Neighborhood Insights

Annapolis: Located on the banks of the Severn River, Maryland’s capital city is also “America’s Sailing Capital” and was recently listed among “America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Barron’s magazine also selected Annapolis as one of the top 10 places in the world to retire, citing its arts, history and wide range of activities and classes.

Brooklyn: This older residential area offers affordable housing options just minutes from downtown Baltimore.

Crofton: A growing commercial and residential area, Crofton was developed as a private community in 1964. Two private golf courses are in town.

Crownsville: On the southern shore of the Severn River, Crownsville is the site of the county fairgrounds and annual Renaissance Festival. Desirable waterfront properties are found within minutes of downtown Annapolis.

Gambrills: This unincorporated town, conveniently located between Baltimore and Annapolis, has undergone rapid economic development in recent years.

Glen Burnie: In the northernmost part of the county, Glen Burnie is close to downtown Baltimore and home to several public parks, a shopping mall and the Motor Vehicle Administration headquarters.

Linthicum/Linthicum Heights: A quick commute from Fort Meade, the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and downtown Baltimore, these up-and-coming communities feature single-family homes in a range of ages and styles.

Millersville: Inland from Crownsville, this former farm community turned suburban neighborhood is conveniently located in the center of the county. Affordable home offerings include townhouses.

Odenton: With its proximity to Fort Meade, Odenton became a “boom town” during World War II. Today it is one of the county’s fastest-growing areas, and the Odenton MARC station is one of the most heavily trafficked stops on the Penn Line.

Pasadena: Known for its waterfront properties and water-related activities, Pasadena is one of the more affordable communities in the county.

Severn: On the southern edge of town, Fort Meade is home to one of the largest workforces of all U.S. Army posts. Not surprisingly, Severn is poised for large growth as a result of BRAC initiatives. For convenient shopping, Arundel Mills is just a few miles away.

Severna Park: Well-established neighborhoods, excellent schools and waterfront living make this one of the more exclusive communities in the county. Single-family homes dominate the housing market, while residents enjoy close-to-home shopping at regional village centers.

Central Neighborhoods: This historic area offers a variety of social, cultural and entertainment options: galleries, theaters, restaurants and museums. Popular neighborhoods like Bolton Hill and Mount Vernon are coveted for their upscale row homes complete with traditional brown and white marble steps.

Eastern Neighborhoods: With Johns Hopkins Hospital at its heart, the area has undergone extraordinary revitalization efforts in recent decades. A $1.8 billion redevelopment project will result in 1,200 new or renovated townhomes, duplexes, apartments and senior housing.

Northeastern Neighborhoods: In this primarily residential area with diverse housing options, charming neighborhoods like Belair-Edison, Beverly Hills, Cedonia and Mayfield have young families who support the local churches, parks and schools. Housing options range from townhomes to Colonial mansions and Tudor-style duplexes.

Southeastern Neighborhoods: Large populations of residents with Polish, Greek, Italian and Hispanic ancestry make this one of the most ethnically diverse sections of the city. Waterfront communities like Butchers Hill, Canton and Fells Point are popular among young professionals who fall in love with the area’s two- and three-story row homes, downtown jobs, quaint shops, pubs and local eateries.

Southern Neighborhoods: Amid a mix of residential and industrial areas, locals like to hang out at one of the many neighborhood parks, walk to the local fish market or catch some sports action at M&T Bank Stadium or Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Otterbein and Federal Hill offer well-kept, rehabilitated row homes dating back to the 19th century, featuring rooftop decks and splendid views of the Inner Harbor.

Southwestern Neighborhoods: Family-oriented communities like Dickeyville and Hunting Ridge feature traditional row homes and single-family residences amid a hilly terrain. Local green areas like Gwynns Falls and Leakin Park are readily available, and commuters enjoy easy access to I-95, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and downtown Baltimore.

Northern Neighborhoods: A suburban community amid city living: Roland Park and Guilford feature stately mansions and elite private schools, while the Victorian-style row homes of Charles Village are being occupied by an influx of bohemians and students from neighboring Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College and the College of Notre Dame. Hampden consists of colorful row homes together with plenty of eclectic shops and dining along its commercial strip.

Northwestern Neighborhoods: This economically and architecturally diverse area, complete with churches, synagogues and neighborhood parks give the neighborhoods of Ashburton, Clyburn, Forest Park and Windsor Hills a suburban feel.

Western Neighborhoods: Middle- and working-class communities filled with brick and front-porch row homes are populated by college students, young professionals and retirees. Some larger homes sit upon a hilly landscape.

Arbutus: Family homes dominate this community, located minutes from downtown Baltimore via I-95.

Catonsville: Turn-of-the-century Victorian and Colonial houses sit alongside notable area hospitals and colleges. I-70 and I-695 put Catonsville within minutes of key destinations like BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Cockeysville: This affluent community near Lutherville and Timonium is known for its antiques shops and Oregon Ridge Nature Center.

