A Local’s Guide to Living in Pasadena, Maryland

Written By Malcolm Lawson

Pasadena, Maryland is located in Anne Arundel County but is more like a suburb of Baltimore.  This suburban feel is mixed with rural characteristics, as Pasadena is located on the Chesapeake Bay and is full of parks, green spaces, and beaches.

Pasadena is just south of Baltimore. Glen Burnie is to the west, Severna Park to the south, and Lake Shore to the southeast. To the east of Pasadena is the Patapsco River, a tidal river that runs for 39 miles before flowing into Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland Route 177 (called Mountain Road) serves Pasadena. Residents mostly drive, as public transportation is limited. The nearest Amtrak station is BWI Airport Rail Station, just 10 miles away in Baltimore.

The population of Pasadena is growing fast and is currently at about 24,000 residents.

Mother’s Garden downs park Pasadena Maryland

Parks and Nature in Pasadena

Pasadena has a large number of parks. The biggest is Lake Waterford Park, which is set around Lake Waterford Reservoir. The park has tennis courts, basketball courts, more than one mile of trails, and picnic areas. Visitors are welcome to fish in the lake.

Another notable option is Downs Park, which is on the shore. It has a dog beach, a Victorian-style garden called Mother’s Garden (a popular place for weddings), three pavilions, three basketball courts, and a youth camping area. There is also a network of paved and natural trails spanning for 5 miles.

You may also like to pay a visit to Fort Smallwood Park on the outer Patapsco River. It features a fishing pier, picnic areas, more walking trails, and recreational facilities, like horseshoe pits and volleyball courts. There are boat ramps and places where you can go swimming on the Chesapeake Bay beaches.

Other parks in Pasadena include Beachwood Park, Weinburg Park, Bodkin Park, Anne Arundel County Park, and Tick Neck Park.

Living in Pasadena, MD

Pasadena is a relaxing place to live. You have all the advantages of living near a bustling city but a tranquil setting around your home. The average commute time for residents is close to 30 minutes — Baltimore and Annapolis are much the same distance away.

Although Pasadena is a residential area, there is plenty to do around — particularly if you enjoy outdoor recreational activities. There are several sports organizations, including baseball, soccer, softball, football, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, and field hockey.

Pasadena Schools

The public schools serving Pasadena are above average. Some options include Pasadena Elementary School, Jacobsville Elementary School, Chesapeake Bay Middle School, Chesapeake High School, Northeast High School, and Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School. The schools are particularly commended for their athletic programs.

There are also a couple private schools in Pasadena, including St. Jane Frances de Chantal School (an elementary and middle school) and Lake Shore Christian Academy (a high school).

See a complete list of all Pasadena Schools as well as parent reviews here.

Things to Do in Pasadena, MD

Many residents choose to live in Pasadena for its proximity to the bay. There are a couple of marinas where you can rent boats and plenty of places to swim.

Another top activity in Pasadena is golf. There are courses at Compass Point and Pasadena Golf Center. Both centers are open to the public — there’s no need to become a member to play.

A few more fun things to do include quests at Escape Proving Ground and bowling at AMF Bowling.

Compass Point in Pasadena Maryland

Shopping in Pasadena, MD

Although Pasadena is mostly residential, there are some shopping opportunities between the smaller communities. For instance, there are three shopping centers: Murphys Mart Shopping Center, Pasadena Plaza Shopping Center, and Festival At Pasadena Shopping Center. There are also a number of restaurants — both franchises and local establishments.

Shopping In Pasadena, Maryland

Cost Of Living In Pasadena, Maryland

At $390,811, the median house and condo value is slightly higher than Maryland as a whole (the state median is $312,500). The homes are in ranch, colonial, and Cape Cod styles. Neighborhoods tend to have a mixture of all three. The median gross rent in Pasadena is $1,683. The vast majority of residents own their own homes — just 16 percent rent.

Finding a Home in Pasadena

There are a range of houses and condos for sale in Pasadena. For support finding the perfect property for you, reach out to our team of real estate agents.

CHECK OUT THESE LATEST PASADENA HOMES FOR SALE

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