Written by Malcolm Lawson
Are you considering a move to Frederick County? Urbana, Maryland, might be the spot for you. Residents rave about their decision to call Urbana home, citing it as one of the best choices they’ve ever made. With a population of 10,000 and proximity to Baltimore, over an hour away, Urbana has earned its place among the top 50 best cities to live in the United States. Residents living in Urbana, Maryland, benefit from a well-planned infrastructure, top-notch schools, beautiful parks, and easy access to major roads and highways.
As you explore all that living in Urbana, Maryland, offers, one thing that stands out is its historic structures. Additionally, there is a wide selection of newer homes. For those living in Urbana, Maryland, who enjoy the outdoors, the location provides easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Catoctin Mountains, and Cunningham Falls State Park.
For a small town, there are plenty of housing options with a wide selection of floorplans among the town’s 4100 homes. For example, The Villages at Urbana provide chic townhomes and stylish single-family dwellings. I love the Villages at Urbana because the homes are not all cookie-cutter. The community showcases various floor plans and exterior elevations. Another great area is The Woodlands, a 55+ plan unit development. Homes in the Woodlands provide spacious interiors ranging from 1,700 to over 2,700 square feet.
Homes in The Villages Urbana Community
Cost of Living in Urbana, Maryland
The cost of living in Urbana, Maryland, is 57% higher than the national average. The cost of goods and services is 9% higher, and the median sale price is approximately $700,000. While the cost of living may be higher, residents feel it’s worth the investment for the quality of life Urbana offers.
If you are not ready to buy a home in Urbana, renting a three-bedroom home will cost between 2,200 and over 3,900. Although living in Urbana, Maryland, might not be the cheapest choice, its outstanding amenities make it worth it.
Parks in Urbana, Maryland
Urbana is home to many parks and green spaces. One of the most popular parks in Urbana is the Urbana District Park. The park offers a sprawling recreational area that provides something for everyone. Families can spend an afternoon picnicking in the shade while children play on the playgrounds or cool off in the splash pad. Those involved in sports can take advantage of the park’s athletic fields. The parks provide facilities for soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. If you love the outdoors, you will appreciate the park’s scenic walking trails, which wind through wooded areas and meadows. I spent several afternoons with my son at Urbana District Park, where we observed all kinds of wildlife. Plus, the park is a great gathering place for locals. Urbana District Park hosts events such as outdoor concerts and movie nights yearly.
Another great park is Urbana Community Park. The park offers picnic areas, horseshoe pits, a skate park, tennis courts, and more. Additionally, nearby Sugarloaf Mountain is a great place to spend the day. Sugarloaf Mountain provides hiking trails and stunning views.
You can find a complete list of parks and facilities on the Frederick County Parks & Recreation website.
Urbana, Maryland Parks
Schools in Urbana, Maryland
Considering the schools is an essential aspect of the decision-making process whenever you think about moving to a new area. Even if you don’t have school-age children at home, it impacts resale value. That being said, you will be happy to learn that Urbana takes great pride in its exceptional educational opportunities. The good news is that the Frederick County Public School System is known for providing quality education. Acclaimed public schools include Urbana Elementary School, Urbana Middle School, and Urbana High School. If you ask around or check out the reviews about the schools in Urbana, you will see a positive theme. People tell me what stands out about Frederick County Public Schools is the teacher/student ratios and dedicated staff. From what I gather, Urbana’s schools offer a well-rounded education for students.
Visit greatschool.org for unbiased information about schools. The site provides a list of area schools and their rankings.
Best Restaurants in Urbana, Maryland
Although Urbana, Maryland, is a small town, it has some great restaurants! You will find a variety of dining establishments that serve delicious dishes. One of my favorites is Cinco De Mayo Urbana. Usually, when writing about a restaurant I highlight a dish or two that stands out, but everything here stands out. I couldn’t pick one or two things on the menu; it’s all good.
Another suggestion if you like Italian food is Mangia e Bevi and Ristorante Italiano. Although Mangia is in Frederick, it’s worth mentioning because this place will carry you away. Trust me when I say this because I’m not what you would call a warm, fuzzy kind of guy, but the welcoming environment of golden terracotta walls and fresh entrees here creates an exceptional dining experience.
When highlighting eateries, I like to focus on unusual and local restaurants. One place that is worth mentioning is Lime Chicken Pollo La Brasa. If you have never tried lime-infused chicken or indulged in authentic Peruvian-style food, you will find Lime Chicken Pollo La Brasa a delightful change.
Whatever you might be in the mood for, living in Urbana, Maryland, provides a wide selection of restaurants in and around town. So, gather your friends and family, and prepare to experience some of the best dining establishments in Frederick County.
Mangia e Bevi, Ristorante Italiano, Urbana, Maryland
Things to do in Urbana, Maryland
Living in Urbana, Maryland, provides residents with a perfect central hub for entertainment and outdoor recreation. If you love spending time outside, Urbana’s parks and trails are ideal for hiking, biking, and picnicking. You will love the acclaimed Worthington Manor Golf Club if golf is your favorite passion. For a taste of history and culture, visitors can stroll through the historic downtown area, admiring charming architecture, browsing local shops, and indulging in delicious fare at quaint cafes and eateries. Other popular venues nearby include the Monocacy National Battlefield and the Frederick Wine Trail. There’s always something new and exciting to discover in Urbana.
Shopping in Urbana, Maryland
One thing to remember while living in Urbana, Maryland, is there are numerous shops, restaurants, and other things within 10 minutes of town, but they may have different city addresses. But don’t worry; residents can easily access shopping venues like the Urbana Village Center, Sweet Babe’s Creamery, Creative Spaces Boutique & Design, and more. Furthermore, If you’re in the mood for some literary exploration, visit “Bookworm Haven,” a cozy independent bookstore in Urbana. I love the collection of old books here; you can lose yourself as you peruse their curated selection of books, including bestsellers, classics, and hidden literary gems.
In Urbana, shopping isn’t about running errands. You can make it fun by finding hidden treasures in antique stores and supporting local artisans by purchasing various forms of expression, from pottery to paintings.
Moving to Urbana, Maryland
Living in Urbana, Maryland, is an excellent choice for many. The folks I have spent time with or helped love the area and can’t see themselves living elsewhere. The small-town atmosphere, sense of belonging, scenic surroundings, and top-rated schools are hard to beat. Plus, the convenient location to Frederick, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore makes living in Urbana, Maryland, a good choice. If you are considering moving to Urbana, Maryland, I would love to show you around.
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