Almost all of the houses are old-style row houses, generally 14 feet wide, two and three stories tall. Many have rooftop decks which permit a harbor view. But unusual styles are available, including apartments in a converted church, a recycled high school and a spectacular home in a converted fire house. There are several apartment houses. Most of the homes have been rehabbed in the past 15-20 years to a very high standard.
Few houses have garages.
Most residents park on the street. Parking without permits is restricted to two hours during weekdays and is prohibited evenings and Sundays after 2 P.M. Federal Hill was discovered by Captain John Smith in 1608 on his first exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. It earned its name in 1788, when thousands of Baltimoreans marched from Fells Point to the hill in celebration of the Maryland General Assembly's ratification of the Constitution. Subsequently it was the scene of other civic celebrations. Shortly after Independence, an observatory was erected on the hill so merchants could get advance warning of the arrival of their vessels.