A colonial Maryland port town with rich historical significance and a welcoming community
Founded in 1684, Cambridge is among the oldest colonial cities in Maryland. It is also among the most important of the state’s towns, boasting connections to influential figures in American history. “Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, and Cambridge is the county seat,” says Angela Simonelli, real estate advisor with Compass and an area resident of over 10 years. “There’s a museum dedicated to her life and fight for freedom. There’s over 200 years of history in Cambridge, and more stories to tell than most major American cities.” Before it became a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, Cambridge was one of Maryland’s most important port towns, a heritage that the nearly 13,000 residents remain proud of today. “What really makes Cambridge special is its people,” Simonelli says. “The locals are warm and friendly. They’re very quick to make you feel like part of the community.”
The Harriet Tubman Mural is located behind 424 Race Street in Cambridge, MD on an exterior wall of the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center.
For over five generations and 126 years, The J. M. Clayton Company has been preparing live Chesapeake Bay blue crabs delivered fresh daily by local waterman in Cambridge, MD.
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Revitalization of Cambridge's industry has proved successful
In the first half of the 20th century, Cambridge was the home of the Phillips Packing Company, the largest employer in the county. By 1960, operations at the packing plant had ceased, and the city fell on trying times. “Cambridge has had a negative connotation for a while,” Simonelli says. “But residents and local lawmakers have really turned it around.” Today, Cambridge is home to Cambridge International, the largest manufacturer of metal conveyor belts and wire cloth in the world, and to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, which received the World’s Best Award from Travel and Leisure magazine in July of 2024. The Cambridge Police Department also reported an 11 percent decrease in major crimes between 2022 and 2023.
Experience luxury at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, MD.
The Phillips Packing House company and its legacy had an essential role in the development of Cambridge, Maryland.
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Much of Cambridge is near the water, but flooding is not a significant concern
Housing styles in Cambridge are diverse, ranging from closely packed colonial properties near the downtown district to midcentury ranch-style homes and modern traditional builds on spacious lots within eyeshot of the Chesapeake Bay. As of 2024, the median price for homes in the city was around $280,000, but prices rise with the proximity of the water. “One of the best things about Cambridge is that you can enjoy affordable waterfront living,” Simonelli says. “For around $500,000, you have the ability to see the bay from your front porch.” Although nearly every home in Cambridge is within walking distance of the water, flooding is usually only a concern for properties that are directly on the shoreline.
Midcentury ranch-style homes offer a lower cost option to access the waterfront in Cambridge, MD.
Waterfront Properties in Cambridge, MD offer private access to the Choptank River.
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Dorchester County Public Schools allow dual enrollment with a top area community college
Cambridge is the headquarters of Dorchester County Public Schools, which earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche. Cambridge-South Dorchester High, rated C, is the main public high school serving the city. Students here have the opportunity for dual enrollment classes at Chesapeake College, just 30 miles north. Among the college’s standout programs is the Associate Degree in Nursing, which Allnurses.com ranked as the best in Maryland in 2024.
Choptank Elementary School is a public school serving grades pre-k to 5th grade in Cambridge, MD.
Cambridge-South Dorchester High School is a public school in Cambridge, MD serving students from 9th to 12th grade.
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Fishing, hunting and outdoorsmanship are common pastimes in Cambridge
Cambridge sits near the mouth of the Choptank River, meaning that the Chesapeake Bay plays a large role in outdoor recreation for residents. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes, as is hunting at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge during archery, muzzleloader and shotgun seasons. There are more than 16,000 acres open to hunters at various times throughout the year. The refuge also features over 5 miles of hiking trails and 17 miles of paddling trails.
The Choptank River in Cambridge, MD offers countless outdoor activities from boating to bird watching.
Slowly meander through the scenic Blackwater Wildlife Refuge.
