Fells points and Fed hill are good places to look.

Federal Hill, Locust Point, Riverside and adjacent neighborhoods are great for young professionals, with or without kids. Very walkable with plenty of bars and restaurants. Added bonus of being right off of 95 avoids having to traverse through the city (Fells Point) or the tunnel (Canton, etc) to commute to Columbia.

I wouldn't do a neighborhood east of 83 unless you want to pay tolls or don't mind adding 10 or 15 minutes to the commute. Maybe longer in the evenings.

I used to live west of 83, and my commute was better/more predictable (although I was going to Rockville). Now I live east and it is easily 15 or 20 minutes longer in the evenings since I drive through the city to get home.

Another vote for Locust Point. Quiet and safe, easy walk to restaurants and bars and cafes. Riverside is a bit more bustling, and Fed Hill can get rowdy if that’s your speed. All three are an easy hop onto 95.

Your priority needs to be parking. If you’re commuting to Columbia by car, having your own parking spot is a deal breaker. Street parking in Locust Point is a bit easier than Fed or Riverside, but in many areas you’ll be circling for blocks after 6pm.

As others have said, I’d avoid anything east of 83 or that would require going through the tunnel(s). Editing to clarify: the tolls through the tunnels add up fast, and can add a significant amount of time to your commute (speaking from experience).

I live in Fed Hill and regularly commuted to Columbia for work. Would definitely suggest checking for places here as access to 95/295 is super easy. If you work weekends, just keep in mind that game day traffic can be awful.

Fells point is a pain in the ass when it comes to getting to 95. Unless you actually enjoy Lombard street’s maniacal game “what lane should we close this week?”

We are just in the process of moving out of Locust Point but it was fantastic for us when we were in your position - I commuted to college park, my husband commuted to Ellicott city, and we were young professionals in the city with no kids. Fed hill has a bit more nightlife but I prefer the slightly calmer pace or LP personally. If you want walkable coffee shops, ceremony coffee is excellent in that area though. :) can’t go wrong with either

I’m in pigtown and love it. It’s as hassle free as possible for commuting, east to get everywhere else in bmore and a chill neighborhood, mostly.

Another great part of Locust Point is the close green space to get outside: Latrobe Park and Ft McHenry.