Industrial city sees a modern renaissance and new growth
Cumberland was once a bustling industrial hub and the second-largest city in Maryland behind Baltimore. Its operating passenger rail lines and historic buildings persist today, giving the area a timeless feel. However, like many Rust Belt cities, it experienced a steady decline in the mid-20th century as industries moved away. Yet, according to Matt Miller, the executive director and president of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, “the city has been in the midst of a renaissance.” The restoration of Baltimore Street and the city’s booming small businesses and collection of parks and bike trails contribute to its growth and newfound popularity. For Ryan Mackey, Cumberland’s Director of Parks and Recreation, who grew up near the Potomac River and moved to Cumberland five years ago after college, the city holds a special charm. “I really enjoy this community. I think it’s spectacular, and I’m glad I get to be a part of it. Working in parks and recreation is a joyous experience because you can build all these things, like a playground, and watch people really enjoy them." City residents have access to several neighborhood parks and playgrounds, a major sports complex and a solid library system. Annual festivals and events support community engagement and small business owners. The city has its own Amtrak station for commuter rail travel and is close to Interstate 68.
Cumberland is building and renovating with hopes of a bright future.
Historical buildings are plentiful throughout the beautiful city of Cumberland.
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Baltimore Street's major restoration and locally owned businesses
Miller describes Cumberland as easily navigable, with little congestion and a strong sense of community. “It’s a very quaint city with a small-town feel, but with access to larger amenities,” he said. “I also think there’s a huge scene here for foodies. We’ve got tons of locally owned restaurants with a variety of different options. You can eat somewhere different every day and always find something new and exciting.” Baltimore Street is a huge part of the area’s historic downtown, but it needed restoration and updates. “The initiative began in 2015 as part of a strategic plan by city officials to reverse decades of economic decline and bring new life to the downtown area,” Miller says. In the 1970s, Baltimore Street was converted into a pedestrian-only open-air mall in an attempt to compete with suburban shopping malls. The city’s recent $17 million project reintroduced vehicle traffic to the area and completely upgraded water, sewer and gas lines. They also updated the area’s historic buildings, enabling property owners to finally convert vacant upper floors into residential spaces. Shoppers can now walk the promenade to enjoy the area’s new landscaping, dine outside, or stop for a morning bagel or cup of coffee.
Baltimore Street is the main business corridor for downtown Cumberland.
Ristorante Ottaviani fills with guest each night for dinner in Cumberland.
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The Great Allegheny Passage midpoint and local parks
The city is home to two main parks that have become staples of the community: Constitution Park and the Gene Mason Sports Complex. The sports complex sits right along the north branch of the Potomac River and has plenty of space for outdoor tournaments or pickup games. Constitution Park, established in 1921, has a pool and has been a centerpiece for recreation for over a century. "We often hear stories from people who worked as lifeguards there in the 60s," Mackey says. Cumberland is also a midpoint on the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile-long bike trail that connects Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. “We see tens of thousands of bikers traveling the trail, and it’s a huge tourism boost for us,” Miller says. In recent years, adding more multi-use trails for mountain biking and walking has significantly boosted park activity.
Careful when crossing the tracks on the Great Allegheny Passage in Cumberland.
Friends play basketball on the courts at Gene Mason Sports Complex.
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Annual festivals, events and markets in Cumberland
Cumberland is also home to a vibrant festival scene. DelFest, a renowned bluegrass festival founded by Del McCoury, attracts visitors worldwide yearly. Other popular events - particularly for foodies - include Matt Miller’s own Wing Off and Music Festival in June, as well as annual wine and taco festivals and the Maple Bacon Festival. The city’s farmers market lines the streets with vendors every Thursday in the summer, and the Heritage Day Festival celebrates the city’s history with reenactments and performances. The Constitution Park Amphitheater hosts weekly concerts from Memorial Day to Labor Day, featuring local bands performing hour-and-a-half sets. "People sit on the hill, hang out and listen to music," Mackey said.
Many stories can be told with art for viewers to appreciate in the downtown area of Cumberland.
Farmer's Markets, festivals and much more happen at Canal Place in Cumberland.
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Early 20th century homes and mansions at a lower price point
The median price for a single-family home in Cumberland is about $160,000, much lower than other major Maryland cities. This lower price in housing may draw first-time homebuyers and young professionals to the city, which has been modernizing and updating historic buildings. Row houses from the 1920s and 1930s with brick exteriors, Victorian-inspired designs and other historic New England aesthetics, can cost as low as $10,000 at auction. Newer townhouses from the late 2010s can run up to $200,000. A majority of single-family homes cost well below $300,000. First-time buyers can find completely renovated brick foursquares, Cape Cods or workers’ cottages for around $100,000. Even colonial-inspired brick manors with more than 3,000 square feet can cost around $400,000. Several higher-end homes are located west of the river off Washington Street, where large mansions can fetch between $500,000 and $800,000.
Colonial inspired large homes tower over the streets in Cumberland.
Large brick homes line the back streets of the downtown Cumberland area.
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Allegany County public and private schools
Cumberland falls within the Allegany County Public Schools district, which is rated an overall B on Niche. Prospective area schools include Cash Valley Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School, Braddock Middle School and Allegany High School. Private schools include Bishop Walsh School, which is predominantly Catholic and graded an A on Niche, and Calvary Christian Academy, rated a C-plus.
Parkside Elementary School is where students start there education in Cumberland.
Students prepare for college and more at Allegany High School.
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Commuter rails, Interstate 68 and local bus lines
Commuters can take Interstate 68 east and west along the Maryland and Pennsylvania border or travel to major cities via the Amtrak commuter rail. Cumberland residents can reach Pittsburg, Baltimore or Washington, D.C., within a few hours by car or between four and five hours by rail. Allegany County bus lines run throughout the city for those who use public transportation.
Crime in Cumberland
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, in 2023, rates of property and violent crime were higher than national and state averages.
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Photography Contributed By
Nick Conti
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jan Rivera,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Cumberland, MD sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cumberland, MD over the last 12 months is $200,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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