Historic allure meets coastal charm in Berlin
Less than 10 miles from Ocean City, Berlin is a vibrant historic town surrounded by the Eastern Shore's fertile farmlands. Spanning just over 3 square miles, Berlin offers a glimpse back in time, where stately stone churches peak through the canopies of magnolia and sycamore-shaded streets, while ornate Victorians and cozy bungalows line quiet residential roads. With a population of just over 5,000, Berlin's lush green spaces and downtown arts district offer a scene out of a storybook. "Berlin is your classic small town," says Tim Arnett, Realtor with ERA Martin Associates. "Everybody knows everybody and looks out for one another. You can walk to everything you need, whether walking to dinner, getting ice cream or going to the store." Treasures abound in what's considered the antique capital of the Eastern Shore, with over 50 shops, galleries and boutiques lining the downtown core, while a jam-packed event calendar draws the community together.
Officially incorporated in 1868, today, this former resort town attracts a slew of residents looking for highly rated schools and a slower pace of life along the Eastern Shore. While many choose Berlin as a full-time residence, its historic charm and sought-after location have attracted remote workers and part-time residents. Yet, in recent years, the town has banned short-term rentals. "However, Ocean Pines, a nearby community within the same Berlin ZIP code, is a huge seasonal community," Arnett says.
Amenities on and off Main Street
Main Street is home to Berlin's vibrant shopping and dining scene, where historic two-story brick buildings with spacious window displays house over 60 businesses ranging from antique stores and pet-friendly boutiques to art galleries and local restaurants. Award-winning restaurants like the Blacksmith Bar & Restaurant serve farm-to-table American fare alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu in a rustic chic atmosphere. Down the road, The Sterling Tavern, housed in a pre-Civil War building, is one of several historic landmarks-turned-restaurants known for its classic Eastern Shore crabcakes and weekly events. "They have bingo nights, trivia nights and live music every week," says Linda Moran, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Penfed Realty. "The Atlantic Hotel Bistro Bar is also super popular. It's small, but they have a great bar, restaurant and private event space." Next door, a historic theatre gives way to Oaked at The Globe, Bryan Brushmiller's second endeavor after the success of Burley Oak Taproom & Brewing Company. "Burley Oak is pretty much on tap at every local spot," Moran says. Although The Globe's ownership has changed over the years, its legacy has not—to keep entertainment alive.
Local shops are scattered between beauty salons, fitness studios and gourmet grocers. J & M Meat Market offers fresh slabs of meat and fresh lunch and dinner menus. Food Lion and Dollar General sit within the town limits for larger-scale shopping, while a short drive leads to big-box retailers like Walmart and Target in nearby West Ocean City and Salisbury.
Entertainment in Berlin
From classic car shows and jazz fests to art markets and bathtub races, Berlin boasts over 40 free events throughout the year. "They have activities going on every weekend," Moran says. Named Budget Travel's 2014 Coolest Small Town in America, winter visitors have flocked to town over the past decade to revel in Berlin's Victorian-era charm, where an annual tree lighting and parade mark the start of the holiday season. Kids can visit Santa at the Kringle Kottage, while horse-drawn carriages glide past storefronts and light posts draped with twinkling lights and strands of garland.
Summers in Berlin buzz with excitement as neighbors gather under the oaks at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum for free monthly concerts. Seasonal Sunday morning farmers markets offer farm-fresh produce, homemade bread and catches of the day. In August, the annual Berlin Peach Festival turns Main Street into a lively fairground with local vendors, crafts, and live music. Each autumn, Oktoberfest brings a taste of Bavaria to town, complete with bratwurst, local brews, and polka tunes floating down flower-lined sidewalks.
Berlin's historic homes meet modern coastal flair
Berlin offers an eclectic mosaic of architectural styles that span across the centuries. "There are some old, beautiful, historic homes," Moran says. "Then you have some newer subdivisions that have popped up over the years." Stately Victorians and classic Craftsman-style bungalows with wraparound porches line leafy residential roads that fan off Main Street. Other roads feature early 20th-century American Foursquares, colonial-style designs and storybook cottages with manicured gardens. Many older properties feature detached garages and modest backyards. Cape Cods stand in stark contrast to modest ramblers and the occasional townhouse. Spacious Colonial Revivals, coastal-style farmhouses and custom builds can be found in newer developments on the edge of town. With an average sales price of around $571,000, prices can range from the $200,000s to the low-$700,000s.
Worcester County Public Schools
Worcester County Public Schools, which Niche recognizes as the third-best district in Maryland, boasts an overall A rating. Pre-kindergarteners through fourth graders may attend Buckingham Elementary School, while fifth and sixth graders may attend Berlin Intermediate School. Both schools garner A-minuses. The A-rated Stephen Decatur Middle School is ranked as the best public middle school in Worcester County by Niche. Stephen Decatur High School, rated B-plus, stands out as the second-best public high school in the county. "Berlin is also home to the Worcester Preparatory School, another draw for families," Moran says.
Parks, trails, and year-round recreation in Berlin
At the heart of town, Stephen Decatur Park features picnic areas and a playground shaded by ancient oaks. Adjacent amenities include tennis courts and a disc golf course. Paved walking paths meander through the park, while open fields attract crowds for townwide events like the Berlin Fall Festival. Across the street, Dr. William Edward Henry Park offers a picnic pavilion, playground and basketball courts graced with colorful murals. Smaller green spaces like John Howard Burbage Park, which features table tennis equipment, are scattered around town.
Northern Worcester Athletic Complex sits just outside the town's southern limits, and features baseball diamonds, multi-use fields and a concession stand for local sports leagues. "There are also many nearby golf courses in the area, and you can still be close to the water," Arnett says. Public boat ramps and the Glenriddle Marina offer water access to the 41,000-acre Isle of Wright Bay within a short drive. Less than 10 miles away, beachcombers, sunbathers and boogieboarders can enjoy miles of beachfront that span from Ocean City's bustling boardwalk to Assateague State Park's wild horses.
Commutes around the Eastern Shore
Spanning just over 3 square miles, Berlin is a compact community with sidewalks that cater to pedestrians and cyclists. Shore Transit offers public bus service around town, connecting residents to surrounding hubs like Ocean City. Atlantic General Hospital hugs the town's northern border, just 2 miles from Berlin's historic downtown. U.S. Route 113 and U.S. Route 50 offer access to Ocean City, less than 10 miles east, and Salisbury, 25 miles west. Salisbury Regional Airport offers direct daily flights to Philadelphia and Charlotte, while four international airports sit within a 140-mile radius.
Coastal living concerns
Berlin's proximity to the coastline means occasional nor'easters, heavy rains and hurricane threats during late summer and fall. The town maintains an active emergency management plan, with residents encouraged to sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts and to review local floodplain maps for insurance purposes and preparedness.
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
