Section Image

Essex

Essex

Located in Baltimore County

$323,598 Average Value
$199 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A riverside retreat, minutes from downtown Baltimore

The long-standing city of Essex sits off the Back and Middle rivers, under 10 miles from downtown Baltimore. “Many people have lived in this area for multiple generations,” says Rachel Jackson, an Essex native and librarian with the Baltimore County Public Library. “While Essex is not a small town, at times it has a small-town feel, as many people find that they have mutual friends and acquaintances.” Some homeowners use Essex as their seasonal vacation spot, though others settle down here year-round. The city’s nearly 40,000 residents typically commute into Baltimore or throughout the county for work, though local maritime jobs are also prevalent.

Many Essex homeowners are lucky enough to have boat docks right off of their property.
Many Essex homeowners are lucky enough to have boat docks right off of their property.
Some Essex residents soaking up the sun at Rocky Point Park.
Some Essex residents soaking up the sun at Rocky Point Park.
1/2

Outdoor recreation revolves around Essex’s waterways

The Back and Middle rivers form the Essex peninsula and jut out toward the Chesapeake Bay. Boaters can rent a slip at one of the numerous marinas nearby, such as Markley’s, Norman Creek or Sunset Harbor. Many of the city’s parks line the waterfront, as well. Cox’s Point has a boat launch and fishing pier, and Rocky Point Park and Beach, farther south, offers similar amenities, along with a sandy shore, playground and grill area. Golfers from all over the county book tee times at the Rocky Point course, which overlooks the water.

Markley's Marina in Essex is a great spot to keep you boat.
Markley's Marina in Essex is a great spot to keep you boat.
Need to launch your boat? Cox's Point Park in Essex is a great spot for it.
Need to launch your boat? Cox's Point Park in Essex is a great spot for it.
1/2

Cocktails on the water at Brewers Landing

A variety of restaurants operate throughout the city, from crab houses and Jerk chicken shacks to pubs and diners. Most dining options are concentrated on the Eastern and SE boulevards and Mace Avenue. LoonAsea and Brewers Landing are among the numerous restaurants on the coast, accessible by boat or car. Shopping centers throughout the city provide services, pharmacies and big-box stores. Nearby grocers include Shoppers, Weis and Food Lion, and the closest Target and Walmart are within 5 miles.

Loonasea in Essex is a great place to get a drink with friends after work.
Loonasea in Essex is a great place to get a drink with friends after work.
When you live in Essex, there is a Target right down the street from you.
When you live in Essex, there is a Target right down the street from you.
1/2

Waterfront homes in Evergreen Park/Holly Beach can surpass $1 million

Sidewalks line some of the residential streets in Essex, and most lawns feature trees and gardens. Housing mostly consists of mid-to-late-20th-century single-family homes and townhouses, though condo complexes have been constructed in the last couple of decades. Common architecture includes Cape Cods, ranch-style properties and split levels. “Essex has a history of being a blue-collar area with affordable housing,” Jackson says. Prices for small homes, condos and row houses can start as low as $100,000 to $350,000, and newer townhouses with community amenities can reach about $500,000. New traditional homes and waterfront properties, like those in Evergreen Park/Holly Beach, have the highest price tags in the area, selling between $500,000 and $1.4 million.

Many homes in Essex have beautiful trees and plants.
Many homes in Essex have beautiful trees and plants.
New traditional homes in Essex tend to go for $500,000 to $1.4 million.
New traditional homes in Essex tend to go for $500,000 to $1.4 million.
1/2

Reaching Baltimore by boat, bus or the Beltway

Numerous major thoroughfares flow nearby, including Baltimore Beltway and U.S. Route 40. “Essex sits in a great location, as we are only a few minutes’ drive from downtown Baltimore, a short drive from multiple universities and only about an hour’s drive from Washington D.C. and Philadelphia,” Jackson says. The CityLink ORANGE buses, run by the Maryland Transit Administration, provide public transportation. Boaters can launch from their docks and sail right into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is about 18 miles away and offers more than 650 domestic and international flights daily. BWI also has free shuttles from the airport terminals to its Amtrak train station.

Annual celebrations and everyday activities at the Essex Library

The Essex Day Festival is an annual celebration with a car show, karaoke and markets. Children can explore the Kids’ Zone, and The Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, Inc. hosts museum tours throughout the day. The society is also responsible for other Essex events, including the annual tree lighting ceremony and community fundraisers.

The Essex Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library hosts activities throughout the year. “We see the Essex Library as a community connector,” says Emily Williamson, the communications and media relations contact with the Baltimore County Public Library. “We strive to make it a place where people from all walks of life feel welcome.” Visitors can participate in one of the library’s many programs, such as knitting classes and public benefits assistance.

Baltimore County Public Schools and Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Students can attend Baltimore County Public Schools, a B-rated district on Niche. Six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools serve Essex. Families can also enroll their children at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, a private, Catholic option for prekindergarten through 12th grade that scores a B-minus.

Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Essex provides a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Essex provides a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Deep Creek Middle School has a diverse student body with an eagerness to learn in Essex.
Deep Creek Middle School has a diverse student body with an eagerness to learn in Essex.
1/2

Average crime rates and four seasons of weather

Essex has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 4 out of 10, which is on par with the national average.

Similar to the rest of Baltimore County, Essex has four distinct seasons, though flood risk is moderate on the coast and winds can get stronger with proximity to the water.

Grace Pitney
Written By
Grace Pitney
Conner Baker
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Luke Mancari
Video By
Luke Mancari

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joseph DeSimone, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Essex Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$420,000
Median Sale Price
$414,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$465,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$389,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$295,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
58
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$199

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
11,156
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1955
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,326
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,113
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,401
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 2pm

    1712 Renaissance Dr, Baltimore, MD 21221

    $520,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,642 Sq Ft
    • 1712 Renaissance Dr

    Welcome to Renaissance Square!OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY AUGUST 2, 2025 NOON TO 2PM JUST LOWERED TO $520,000. This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Colonial sits proudly on a beautifully landscaped corner lot in sought-after Renaissance Square. Built in 2015, this home offers over 2,600 square feet of finished living space, combining modern features with timeless charm.Step inside to find gleaming

    Ronald Sullivan Coldwell Banker Realty

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 3pm

    1513 Cherry Garden Rd, Essex, MD 21221

    $624,990

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,364 Sq Ft
    • 1513 Cherry Garden Rd

    Welcome to 1513 Cherry Garden, where privacy meets modern luxury on over 2 acres of beautiful land. Built in 2022, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of contemporary design and serene surroundings — a rare opportunity to own a move-in ready retreat in a sought-after location. Property Highlights:Newly Built in 2022 – Meticulously maintained and

    Mary Anne Long Keller Williams Realty Centre

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 1pm

    803 Essex Ave, Essex, MD 21221

    $339,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,510 Sq Ft
    • 803 Essex Ave

    ***Open House Saturday August 2nd 11-1pm*****Charming Renovated Home in Prime Location!**Welcome to 803 Essex Ave—a beautifully renovated single-family detached home exuding character and charm. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features gleaming hardwood floors throughout and a fully finished basement, featuring the primary bedroom, walk-in closet, and en suite offering 1,500 sq feet of

    sarah cruikshank Streett Hopkins Real Estate, LLC

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Essex Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
39,818
Median Age
40
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$58,967
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,571

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
85.7%
College Graduates
16.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
22''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

45 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

58 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®®

46 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Essex