Written by Malcolm Lawson
A Local’s Guide to Living in Crownsville, Maryland
Have you ever heard of the Maryland Renaissance Festival? If so, then you’ve probably heard of Crownsville, Maryland. Crownsville is a charming bedroom community with a small population located 10 miles northwest of Annapolis and approximately 25 miles south of Baltimore. Crownsville is home to the famous Maryland Renaissance Festival. Renfest is no small feat! Set in a fictional English-style village during the 16th century, the festival spans 27 acres, uses eight major theaters and four smaller stages inside taverns, and involves over 1,300 people. Besides hosting one of Maryland’s largest annual events, residents living in Crownsville, Maryland, enjoy a small-town atmosphere and proximity to two major highways, I-97 and I-695. The location makes Crownsville a good choice for those commuting to Baltimore or Washington, DC.
I love showing homes in Crownsville, Maryland, because the area is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by wooded terrain, and it is home to waterfront spots along the Severn River. Neighborhoods like Baldwin South feature one-plus acre lots showcasing Tudor-style homes. If you need more space, you can find exquisite five-bedroom properties in Cranberry Woods that showcase extensive upgrades and oversized lawns. Locals love living in Crownsville, Maryland, because of its tight-knit community spirit, historic neighborhoods, and laid-back vibe. Plus, spending time outdoors is easy with Sandy Point State Park and the Bacon Ridge Natural Area nearby. Crownsville is a solid choice for folks who want a mix of peace and quiet yet still have access to big-city amenities.
Expansive luxury homes in Crownsville, Maryland
Cost of Living in Crownsville, Maryland
Let’s talk numbers about the cost of living in Crownsville, Maryland. The median sales price for a home is around $550,000. As for goods and services, they’re pretty much in line with the state average, maybe a tad higher because you’re close to Annapolis. When it comes to property taxes, you can expect to fork over about 1.092 of your home’s assessed value annually. You can check out tax rates on the Anne Arundel website. If you are not ready to buy a home in Crownsville, Maryland, renting a three-bedroom place will run around $2,500 to $3,000 a month, depending on the area. Living in Crownsville, Maryland, is not cheap, but it’s worth it for many who are willing to pay more for all that Crownsville offers.
Parks in Crownsville, Maryland
Crownsville’s scenic beauty is what makes this town stand out! The community’s proximity to several parks and recreational areas, including the Quiet Waters Park and the B & A Trail, provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. As I mentioned earlier, nearby Sandy Point State Park, a local favorite, offers beautiful beaches, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The park is well-maintained, has a family-centric atmosphere, and is perfect for relaxation or outdoor fun in the sun.
Bacon Ridge Natural Area is another great spot. It is known for its extensive trail network and is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Nature enthusiasts appreciate its biodiversity and peaceful atmosphere. So, when Crownsville residents feel like a lazy day by the water or a hike through the woods, they head out to one of the many nearby parks that offer some top-notch outdoor recreation.
If you have little ones, check out the new rubber-surfaced playground at General’s Highway Corridor Park. Like all the parks here, it’s well-kept, and you’ll find picnic spots, restrooms, a trail, a baseball field, and more.
Sandy Point State Park Beaches
Schools in Crownsville, Maryland
Crownsville, Maryland, has several notable schools that provide quality education. One highly-rated institution is South Shore Elementary School. South Shore is known for its dedicated faculty and innovative approach to learning. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development, South Shore prepares students for academic success and life in general.
Another notable mention is Indian Creek School. Indian Creek is a private institution recognized for its rigorous curriculum and commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience. The school serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. I have worked with several sellers who have shared that they waited to move until their kids graduated from this school! Indian Creek School is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention. It emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement.
There are so many great schools nearby that I can’t cover them all, but you can find more information on the Anne Arundel County Public School website. Additionally, a good source for learning more about the local schools and rankings is greatschools.org
Best Restaurants in Crownsville, Maryland
Okay, if you have read any of my articles, you know that eating is my second favorite topic besides talking about real estate. So, here goes: Lures Bar & Grill is one of my favorites because the atmosphere feels like going to a friend’s house to cook out. The restaurant looks like a stand-alone house. It has a large covered outdoor patio, the food is good, and the service is always excellent.
Next up is the Herald Harbor Hideaway. I love this place because it’s a local favorite and serves American-style dishes, from burgers to wings. The prices are reasonable, the food is fresh, and the atmosphere is laid-back.
If you want something more upscale and memorable, check out Osteria 177 for some of the best Italian food in Maryland. Osteria is great for date nights; you will love the atmosphere. Allow me to be a little poetic; it’s a place where Italian tradition meets modern elegance. Known for its exquisite pasta dishes, fine wines, and intimate ambiance, Osteria 177 makes you feel like you are dining in Italy. There you have it. Bon appétit!
Fine Dining at Osteria177
Things to Do in Crownsville, Maryland
Living in Crownsville, Maryland, provides residents with plenty of thrilling places to explore and things to do. Of course, history lovers appreciate the Maryland Renaissance Festival. The festival is an annual extravaganza hailed by locals as a time-traveling adventure that ignites the senses and transports visitors to another era.
If you want something to entertain toddlers, check out the KidCity Museum. Your youngsters will love this place! It’s colorful, interactive, and a wonderful place to capture memorable photos. You will laugh a lot watching the kiddo’s expressions as they explore all the rides, toys, and crawl spaces.
Shopping in Crownsville, Maryland
Residents of Crownsville, Maryland, have plenty of places to shop! One top destination is the Westfield Annapolis Mall, which is a short drive away and offers numerous retail stores ranging from high-end fashion brands to everyday essentials.
Another popular spot is the Festival at Riva. The Festival strip center features a mix of well-known retailers like Michaels and restaurants like Firehouse Subs. Additionally, another great place to shop is the Annapolis Towne Centre. The Annapolis Town Center offers a wide selection of specialty shops, upscale boutiques, and trendy eateries.
If you are looking for big box stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Staples, and Safeway, head over to Gateway Village on Housley Rd, in Annapolis. Gateway Village has a little bit of everything.
Festival at Riva in Crownsville, Maryland
Moving to Crownsville, Maryland
Living in Crownsville, Maryland, has many benefits, making it an attractive choice for homebuyers. With its prime location near Annapolis and Baltimore, residents enjoy easy access to all these two cities offer. Crownsville’s excellent schools, outdoor fun, and strong real estate market are great reasons to check out the area. If you are considering moving to Crownsville, Maryland, call me. I would love to show you around.
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