Denton remains Caroline County’s government center
Sitting along the Choptank River, the small town of Denton offers suburban life with direct access to the county’s largest shopping hub. Serving as the county seat for Caroline County, the town has a storied history dating back to Colonial America. It began as a small settlement in 1781, before becoming a trade center in the early 1800s because the Choptank River flows into Chesapeake Bay. Agricultural supplies were imported for the area’s many farms, an industry that still predominantly supports the region financially. Recently, the town has seen industrial growth with excavating and manufacturing companies setting up shop here. Denton today still serves as the government center for Caroline County, while also providing a balance between small-town living and modern conveniences.
Traditional suburban streets with a mix of home styles
Nationals and Victorians from as early as the 1800s are clustered around Market Street in the middle of town. There are also newer ranch-style homes, as well as new traditional Craftsman and Colonial Revival houses built in the last 25 years throughout town. With its traditional suburban streetscapes, properties feature modestly sized yards and many have attached garages. Homes typically sell for $200,000 to $650,000.
Shopping center on Route 404, local staples on Market Street
Chains like Walmart, Food Lion and Aldi are in the south end of town along Route 404. The shopping centers also feature Petco and chain eateries like Jersey Mike’s. There’s also the Denton Diner, a locally owned breakfast and lunch spot that’s been open for over 20 years. Downtown Denton is also a hub for small local businesses, with Market Street holding stores ranging from florists to outdoor sports shops. There are additional restaurants too, like Caroline's in Denton with farm-to-table meals and a regularly changing menu. Open since 2008, the Market Street Public House serves pints alongside traditional Irish dishes.
Local events throughout the year
From July through October, the Wednesday Farmers Market at Shore Gourmet offers fresh produce and local goods. In August, the Caroline-Dorchester County Fair is commonly referred to as “the fair too big for one county.” The four-day festival features live entertainment, amusement rides, animal exhibits and fair food. Caroline Summerfest has been an annual event in Downtown Denton since the 1980s. The two-day celebration offers live music, local vendors, family activities and fireworks on the last night. There’s also the Fall Harvest Festival in September with animals, games and local food and craft vendors.
Well rated public school district
Students may start at Denton Elementary, which earns a B from Niche, before going to Lockerman Middle, which gets a B-minus. North Caroline High also receives a B-minus.
Parks, trails and golf offer outdoor fun near the Choptank River
Pocket green spaces, like Fourth Street Park, provide playgrounds and sports facilities close by. The Wharves of Choptank Visitor & Heritage Center has a boat launch for accessing the Choptank River, as well as a walking trail along the waterfront. Just south of town, Martinak State Park has a nature center and a 1.5-mile trail through scenic forest and marshland. The Caroline Country Club is also 5 miles south with a public 18-hole golf course.
State Route 404 connects to major highways and nearby cities
Commuters take State Route 404 west 10 miles to get to the Delaware border. The route also runs 15 miles east to U.S. Route 50, leading 70 miles to Baltimore and 72 miles to Washington DC. Memorial Hospital is 17 miles away, and the Salisbury Regional Airport is 50 miles away.
![Logan Soter-Reardon]()
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
