounding areas show up after dark for the best trick or treating around. The neighbors hold cook-outs and build bonfires on their shared front lawns, handing out candy.
On July 4th, kids decorate their bikes and parade around the Tot-Lot.
The epicenter of the neighborhood is the “Tot-Lot, a wide stretch of green lawn between Dunkirk and Blenheim Roads with a large selection of swings, sandboxes, miniature play houses and a “jungle gym.”
“It’s the only neighborhood playground I have ever known of where people actually bring toys and leave them there for others to play with,” said resident Tim McQuillan.
Homes in Rodgers Forge range from the high $200s to the mid $300s, with the corner row homes having an extra floor and an additional full bath.
“The sense of community is strong. Beyond living close together, this neighborhood always seems to bring out the desire in neighbors to be respectful, sociable and even protective of one another,” said McQuillan.
Families look out for one another.
“If there is a neighbor who needs help, people easily reach out,” said McQuillan.
Rodgers Forge is close to Belvedere Square and restaurants such as Grand Cru, Ryan’s Daughter and Zen West as well as the Senator Theatre. On York Road, opposite the Forge are Uncle Wiggly’s Ice Cream and Ayd Hardware — neighborhood favorites.
The closeness of the homes helps forge lasting relationships.
“Lea turned 21 last month,” says Coyle. “A delegation of her friends from the Forge traveled to Philadelphia where she goes to college to celebrate.”
10 Things Rodgers Forge
Uncle Wiggly’s Ice Cream
This neighborhood ice cream and gathering place at 6911 York Road features 40 flavors of ice cream, a large menu of deli sandwiches including the Raven and the Wiggletoni, and delicious milk shakes.
Rodgers Forge Tot Lot
The “Tot lot” – bordered by Bellona and Blenheim Road — is the main attraction for children living in the Forge. It is also the spot for the July 4th celebration. Slides, swings, seesaws, climbing gyms, and a sandbox make this a major neighborhood meeting place.
Rodgers Forge Elementary
This school is one of only a handful of Baltimore County elementary schools with its own 25-station wireless, mobile laptop lab and SmartBoards (portable, interactive whiteboards.) To maintain its high standards of educational excellence, the Rodgers Forge School team of community representatives, parents, and staff, completes a yearly strategic plan, called the School Improvement Plan. The school, at 250 Dumbarton Road, has a program for gifted and talented students.
Ryan’s Daughter
Named after the Academy Award-Winning film about an Irish girl who falls in love with a British Soldier during World War II, the restaurant is a “wee spot” of Ireland in Baltimore for anyone who seeks a comfortable, and energetic setting for food and fun. Specialties include Shepherd’s Pie and half-price burgers.
Dumbarton Middle School
Awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon for excellence in 1998 and recently featured on NBC News for its diversity, Dumbarton Middle at 300 Dumbarton Road, offers Latin, a language only available at one other public middle school in Maryland. Dumbarton also has one of the largest ESOL programs in the Baltimore County Public School system. Michael Phelps is a famous alumnus.
Eddie’s Supermarket
This neighborhood grocery store at 6213 Charles Street is a Baltimore institution with a history as rich as Rodgers Forge. Back in the 1950’s, Eddie’s became known for going the extra mile by not just selling hams and turkeys, but roasting them for customers. Homemade soups filled the store with wonderful aromas. It became the foundation of their popular “Gourmet to Go” meals.
Senator Theatre
An Art Deco movie house built in 1939, the Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road, features a massive, modern 40 ft curved screen, state of the art projection systems, and Dolby Digital sound with surround EX. The lobby still contains the original terrazzo floors, and art deco murals about the history of performing arts. The theatre’s interior is accented by a back lit sun-burst at the apex of the screen, and rainbow prisms in the recessed ceiling.
Belvedere Square
Located at the southeast corner of York Road and Northern Parkway, Belvedere Square, 518 E. Belvedere Ave. offers a dynamic mix of retail shopping, dining, and a fresh market that’s second to none. Whether you’re seeking high fashion, a delicious meal, produce fresh from Maryland’s farms, a premium vintage, the ideal gift, or, simply a place to take the family for a casual meal, Belvedere Square is a cool spot to hang.
Ayd Hardware
A family owned business with a focus on customer service, Ayd Hardware, 6801 York Road, opened in 1974 with the goal of providing a wide variety of goods & services to the community. “We’re here to help you fix it” is their motto. Three decades have passed and after many changes & challenges to the retail hardware industry, family-owned Ayd Hardware remains.
Café Zen
One of Baltimore’s best Chinese restaurants. Café Zen, 438 East Belvedere, has got to be one of the most vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Baltimore. The restaurant embraces
The Chinese tradition of vegetable dishes, serving terrific garlic spinach and string beans rolled in scallion pancakes in place of the generic-veggies-in-gloppy-sauce most places try to get away with. The sushi is great too.
Zen West
The fish tacos remain a popular item and the buoyant atmosphere of this Texas-influenced Mexican restaurant at 5916 York Road, is a stark contrast to its companion, Café Zen. It’s a great spot for families, while the large bar area attracts young professionals, neighborhood residents and local college students alike.
Grand Cru Wine Bar
Although it’s not a full-service restaurant, some noshes–smoked salmon, olives and cheeses–are served, along with Atwater’s bread at this Belvedere Square wine bar and store. Three dozen small-vintner wines are available by the glass. For a small corkage fee, patrons can select from the more than 300 bottles for sale in the shop at 527 East Belvedere. Servers pour, then let patrons sniff, swirl and sip before selecting.
