A revitalized bayside community that blends history, art and cuisine
Easton, the seat of Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is home to just over 17,000 residents. Like many other towns on this side of the Chesapeake Bay, Easton is known for its easygoing vibe and proximity to the water. “Residents and tourists will both praise Easton for its calm and friendly atmosphere,” says Angela Simonelli, a real estate advisor with Compass Realty and area resident of over 10 years. “Forbes actually named it one of the coolest places in America to buy a holiday home back in 2018. It’s got a lot of history and a great healthcare system, and it’s become a popular vacation spot for people from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.” This view of Easton as a seaside destination has caused some growing pains as property prices rise and the market becomes more competitive. However, it has also revitalized the city’s culinary and art scenes, adding to its unique mix of history and small-town charm.
Easton is a small idyllic city with easy access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Easton is known for its easygoing vibe and proximity to the water and its inhabitants.
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As Easton's appeal grows, its housing market becomes more competitive
As of 2024, the median housing price in Easton was around $450,000. “One thing to note is that Easton has a pretty high cost of living, especially compared to other parts of Maryland,” Simonelli says. “Prices have gone up a lot, and the market is pretty competitive. There’s a lower rate of home ownership compared to surrounding areas, and the rising prices can make it hard for people who are shopping here.” Cape Cods and American Foursquares are among the most common styles to be found on the tightly packed and tree-lined streets, with new construction taking place sporadically throughout the city. Midcentury homes toward the center of town tend to fetch lower prices than those with water access, which can price over the $1 million mark.
Discover the ideal single family home with small town vibes and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay in Easton, MD.
Colonial style homes with private water access, can price over the $1 million mark in Easton, MD.
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Talbot County students can take dual enrollment courses at Chesapeake College
Easton students are zoned to attend Talbot County Public Schools, which earns an overall B from Niche. Easton High School scores a B, offering dual enrollment courses with Chesapeake College 14 miles north of town. Chesapeake’s Associate Degree in Nursing program was ranked as the best in Maryland by Allnurses.com in 2024. Faith-based alternatives like Saints Peter & Paul High School are also available.
Easton High School in Easton helps students excel.
Chesapeake College is the center of life-long learning for mid-shore residents seeking high-quality, affordable education in Cambridge, MD.
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Healthcare and law enforcement play large roles in the county's job market
The healthcare industry is a cornerstone of Easton’s economy, as the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center is the top employer in the county. “The hospital is very well-known, and it really shows how dedicated the community is to providing quality care,” Simonelli says. “Outside of that, though, job opportunities in the area can be scarce. The police department is hiring new officers, so that can be a draw.” While more recent data is not available, the Easton Police Department reported a nearly 23 percent decrease in major crimes between 2019 and 2020.
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health extends health care services throughout the Maryland mid-Shore region.
The Easton Police Department has been serving the community with pride since 1906.
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Downtown Easton is known for fine dining
Grocery stores and big-box retailers fill the shopping centers around U.S. Route 50 and Easton Parkway, so residents do not need to venture far for everyday necessities. Longstanding markets like Gay’s Seafood provide locals with Maryland’s favorite delicacy, steamed blue crabs, year-round. While nationally recognizable chain eateries line the highways, the historic downtown district is the highlight of Easton’s culinary scene. Restaurants like Bas Rouge, a contemporary European bistro, draw visitors from up and down the East Coast.
Bas Rouge in Easton, MD offers an exquisite European fine dining experience.
MD is a great place to get some classic american fare and vibes.
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The Eastern Shore's natural landscape provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation
For many residents, fishing and boating in the Choptank River or the Chesapeake Bay is a large part of Easton’s appeal. Nature preserves like the Pickering Creek Audubon Center offer the chance to hike many miles of trails while viewing local wildlife in their natural habitat. Opportunities for more structured recreation are also available. “The A. James Clark Sports Complex in North Easton is huge,” Simonelli says. “It has over 26 acres of space that can be used for all different kinds of sports. And Idlewild Park is popular for walking or for picnics.”
Pickering Creek Audubon Center is home to over 250 bird species perfect for birdwatchers.
The Choptank River in Cambridge, MD offers countless outdoor activities from boating to bird watching.
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One major U.S. highway serves this highly walkable city
U.S. Route 50 is the area’s main thoroughfare, connecting northwest to Annapolis and south to Cambridge. The city is very walkable, with a total area of roughly 11 square miles. As Easton is very car-dependent, public transportation options are limited. Bus service, provided by Delmarva Community Transit, is available from 4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
History and art collide in downtown Easton
Walking tours conducted by the Talbot Historical Society Museum take place every third Saturday. Visitors can also peruse the permanent collection at the Academy Art Museum, which also hosts dances, concerts and lectures throughout the year. The Avalon Foundation operates several live music venues throughout the city, including the restored art deco Avalon Theatre.
Easton, MD has a popular historic district with artsy restaurants and historic architecture like the Talbot Clerk of Circuit Court.
The Frederick Douglass / Liberty mural in Easton, MD represents the communities will to move in the direction of a better world.
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Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Son
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Harry Kaiser,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Easton, MD sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Easton, MD over the last 12 months is $469,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meticulously Maintained One-Owner Home in Chesapeake by Del Webb – 55+ CommunityWelcome to this beautifully cared-for McDaniel model in the sought-after 55+ section of Chesapeake by Del Webb. Situated near the main entrance and just a short distance to the clubhouse, this home offers both comfort and convenience in one of Easton's premier active adult communities.Enjoy relaxing mornings on the
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Meticulously Maintained One-Owner Home in Chesapeake by Del Webb – 55+ CommunityWelcome to this beautifully cared-for McDaniel model in the sought-after 55+ section of Chesapeake by Del Webb. Situated near the main entrance and just a short distance to the clubhouse, this home offers both comfort and convenience in one of Easton's premier active adult communities.Enjoy relaxing mornings on the
Rent a lovely house in a great Easton neighborhood! A short distance from shops, museums, parks, restaurants and churches in historic downtown Easton. Just 1.2 miles from Easton Memorial Hospital. One block from Rails to Trails and RTC park. A short distance from shops, museums, parks, restaurants and churches in historic downtown Easton. Just 1.2 miles from Easton Memorial Hospital. 3
**3 bedroom 2 bathroom upstairs apartment**Welcome to Daly Gardens, Easton's newest workforce housing community thoughtfully developed by Naima Ventures. This community offers 1, bed 1 bath, 2 bed 2 bath, and 3 bed 2 bath units. All of which are designed with style, convenience, and community in mind. Centrally located, these brand new units are ideal for individuals, families, and
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