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Downtown Cambridge is a thriving hub of creative local cuisine
Grocery stores, chain eateries and big-box retailers can all be found along U.S. Route 50, which swings through the east side of the city on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The downtown district sits on the other side of Cambridge Creek, concentrated around High and Poplar Streets. Here, residents will find locally owned boutiques and restaurants like Thaitalian Infusion Cuisine, which has earned accolades from the state for its innovative menu and welcoming atmosphere. Other popular destinations include RAR Brewing, a taproom run by area natives, and The Dive Club, a nautical-themed tiki bar.
Stop by for a quick meal at the Bay Country Bakery & Cafe in Cambridge, MD.
Thaitalian Infusion Cuisine blends Thai and Italian flavors in Cambridge, MD.
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Cambridge is a walkable city, but U.S. Route 50 makes it simple to get around the Eastern Shore
U.S. Route 50 is Cambridge's main lifeline, connecting the city across the Choptank River to Easton, its neighbor to the north. This highway also cuts east across town and provides the main connection with destinations like Ocean City and Salisbury. At around 7 total square miles, the city is very walkable. However, the Cambridge Central public bus line also makes it easy to get around when the weather is prohibitive.
A vibrant art scene drives festivals and community engagement in downtown Cambridge
Marylanders who are unfamiliar with Cambridge may be surprised to discover the city’s rich arts scene. Local artwork is exhibited at the Main Street Gallery, and the Dorchester Center for the Arts offers art classes and a shop stocked with handmade goods. Food festivals like Taste of Cambridge also draw crowds eager to sample area seafood and enjoy live music.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Son
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cambridge, MD sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Cambridge, MD over the last 12 months is $274,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Waterfront Opportunity – 202 Muir St, Cambridge, MDWelcome to 202 Muir Street — a truly rare and undervalued gem nestled along the scenic Cambridge Creek. This exclusive, turnkey townhome-style condominium offers Over 3,800 sq ft of luxurious living space, ideal for a cash flow investment, or serene second home getaway.Located in a prime location, this home delivers panoramic waterfront views up
OFFERING $15,000 SELLER CONTRIBUTION FOR CLOSING COSTS! This historic gem boasts 2,316 sq ft of living space with 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Full of character & charm from the covered front porch adorned with a welcoming swing, plus two additional two upstairs balconies, perfect for savoring the neighborhood's ambiance. You can walk everywhere! A mere couple of blocks away, is both
Welcome to 7 Oak Street – Where Charm Meets Capability in one of the most sought after communities in all of Cambridge. Imagine stepping outside each morning onto tree-lined streets with the water just steps away—sunlight glinting off the bay, coffee from your favorite downtown café in hand. This isn’t just a house—it’s your next chapter, written in one of Cambridge’s most cherished
Waterfront Opportunity – 202 Muir St, Cambridge, MDWelcome to 202 Muir Street — a truly rare and undervalued gem nestled along the scenic Cambridge Creek. This exclusive, turnkey townhome-style condominium offers Over 3,800 sq ft of luxurious living space, ideal for a cash flow investment, or serene second home getaway.Located in a prime location, this home delivers panoramic waterfront views up
Enjoy the peaceful eastern shore lifestyle in this beautiful four bedroom two and a half bathroom colonial home. Built in 2021, this home shows pride of ownership by its original owners. Located in the water privileged community of Long Boat Estates, residents enjoy community pool and water access to Jenkins creek and the Choptank river. You’ll be able to launch your boat or PWC without ever
OFFERING $15,000 SELLER CONTRIBUTION FOR CLOSING COSTS! This historic gem boasts 2,316 sq ft of living space with 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Full of character & charm from the covered front porch adorned with a welcoming swing, plus two additional two upstairs balconies, perfect for savoring the neighborhood's ambiance. You can walk everywhere! A mere couple of blocks away, is both
We are ideally located in one of Maryland’s quietest corners, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and Dorchester General Hospital. Tucked away near Route 50, you’ll find our location incredibly easy to access. This unique single story apartment living features a picnic area, 24 hour emergency maintenance and onsite laundry facility. Surround yourself with charm and convenience—make Woods
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