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 their 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.
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On average, homes in Cumberland, MD sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Cumberland, MD over the last 12 months is $210,400, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the desirable Amcelle Acres neighborhood, this meticulously maintained home is being offered for the first time since it was built. Lovingly cared for, this home offers three spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a thoughtfully designed floor plan that balances comfortable everyday living with effortless entertaining—all surrounded by the beauty of Mountain Maryland. Step inside to a
Discover this charming split-foyer home situated on a 0.29-acre lot backing to mature trees and a tranquil creek, offering a beautiful blend of privacy and convenience. A welcoming covered front porch invites you inside, where hardwood floors extend throughout the upper level. Both full bathrooms were updated in 2026 with new vanity cabinets and flooring while preserving the home’s original
Great opportunity to own a 0.27-acre lot on Oakwood Street, Lots 349-351, Cumberland, MD 21502 in Allegany County. This parcel offers privacy with a wooded setting while remaining close to I-68, schools, and local amenities. Ideal for future residential construction, Modular home with permanent foundation is permitted. Mobile homes are NOT allowed. Enjoy a peaceful location just past the ball
Welcome to this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home perfectly situated just minutes from the newly revitalized downtown. Enjoy the convenience of shops, restaurants, parks, and community events right at your doorstep! Inside, the home features an updated kitchen with brand-new appliances, plumbing and a new furnace, offering peace of mind and improved energy efficiency. The layout provides a comfortable
Check out this remarkable 5 bedroom, 2 full bathroom in the heart of Lavale! Located on a large lot with a fenced in inground pool with a new pool cover, and new heater, along with a storage shed nearby that's great for pool equipment. Perfect outdoor space for those hot summer days, and family gatherings ! Amazing outdoor space perfect for plants and bird watching. Second outdoor shed located
Fresh updates in this charming, affordable brick home ! 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms in the upstairs living quarters ! Basement in great condition with a full bathroom ! Could easily be converted into a multi unit with the addition of a refrigerator and stove in the basement ! Off street parking. Located in a convenient location, close to markets and restaurants , only a few minutes to get onto
This stately brick 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is located on a corner lot with a fully fenced in backyard! Enjoy relaxing on either the upper or lower level covered porches ideal for morning coffee or evening breezes and take in the gorgeous mountainside views. Inside, you'll find a bright, kitchen with white cabinetry. There’s even a bonus room perfect for an office, nursery, or guest space! The
This beautifully updated duplex features two spacious units, each with 2 bedrooms. One unit offers 1 full bath, while the other provides 1.5 baths for extra convenience. Both units have been completely remodeled from top to bottom, blending modern style with efficiency.Upgrades include brand-new siding, roof, windows, and doors, along with all new plumbing and forced-air heating systems.
Completely remodeled, this beautifully updated home has all of the upgrades. Come take a look at the beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail.. The backyard has been fully fenced, creating a great outdoor area to host and/or relax.
Step into the timeless charm of this beautifully remodeled Victorian home, offering five to six bedrooms and two bathrooms. The inviting wraparound porch sets the stage for a warm and welcoming entrance, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or relaxing in the evening. Inside, classic architectural details shine, including stunning pocket doors, intricate woodwork, and high ceilings that enhance
Keep Your Cash in the Bank! Take advantage of a flexible $10,000 seller credit designed to make your move seamless. Use it to significantly lower your closing costs, buy down your interest rate for a lower monthly payment, or fund your future home updates. Flex your buying power here! Discover unparalleled privacy and architectural flair at the end of a quiet, no-outlet street. Situated on 2
Welcome to 325 Francis Court! Offering more than 2,900 square feet of living space, this beautifully maintained home also includes a basement with excellent potential for additional finished square footage. The main level features a welcoming foyer, formal living room, formal dining room, a spacious kitchen with abundant counter space and a bright breakfast area, a family room, a convenient half
Come check out this spacious 3 bed 1 bath home! Pets considered on a case by case basis. Laundry hookups available! Call today for a free application! More photos to come as the remodel is completed!
Orchard Mews is an affordable apartment community located in Cumberland, Maryland that offers one- and two- bedroom apartments. The community is conveniently located near Todd's Smokin Bar-B-Q, Frank's Coffee, Aldi, South End Playground, Bel Air Elementary School, Community Pool, and Health Matters Urgent Care. Contact our leasing team today and allow us the opportunity to find the perfect
Half of a duplex that was fully renovated four years ago; landscaping and a peach tree in place outside. Luxury vinyl flooring installed on first floor. Eat in kitchen, bonus room which could serve as formal dining room, study, first floor bedroom, craft room, etc. and living room on first floor with full bath (walk in shower). Upstairs are two bedrooms and another full bath. Requirements:
Property Id: 2448702Welcome to one of two of our newest, fully renovated, and modernized 1 bedroom 1 bath Upstairs apartment! This unit is in the building behind then 219 Pennsylvania Avenue big yellow house (referred to as 219 Pennsylvania Ave Rear, use the original address for GPS purposes). Everything is new and fresh! This unit is $750/month with no utilities included. One of the
Property Id: 2132759Right on the corner of Spring and Elm, this unit is literally a hop, skip and jump away from Martin's, Dunkin Donuts, Chic-Fil-A and just a short walk away from Cumberland's very own Downtown mall that hosts plenty of other options for dining and shopping. Located in the Washington Middle/Fort Hill High School district. Utilities are Gas and Electric
Property Id: 2466953This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit is perfect for comfortable living. The unit features a functional layout, ample natural light, and a welcoming atmosphere. Conveniently located near local amenities, shopping, and dining. Tenant pays utilities.Details:2 Bedrooms1 BathroomTenant is responsible for all utilitiesDon't miss out on this great
Property Id: 2383012Looking for a comfortable and affordable place to call home? This 1 bed, 1 bath apartment is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Cumberland! Offering easy access to local shops and restaurants. Contact the office to get an application emailed to you!1 year lease with chance of extension *MUST pay security deposit first NO SMOKING (of any
Property Id: 2383010This well-maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfortable living in a convenient location. The unit features a functional layout with a spacious bedroom, full bathroom, and inviting living area designed for everyday comfort.The apartment is handicap accessible, providing ease of access and added convenience. The kitchen offers ample cabinet space and
Property Id: 2493248Welcome to your cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located at 302 Columbia St in Cumberland, MD. This unit is perfect for a single individual or couple looking for a peaceful retreat. With hardwood floors, radiant heating, and modern appliances including a freezer, oven, and refrigerator, you'll feel right at home. Pets are welcome (cats and small dogs), and smoking
This is a large beautiful 2nd Floor apt with central air. Very nice screened in porch. Off street parking. Hardwood floors. Water and garbage and sewage provided. All other utilities are renters responsibility.This is nonsmoking apt and no animals are allowed. References are needed and a background checks will be done.
Large 2 bedroom second floor apartment with hardwood floors, carpet in bedrooms. Recently remodeled/updated. Water/Sewage/Trash included in rent. Tenant pays electric bill. References Required. Deposit. Non Smokers, No Pets, No Hud.
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