Bivalve is a secluded waterfront community on the Nanticoke River
Bivalve began as a rural enclave on the Nanticoke River in the late 19th century, where oyster harvesting was the main industry. The name itself is a reference to the scientific name for water mollusks with two shells. The community is still dependent on the river for fishing and crabbing. "It's a friendly neighborhood waterfront community," says Angela Payne, a Realtor with Re/Max Advantage Realty with eight years of experience serving Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore. "There are two marinas here, and four or five sandy beaches. There's also some commercial oyster businesses out there, and crabbers, though it's dwindling a bit." Though there is a long history here, it's not known to be a tourist destination, and that seclusion can be appealing for locals. Residents can drive to Salisbury in half an hour for shopping runs or work commutes.
Ramblers, cottages and riverfront homes on the market
Buyers can find ramblers and cottages around Bivalve, some set on multi-acre farms with corn and wheat crops, and some with riverfront views and private docks. Many homes were built throughout most of the 20th century, from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Housing prices range from $150,000 to $500,000, varying by remodel status, square footage and lot size. Neighbors often have ample space between each other, and drive along narrow country streets. "It's a mix of homebuyers. Some work around Salisbury, and a lot of people retire down here," says Payne, who also mentions that Bivalve's distance from nearby towns is part of life here. Potential homebuyers need to be aware that properties in Bivalve face a major flood risk due to storm surges from the Nanticoke River.
Cove Beach for swimming and Cedar Hill Marina for boating
Boating, fishing and other riverside activities are popular for residents here. Cedar Hill Park features a playground, picnic tables, tennis courts and the Cedar Hill Marina, where locals can rent one of 140 boat slips, with daily or annual rates. The Eastern Shore Sailing Association often organizes sailboat races at Cedar Hill Marina. Locals usually head to Cove Beach to swim, sunbathe or cast fishing lines from the sandy riverbank. Bivalve Wharf is a popular spot to launch paddleboats, and anglers can catch rockfish off the pier. Just across the river is Maryland's largest wildlife management area, the 29,000-acre Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area. Visitors can arrive by boat or car and explore lush tidal marshes, enjoying fishing, crabbing or waterfowl hunting in the appropriate seasons.
Small local businesses and Salisbury for shopping runs
Although the area doesn't feature many commercial businesses, there are a handful of community institutions, such as the Bivalve Thrift Shop. "The shop's proceeds are used to support people in the community," says Payne. "It's the place to be on a Saturday morning." The Cedar Hill General Store and Deli serves made-to-order sandwiches, drinks and convenience items south of Bivalve. Locals often drive to Salisbury for more comprehensive shopping runs. There is a Food Lion 17 miles east on Nanticoke Road for groceries.
AP courses available at Bennett High School
Wicomico County Public Schools is the district that serves Bivalve, ranked as the most diverse school district in Maryland by Niche. Students can attend Westside Primary School for prekindergarten through second grade and Westside Intermediate School from second to fifth grade. Both schools have B ratings from Niche. Kids can advance to the B-minus-rated Salisbury Middle and B-rated James M. Bennett High School, where Advanced Placement classes include music theory, environmental science and French. The schools are located 10-20 miles east of Bivalve, with district buses serving the area.
Salisbury is half an hour away
Due to the secluded nature of Bivalve, residents are reliant on car travel to get around. Commuters can reach Salisbury after an 18-mile drive east for work, leisure or flights out of Salisbury Regional Airport. The city is also home to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital.
![Maxwell Olarinde]()
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
![Joe Pulcinella]()
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
