Braddock Heights

Established, well-built homes with spectacular views populate the woods of Braddock Heights. Five miles from Frederick, this neighborhood offers the seclusion and natural beauty of the country while remaining just a short drive from town.

A patchwork of residential streets is sewn into Braddock Heights’ countryside, with Ridge Road running like a seam down its center. “The homes along Ridge Road have a highly desirable view that overlooks the rolling farmland, and at night, you can see the twinkling stars,” says Realtor Anna Lee Williams of Keller Williams Realty Centre. Contemporaries, Colonial Revivals and Ranches tend to be established, built in the past century, and still standing strong. “Old timers know the value of an Ausherman home,” explains Williams, referring to the locally respected builder. Lot sizes vary depending on the home’s proximity to Ridge Road. The size of these homes generally ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. You pay for the sunset views in this mountainous area, starting at around $225,000 and steadily creeping to a high of just over $1 million.

Kids in Braddock Heights board the bus to Middletown Elementary School, which Niche rates a B-plus. Kids also benefit from their 14-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Also rated a B-plus is Middletown Middle, where kids can join various unique clubs, such as the Frisbee Coding Club, combining coding lessons and ultimate frisbee. Middletown High is ranked #14 in the best Maryland high schools for student-athletes list.

A park of the same name is at the geographical center of Braddock Heights. Kids can run free after a long school day and tire themselves out on the slides, swings and obstacle course. There is plenty of parking, as well as picnic tables covered by a pavilion, so large groups are welcome. You can even reserve the space for special events. For a no-frills grassy field, head to Fountaindale Park. There are no amenities, so instead, use your imagination and have a quick game of football or frisbee. On the neighborhood's outskirts lies Hollow Creek Golf Course, where you can play a standard 18-hole game on the grass expanse.

For a fast, protein-filled dinner after the golf course, check out Aleko’s Village Café, which serves savory gyros and fries. This Greek spot also has takeout platters with fresh vegetables, falafel and kabobs. If having a sit-down Italian dish is more your speed, Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood is open until 11 p.m. on weekends. Dig into a classic chicken parm or a New York strip Italiano.

Cooking dinner at home is a sacred routine for many. Luckily, the Safeway less than two miles away covers all your grocery bases. While you explore their selection, sip on something strong from the in-store Starbucks. The CVS Pharmacy across the street closes at 8 pm, so grabbing a prescription after work is feasible. Safeway shares a parking lot with Goodwill, supporting impromptu thrift purchases. Old school department store shoppers aren’t excluded either, with Boscov’s in the opposite direction towards Frederick Heights. Peruse name brands like Adidas, Calvin Klein and Levi’s for a new fit.

The best spot for summer fun is the Braddock Heights Community Center, which features seasonal and holiday-based events like Easter Egg Hunts and fall picnics. Community Association members of all ages are welcome to cool off in the pool and take lessons. Hop in, swim some laps and meet your neighbors.

Braddock Heights is that unique, out-of-the-way gem that commuters look for when shopping for a home. “People commute to DC for work because they want to come home to this lifestyle outside the city. It’s a sleeper community,” says Williams. If the commuters don’t convince you, the views certainly will.

Written By

Malcolm Longerbeam

Photography Contributed By

Tyler Priola

Video By

Michael Voyack