BALTIMORE COUNTY

County Offices
400 Washington Avenue
Towson 410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
102 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Suite 101
Towson 410-825-6200
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Once the hunting grounds of the Susquehanna Indians, the area that became Baltimore County was originally settled in the 1670s. Today, this expanse of quiet rural villages, modern suburbs, and bustling commercial and residential centers enjoys a landscape of farmland, streams, countryside, beaches, mountains, and 173 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. A steady influx of leading corporations has contributed to the brisk economic growth and development that has characterized Baltimore County in recent decades, making it a dynamic and exciting place to live, work, and play.

Much of this region has long been known as horse country with its thoroughbred farms and famous racing events including the Maryland Hunt Cup and Preakness, the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown. Baltimore County is located less than 90 minutes from the Maryland capital city of Annapolis; Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Baltimore Beltway or Interstate 695, Interstates 95 and 83, new highway construction, and the extension of the Baltimore Metro have made commuting even easier for local residents. Modern corporate plazas and business centers have sprung up along Baltimore County’s bustling Interstate 83 corridor, adding to the possibility of employment close to home.

Services
Residents of Baltimore County can look forward to some of the finest medical care in the nation in hospitals like Saint Joseph Medical Center, Northwest Hospital Center, Franklin Square Hospital Center, and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. The latter has received numerous accolades including a ranking among the nation’s best hospitals for cancer care, gynecology, and digestive disorders by US News & World Report. Franklin Square features a new Women’s Pavilion and boasts one of the busiest emergency rooms in central Maryland. Saint Joseph Medical Center ranks among the top 100 hospitals in the nation for cardiovascular care and one of the top 50 Orthopedic facilities. Other resources include the famous Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Hospital — one of the foremost centers in shock and trauma care.

The educational opportunities in Baltimore County are outstanding on every level, bringing together both public and private institutions in a spirit of strong community support. The two-year Community College of Baltimore County maintains campuses in Catonsville, Dundalk, and Essex to offer a wide selection of career and vocational programs as well as college-track programs, continuing education courses, associate degrees, and certifications. Catonsville is home to the campus for the University of Maryland Baltimore County and UMBC Technology Center. Towson State University is recognized for its strength in computer technology communications, the health sciences, business, and teacher education programs. Goucher College, Strayer University, and Villa Julie College expand the opportunities for higher education in a private college environment.

Quality of Life
Life in Baltimore County harmonizes a blend of historic neighborhoods, suburban communities, and scenic rural landscapes. Throughout the county and nearby in the City of Baltimore, residents can visit venues that showcase community and professional theatre, Broadway shows, symphony, opera, ballet, and live comedy. World-renowned art collections are only minutes away at the Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum, while the Baltimore Symphony makes its summer home at Oregon Ridge Park. Treasures such as Ballestone Manor and War of 1812 sites preserve the area’s historic past, and many of the county’s cultural attractions include restored 18th-century historic homes and buildings.

Spanning Harford and Baltimore counties, Gunpowder Falls State Park covers nearly 18,000 acres to preserve pristine valleys and a wide variety of topography. More than 100 miles of trails traverse this long and narrow park, which also encompasses outstanding freshwater and tidal fishing areas. Hart-Miller Island State Park, Gwynnbrook Wildlife Management Area, and Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area are all located in Baltimore County. More than 41,000 acres of panoramic state and local parkland offer opportunities for jogging, fishing, tennis, boating, golf, swimming, and skiing. With 175 miles of shoreline and more than 60 marinas, the region is ideal for water-related recreation. Spectators can enjoy Baltimore Orioles baseball or Ravens football at Baltimore’s lively Inner Harbor. They can also catch the fast-paced racetrack action of Preakness thoroughbreds.

Baltimore County invites you to golf with the professionals, sail or cruise along miles of waterfront, and explore the trails along the wooded North Central Railway. Colorful festivals and celebrations enliven the four seasons. Diverse local attractions include farmers markets, Irvine and Oregon Ridge Nature Centers, Civil War encampments, the Fire Museum of Maryland, and mouth-watering seafood. Collectors will want to browse through the antique rows in Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Monkton, and the historic mill town of Oella. Those who prefer the latest fashions will find modern shopping malls with a wide selection of specialty shops and leading retailers. Many plazas now provide shops and services that are convenient to growing neighborhoods. Good housing values, respected schools, excellent medical facilities, nearby colleges and universities, and a high quality of life continue to make Baltimore County a popular choice for many new residents.

