Emmitsburg is a historic town in Frederick County
There is a decent chance you've never heard of Emmitsburg until now, which is a bit odd considering its prominence in early American history. Often treated as a footnote in Civil War history books for where the Battle of Gettysburg almost occurred, Emmitsburg is also home to the country’s second-oldest Catholic university, Mount St. Mary's University. But as with almost anywhere in Frederick County, Emmitsburg is growing a lot and might soon make a name for itself for reasons other than cannons and convents. "A lot of people have moved out here from the nearby cities, and it's just continued to grow like crazy," says Managing Realtor for Murase Partners of Charis Realty Margo Miller, who has sold homes in Frederick County since 2014.
Colonial Revivals have views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Sitting right at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, many residents of Emmitsburg enjoy scenic vistas of ragged mountain peaks and miles of farmland right in their backyards. Most of the homes in Emmitsburg that are going on the market are those closest to town, often invoking a traditional architectural design that does its part to tell the town's history. "Emmitsburg has a lot of homes that were built in the 1800s, so they're going to be small Colonial homes, or ones that were originally bigger that have since been made into duplexes," says Miller. "A lot of people that don't want to be in an HOA neighborhood will find those are typically more of a ranch-style or a split-level." A single-family home in Emmitsburg sells for a median of $397,000. Smaller homes cost $250,000 to $410,000, while those over 2,000 square feet typically range from $410,000 to $600,000.
Frederick County Public Schools are well-rated
Young students living in Emmitsburg attend Frederick County Public Schools. Starting at Emmitsburg Elementary, which earns a B-plus from Niche, students get to begin their education in a small classroom setting with an average ratio of 12 students per teacher. When they move on to the B-rated Thurmont Middle, students will be introduced to an environmental literacy curriculum in their courses for social studies and science. Finally, once they reach Catoctin High, which also earns a B-plus, students can take AP classes.
Mount St. Mary’s University is a private, liberal arts institution with over 80 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations and special programs. Nearly a quarter of the student body is a member of one of 24 NCAA Division I athletic teams.
Locals spend time at community parks and nearby conservation areas
Whether you want a taste of history, adventure or leisure, you will find one or more at one of Emmitsburg's parks. E. Eugene Myers Community Park is the largest in town and offers several amenities for recreation, including a dog park, baseball diamonds, a playground and even a disc golf course. There is also a community pool at the park's north end, which can be rented for parties and events upon applying for membership. Mount Tabor Park is south of downtown Emmitsburg. The park's central attraction is the "big slide," a barn-themed covered slide that towers over the park's jungle gym and outdoor concert pavilion. Those who want to fish or hike go to Rainbow Lake, an 8-acre conservation area where anglers can cast lines once they obtain a permit from the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources.
Main Street is home to boutiques, businesses and restaurants like Ott
Emmitsburg's Main Street is a picturesque downtown drag of retail spots and restaurants housed in colonial storefronts. As you walk Main Street's sidewalks and pass beneath gas lamps and antique shudders, you'll come across several boutiques, old firehouses, small businesses and local eateries at its intersection with Seton Avenue. One of the more popular spots in town is the Ott House Pub, a rustic dive bar that has been open since 1970 and is famous for its assortment of seafood sandwiches and live music acts. Just a block away, shoppers can spend hours perusing the Emmitsburg Antique Mall's seemingly endless aisles of vintage knickknacks. But when you'd rather spend the day around the house, unlike many other areas of Frederick County, Emmitsburg residents do not have to leave town to buy groceries, visit their doctor or pick up home and school supplies. Emmitsburg's downtown extends east-to-west for roughly seven blocks before hitting US Highway 15.
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Photography Contributed By
Tyler Priola
