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Chestertown

Chestertown

Located in Kent County

$446,365 Average Value
$221 Average Price per Sq Ft
30 Homes For Sale

Chestertown's river access and historic charm draws homebuyers

Founded in 1706, Chestertown was once a prominent port on the Chester River. Today, commerce has slowed on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, but the community’s maritime spirit remains a draw for homebuyers, especially those looking to escape the bustle of mid-Atlantic cities. “There are a lot of second homes for people who live in Washington and Philadelphia,” says John Burke, associate broker with Gunther McClary Real Estate, who has sold homes in the area for over two decades. Chestertown’s river access and historic charm — plus the energy of Washington College, a small liberal arts school in town — appeal to full-timers and part-timers in Kent County.

Chestertown residents take advantage of being next to Chester River.
Chestertown residents take advantage of being next to Chester River.
Music Life is a local music shop right downtown in historic Chestertown.
Music Life is a local music shop right downtown in historic Chestertown.
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Victorian homes downtown, plus waterfront properties

Downtown Chestertown lies along the river, with homes often dating back to the late 1800s or the early 20th century. Waterfront homes are in the highest demand, offering beautiful views and convenient access to recreation. These sell for $840,000 to $1.1 million. Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles are found throughout the rest of downtown, with these homes selling for $360,000 to $680,000. Farther inland, midcentury and more contemporary builds are common. Ranch-style homes sell for $240,000 to $530,000, while New Traditional houses go for $250,000 to $660,000, based on size.

Victorian style homes with plenty of character can be found throughout Chestertown.
Victorian style homes with plenty of character can be found throughout Chestertown.
Waterfront properties in Chestertown often have dock access right from their backyards.
Waterfront properties in Chestertown often have dock access right from their backyards.
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Recreation revolves around the river with marinas and waterfront parks

Access to the Chester River is a selling point for the community, and many residents own boats. Riverfront homes often have docks or piers, and the town operates a public marina with boat slips for rent. The private Chester River Yacht & Country Club is just south of downtown, featuring an 18-hole golf course, a private marina and amenities like a pool and a restaurant. City parks include the waterfront Wilmer Park, which has a walking trail and a playground. Bikers and joggers can head out on the Wayne Gilchrest Trail, which runs roughly 2 miles through Chestertown on an old rail bed.

Dock your boat  at the Chestertown Marina and have a fun day out on the river.
Dock your boat at the Chestertown Marina and have a fun day out on the river.
A steel art installation greets residents into Wilmer Park.
A steel art installation greets residents into Wilmer Park.
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Local restaurants and boutiques throughout downtown

High Street is the main drag through downtown. Trees shade brick sidewalks, leading to the boutiques and restaurants that occupy historic storefronts. Locally owned restaurants, like the Kitchen at the Imperial or Watershed Alley, tend to feature seafood-heavy specialties. Locals and visitors frequent the area’s galleries, gift shops and bookstores. Outside downtown, shopping centers sit across from Washington College. The Acme Markets grocery store is located in Kent Plaza alongside a few fast-food spots.

Kingstown friends catch up at The Kitchen at The Imperial in Chestertown.
Kingstown friends catch up at The Kitchen at The Imperial in Chestertown.
Kingstown finds great clothing at Mimi's Closet in Chestertown.
Kingstown finds great clothing at Mimi's Closet in Chestertown.
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Annual festival celebrates the legendary Chestertown Tea Party

In 1774, the British government closed the port of Boston as punishment for the famous Boston Tea Party. Chestertown, at the time a major port in its own right, responded. “It’s little known, but after the Boston Tea Party, Chestertown had its own tea party,” Burke says. Today, the local protest is reenacted as part of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival, held every Memorial Day Weekend. The event includes a Colonial parade, live music and a beer garden. Burke also mentions the Sultana Downrigging Festival, which features a flotilla of schooners in the Chester River as well as live bluegrass music back ashore. Residents can also attend Washington College sporting events, including home games for the school’s NCAA DIII lacrosse team, winner of two national championships.

Enjoy live music and other festivities at the Chestertown Tea Party Festival in Chestertown, MD.
Enjoy live music and other festivities at the Chestertown Tea Party Festival in Chestertown, MD.
Enjoy a parade that marches through downtown Chestertown for the Tea Party Festival.
Enjoy a parade that marches through downtown Chestertown for the Tea Party Festival.
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Education at Kent County schools, as well as Washington College

The Kent County Public Schools system serves Chestertown, receiving a C-plus overall grade from Niche. Students can start at H. H. Garnett Elementary before heading to Kent County Middle and Kent County High, each rated C-plus. Kent County High offers roughly a dozen Advanced Placement courses, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit. Washington College, a private liberal arts institution with approximately 1,000 undergraduates, is also in Chestertown. “Lots of people who go to Washington College actually end up sticking around after they graduate, or moving back later,” Burke says.

H.H. Garnett Elementary School has 344 students in grades PK-5.
H.H. Garnett Elementary School has 344 students in grades PK-5.
Kent County High School has 558 students in grades 9-12.
Kent County High School has 558 students in grades 9-12.
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Walkable downtown within a drive of larger cities

The parks and restaurants in downtown Chestertown are pedestrian-friendly. While the Maryland Upper Shore Transit system offers limited bus services toward Rock Hall in one direction and Easton in the other, locals generally drive to destinations outside Chestertown. Baltimore is 75 miles away, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport has the closest flights. The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, located in Chestertown, has an emergency room as well as other specialties.

A drawbridge connects Chestertown and Kingstown.
A drawbridge connects Chestertown and Kingstown.
BWI is only 30 minutes from Patterson Park.
BWI is only 30 minutes from Patterson Park.
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Brendan Doyle
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Bill Marrs
Photography Contributed By
Bill Marrs

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tinamarie Reamy, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,301
Number of Homes for Sale
30
Median Year Built
1975
Months of Supply
3.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,254
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,883
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
787
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
734
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    7844 Chester Ct, Chestertown, MD 21620

    $695,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,248 Sq Ft
    • 7844 Chester Ct

    Beautifully Updated Home in a Serene Setting! Welcome to this stunning home filled with thoughtful improvements and timeless charm. The spacious Florida room overlooks a private, beautifully landscaped backyard — your own personal oasis. This room offers unlimited views of the back yard, which was designed in collaboration with a professional landscaper, this garden is a delight in every season

    Agent Photo
    Retha Arrabal
    Doug Ashley Realtors, LLC
    (410) 648-9684
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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    728 Aldora Dr Unit 113, Chestertown, MD 21620

    $474,990

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,570 Sq Ft
    • 728 Aldora Dr
    • Unit 113

    PRICE IMPROVEMENT ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN LUXURY VILLA! $5000 towards closing. This stunning 4-bedroom villa offers a welcoming and functional layout with exceptional upgrades and finishes throughout. The main level features an oversized family room that opens to the kitchen and dining area—perfect for entertaining or everyday living. The upper level includes three spacious bedrooms, including an

    Agent Photo
    Terri Hill
    Builder Solutions Realty
    (410) 517-7657
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  • Saturday, Mar 28
    Open House 3/28

    105 High St, Chestertown, MD 21620

    $1,395,500

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,243 Sq Ft
    • 105 High St

    Rebuilt in 1863, the Tilley Residence showcases classic Second Empire architecture on one of Chestertown’s most prominent historic corners near Widehall and the Custom House. Completely restored in 2024–2025 by one of the town’s most iconic builders, the home blends historic character with modern comfort through thoughtful updates, new systems, and refined living spaces. Just one block to the

    Murphy ONeill Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Chestertown

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Chestertown