Arbutus
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-825-6200
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Named for the trailing Arbutus flowers that once covered the area, the community was originally established as a residential haven for industrial workers. Arbutus is located in the southwestern portion of Baltimore County, providing access to the leading thoroughfares of Interstates 95 and 695. With its prime location, the city is only a 15-minute trip from the City of Baltimore. This area is close to several educational and healthcare facilities including Catonsville Community College, the Baltimore campus of the University of Maryland, and St. Agnes Hospital. The vast expanse of Patapsco Valley State Park ensures an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park meanders along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14,000 acres where five recreational areas have been developed. Common pastimes for local residents include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding, and hiking. The YMCA and the local parks and recreation council further expand the options for sports and recreation. The housing selection in the Arbutus area ranges from well-maintained older homes shaded by mature greenery to modern construction that is available in single-family detached styles or attractive townhouses.

Catonsville
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-744-4169
www.catonsville.org

Originally established as a summer retreat for Baltimore’s urban residents who wanted to escape the summer heat and humidity, Catonsville is a community of turn-of-the-century Victorian bungalows. Today, these charming vintage homes harmonize well with newer construction in a wide variety of architectural styles for an attractive community atmosphere. This peaceful and beautiful suburb has emerged as a center for education, boasting excellent public and private schools as well as two college campuses. In addition to providing a full spectrum of educational opportunities, the Community College of Baltimore County and the Baltimore County campus of the University of Maryland enrich the entire community with cultural attractions and events. St. Agnes Hospital is a convenient choice when advanced healthcare services are required. The resources of Patapsco Valley State Park combine with a local parks and recreation council to offer outdoor adventures and organized activities.

Lutherville-Timonium, Cockeysville
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-825-6200
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Many of the houses in historic Lutherville were originally vacation bungalows or second homes for Baltimore City residents. While well-kept older homes predominate in this area, some newer townhouses are also available. Timonium is well known as the site of the Maryland State Fair and a variety of recreational facilities such as polo grounds and Loch Raven Reservoir with its fishing center. Timonium offers a wide variety of housing styles and prices in residential neighborhoods that provide a peaceful retreat from the excitement of nearby downtown Towson. Newcomers can choose from ranches, split-levels, Cape Cods, colonials, and contemporaries on generous acreage. Cockeysville, the newest of the three communities, has welcomed tremendous growth in recent years. This former rural village is now home to planned communities and attractive subdivisions that have sprung up in response to employment options in nearby Hunt Valley.

Owings Mills, Reisterstown
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-702-7073
https://northwestchambermd.com/

Located less than a half-hour’s drive from Baltimore via the Jones Falls Expressway, Owings Mills is part of the fast-growing northwestern section of the county. A wide selection of housing styles in established and newer neighborhoods continues to draw new residents to this wonderful area filled with country charm in close proximity to urban excitement. Further from the Beltway lies Reisterstown, a long-established town known for its fine antique shops. Housing choices include contemporary and colonial residences that often command scenic views of golf courses, colorful gardens, and creek frontage. Many horse farms also dot the picturesque countryside. Residents enjoy the convenience of shopping locally at the Owings Mills Town Center, distinguished as one of the largest malls on the East Coast. Both communities sponsor comprehensive recreation programs that cater to residents of all age groups and interests. Excellent medical facilities are just 20 minutes from home, and the highway transportation facilities are excellent.