Dundalk: Waterfront housing is located along the Chesapeake Bay. The Historic Dundalk Village Shopping Center is a mix of offices and local merchants.

Essex: Detached homes, condominiums, parks and marinas populate this shorefront community. The proximity of the Chesapeake Bay makes fishing and sailing everyday activities among the locals.

Hunt Valley: Hunt Valley Towne Center is the area’s biggest commercial attraction, with hotels, luxury stores and various entertainment options. McCormick & Co. and Procter & Gamble operate here, with easy light-rail access to downtown Baltimore.

Lutherville: Its past life as a summer resort area is captured in many Victorian structures. I-83 offers quick commuter access to destinations north and south.

Middle River: Waterfront communities offer an array of housing, including one- and two-car garage townhomes and single-family dwellings. U.S. Route 43, U.S. Route 40, I-695 and I-95 make traveling convenient.

Monkton: Stately homes, horse farms and wide-open landscapes are Monkton’s claim to fame. A popular attraction is the 22-acre Ladew Topiary Gardens.

Owings Mills: This white-collar community includes condos, single-family homes, townhouses, restaurants and Owings Mills Mall. Commuters use a variety of transportation options, including I-695, I-795, the Metro subway system and public buses.

Parkton: Moments from I-83, Parkton is a small, rural town with rolling hills that serve as a backdrop to Woodhall Wine Cellars.

Parkville: A quiet enclave convenient to Towson, White Marsh and I-95 (via I-695), Parkville has many detached, Cape Cod-style homes.

Perry Hall: Located next to White Marsh and just 10 miles northeast of Baltimore City, this family community features good schools, quality homes and well-utilized recreational areas surrounding U.S. Route 1.

Phoenix: Opulent properties and a country-like appeal characterize this fast-growing area near Hunt Valley.

Pikesville: A quaint commercial district that brings big-name stores together with neighborhood shops.

Randallstown: A long-established community, Randallstown offers mixed housing, including single-family homes and apartments. I-695 and I-795 provide access to Carroll and Howard counties and Baltimore City.

Reisterstown: Next to Owings Mills along I-795, you can find this Main Street community of single-family homes and family-owned shops.

Rosedale: U.S. Route 40 runs from Baltimore into this community, which is a mix of industrial and residential areas featuring single-family homes.

Timonium: Conveniently located off I-83, Timonium is home to well-established neighborhoods and busy shopping centers, as well as the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

Towson: The Baltimore County seat is suburbia with an urban appeal, thanks to a thriving downtown, shopping areas like Towson Town Center and The Shops at Kenilworth, restaurants, condominums, local colleges and detached homes along tree-lined streets. Access to I-695 and I-83 make Towson very commuter-friendly.

White Hall: Horse farms and million-dollar homes make this area particularly picturesque.

White Marsh: An important county growth area, White Marsh is an entertainment and shopping hot spot thanks to The Avenue, Nottingham Square and White Marsh Mall, the second-largest regional mall in the Baltimore area.

Eldersburg: Located along Rt. 26 five miles south of Sykesville, small-town Eldersburg is becoming increasingly suburban as restaurants, malls and shopping centers greet highway travelers.

Finksburg: Found just over the Baltimore County line at the intersection of Rt. 91 and Rt. 140, Finksburg is an unincorporated town built around portions of the recreation-rich Liberty Reservoir and Patapsco River.

Hampstead: The farming community of Hampstead has plenty of family charm, with excellent schools, churches and recreational opportunities amid an array of housing options – from large Victorian homes to new developments.

Manchester: Blending old and new, Manchester features housing developments surrounding a quaint downtown district with a decidedly small-town feel. More parkland is found in Manchester than any other Carroll County town.

Mount Airy: Commuting to Baltimore or Washington, D.C., is easy from this desirable rural area resting at the junction of Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties. Downtown Mount Airy offers a dynamic mix of locally owned shops, antiques stores and boutiques.

New Windsor: Despite new popularity in the housing industry, much of New Windsor holds onto its history with architectural reminders of the 18th century. Centrally located just six miles southwest of Westminster, this small municipality is home to the Uniontown Historic District.

Sykesville: Located along Rt. 26 in the southeast corner of Carroll County, historic Sykesville is proud of its “old-town America” flavor. A rich past is on display at locally owned shops and eateries, and celebrated during many events held throughout the year.

Taneytown: Linked directly to Frederick and Baltimore via Rts. 140 and 194, Taneytown rests halfway between Washington, D.C., and York, Pa., and just miles from Gettysburg. Civil War signage and historic landmarks enhance the character of the town.

Union Bridge: In the heart of the Piedmont Plateau about 40 miles from Baltimore, Union Bridge has grown slowly over the years while holding on to a proud heritage.

Westminster: Full of tradition and history, the county seat is the most populated city in the county, building on a fast-growing commercial and industrial base. The school system is consistently ranked as one of the best in Maryland.

Cecilton: With the Chesapeake Bay just off to its west, the quiet Cecilton community is dotted with many summer residences. A bank, post office, small shops and restaurants line Main Street, the heart of the town. The Stemmers Run Boat Launch offers access to the Sassafras River.

Charlestown: A water-oriented municipality with a population hovering around 1,000, Charlestown features four marinas, a popular wharf and a general store. Commuting is easy from Rt. 40 or I-95.

Chesapeake City: Tucked along the southern banks of the Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal, Chesapeake City maintains a historic feel with picturesque, 19th-century structures occupied by quaint shops, waterfront restaurants, and bed and breakfasts.

Elkton: The county seat since 1787, Elkton is located at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay and is home to many beautiful Colonial structures. Office buildings, courthouses, a hospital and retail establishments contribute to an active business community.

North East: Resting at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in the center of the county, this scenic, growing community is a short drive from I-95. Defined by its pedestrian-friendly patch of antiques and collectibles shops, North East also has restaurants, a museum, golfing, Cecil College and Elk Neck State Park, home of the Turkey Point Lighthouse.

Perryville: As the county’s second largest municipality, Perryville continues to expand. It is home to the county’s second largest employer, Perry Point VA Medical Center, as well as a living landmark, the Cecil County Holly Tree. Commuters can jump right on I-95 or take advantage of the local MARC train stop. A large outlet center and popular waterfront park round out Perryville’s appeal.

Port Deposit: Nestled between granite cliffs and the Susquehanna River, Port Deposit retains much of the appeal it enjoyed as a booming shipping center in the 1800s. Fascinating architecture, river fishing and unique eateries lend a special flavor to the area.

Rising Sun: In the 1700s, this frontier town marked the intersection of five wagon trails in the northern part of the county. While welcoming recreational visitors to sites such as Plumpton Park Zoo and Cecil County Dragway, Rising Sun also balances down-home charm with a healthy influx of new businesses and homes.

Aberdeen: Convenient to I-95, this town has grown up around the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, Harford County’s largest employer. Family-oriented communities and activities characterize Aberdeen. Ripken Stadium, developed by hometown hero Cal Ripken Jr., hosts youth-oriented baseball tournaments and is the summer home for a minor-league team, the Aberdeen IronBirds.

Abingdon: This suburban area near I-95 and Rt. 40 features close-knit communities surrounding wooded areas, parkland and a large branch of the Harford County Public Library system.

Bel Air: The Harford County seat is home to government offices, the courthouse and a revitalized downtown area. A mall, several shopping centers and the recently expanded Upper Chesapeake Health System complex are convenient to various housing options ranging from Colonial homes to modern residential developments.

Edgewood: Located along the Rt. 40 corridor, this town has grown up around a 90-year-old chemical biological center known locally as Edgewood Arsenal, a branch of the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Fallston: Convenient to I-95 but still rural in flavor, Fallston is a residential community with large single-family homes and several horse farms. A very desirable school system goes hand in hand with active recreational programs.

Havre de Grace: This “Harbor of Grace” is located on the Susquehanna River and has become known as the “Decoy Capital of the World” for its interest in wooden wildfowl carvings. A revitalized downtown waterfront area is brimming with seafood restaurants and specialty shops. Housing options range from apartments and townhouses to individual homes and waterfront condominiums.

Joppa: Its location on the Rt. 40 corridor provides quick access to downtown Baltimore, but Joppa (which includes the Joppatowne planned unit development) has a decidedly rural feel thanks to waterfront neighborhoods that border Mariner Point Park.

Clarksville: One of the most affluent towns in America, this rapidly growing rural community is prized for its highly regarded public school system and easy commute to either Baltimore or Washington, D.C. At the town’s heart is River Hill, which, despite being the last village developed as part of the Columbia Town Plan, is largely disconnected from the rest of the city by parkland. The River Hill village center is popular for its shopping and dining options.

Columbia: Created by the Rouse Company in the 1960s and founded on the idea that a city should enhance the residents’ quality of life, Columbia is a planned community of nine self-contained villages fanned out around a bustling town center. The Columbia Association offers residents a wide range of cultural, recreational and community service programs. Housing options include apartment rentals, townhouses and single-family homes in a wide price range.

Elkridge: Just minutes from I-95 and the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, this historic port community along the Patapsco River is now better known for Patapsco Valley State Park and one of the region’s top golf courses, the Timbers at Troy.

Ellicott City: Recently ranked among the best places to live in the United States by Money magazine, the Howard County seat is a pleasing mix of old and new. Historic homes and antiques shops fill the supposedly ghost-infested downtown area, which is surrounded by recent home developments featuring houses that sometimes command more than $1 million.

Glenelg: New homes are rapidly popping up in this affluent rural area surrounded by farmland but offering a short drive to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Local shopping and golfing add to the area’s appeal.

Savage: This former mill town has become an ideal location for commuters and is the site of many new housing developments. Historic Savage Mill is a popular gathering of antiques, arts and crafts dealers assembled in a restored 19th-century textile mill.

West Friendship: Closely associated with Glenelg, West Friendship is a rural farming community at heart, but the landscape has become increasingly dotted with new homes.