Phoenix, Hunt Valley
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-825-6200
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Well known for fox hunting, the prestigious communities of Phoenix and Hunt Valley have welcomed an impressive number of new businesses, industrial parks, and corporate centers, including the Hunt Valley Business Complex. Hunt Valley may be best known as the address of the manufacturer McCormick, a successful spice business that first settled into the area in the 1970s. The housing in this area remains in great demand, offering attractive architectural styles and a wide range of prices to suit any lifestyle. Views of shade trees, lush gardens, and sweeping lawns are common. Residents can shop close to home at Hunt Valley Mall. This section of Baltimore County is rich in history, parks, museums, and recreational sites. Oregon Ridge Park encourages a wide range of outdoor adventures from fishing to hang-gliding or hot air ballooning, and serves as the summer home of the Baltimore Symphony. This region is “horse country,” with nearly 150 horse farms covering the picturesque rolling countryside.

Pikesville, Randallstown
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-484-2337
https://www.pomchamber.org/

Nestled in northwest Baltimore County, the well-established towns of Pikesville and Randallstown are easily accessible from Interstate 695 and Baltimore’s thriving and vibrant downtown harbor area. At the same time, these communities enjoy a location in the lush, rolling hills of Maryland’s horse and hunt county. Neighborhoods tend to be well maintained, featuring single-family detached homes in all price ranges from modest bungalows to elegant estates. A good selection of garden apartments and luxury condominiums offer a maintenance-free lifestyle. Excellent shopping and medical facilities are located within the town. The historic, diverse community of Randallstown offers a more rural yet convenient community served by Route 795. Ranch-style and split-level homes predominate. Liberty Road serves as the local commercial center.

Rodgers Forge, Hampton
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-825-6200
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Just south of Towson is the residential enclave of Rodgers Forge, offering a wide selection of intimate, well-maintained townhouses. This suburb is centrally located to major shopping areas and accessible to Baltimore City. Welcoming a growing population, Rodgers Forge brings families and neighbors together for community activities from picnics to seasonal festivities and holiday celebrations. Hampton is another major subdivision of Towson, where hundreds of homes enjoy beautiful lots that can be several acres in size. The park-like setting attracts an abundance of wildlife, yet the country atmosphere is less than five minutes from central Towson.

Ruxton, Brooklandville, Stevenson
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-825-6200
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Some of the most desirable residential developments in the Baltimore region are nestled in Ruxton, Brooklandville, and Stevenson. Charming, unique older homes secluded on wooded acreage are common. In spite of the area’s rural flavor, commuters enjoy an easy commute to Baltimore. These quaint and small historic villages nestled in rolling countryside create a charming backdrop for horse farms, quaint shops, gourmet grocery stores, and prestigious private schools. Towson State University, Villa Julie College, and Goucher College are all located nearby.

Towson
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-825-1144
https://www.baltcountychamber.com/

Baltimore County’s seat of government and its largest population center also serves as the commercial hub for the many smaller surrounding communities. Towson is home to a growing number of businesses and also hosts many of the region’s attractions and social activities. Once a small town, Towson is characterized as a growing metropolis just 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore via express bus service. Many neighborhoods and residential communities have sprung around Towson, providing a wide range of housing styles and settings. Everything from brick colonials on tree-shaded streets to elegant Tudors on deep country lots can be found in this area. Towson State University and nearby Goucher College provide both intellectual and cultural enrichment. The bustling downtown district features unique shops, wonderful restaurants, and a modern library. Even city center offers an attractive selection of homes and condominiums.

White Marsh, Essex, Middle River,
Perry Hall, Parkville
County Offices
410-887-2450
www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-686-2233
http://chesapeakechamber.org

Located to the northeast of Baltimore and convenient to Highway 40 and Interstate 95 are several communities whose popularity has soared in recent years. Job opportunities in nearby Hunt Valley and in downtown Baltimore have attracted an influx of new residents. White Marsh, Essex, and Middle River harmonize single-family homes with townhouses and condominiums. To the north lies Perry Hall, where neighborhoods are more rural in atmosphere. Parkville is situated just past the Baltimore City boundary and within the Beltway, offering a well-established community of primarily single-family homes on tree-lined streets. The lifestyle is relaxed, with local recreation councils and schools providing a variety of programs. Baltimore County’s waterfront positively affects the east-side economy, where marinas are expanding, restaurants are springing up, and many homeowners are renovating their properties. Even the county parks are adding new trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities.