Since the 1800s, Hagerstown has been known as Hub City in Western Maryland, a nickname that denotes the significance of the town’s location at the convergence of Maryland’s railways. Although this has since faded with the decline of American rail travel, the city is currently going through what could be called a renaissance. Central, the city’s downtown neighborhood, has recently experienced a boost of activity that has locals comparing to Hagerstown its more famous neighbor, Frederick. “I don’t like to think of Hagerstown as following in Frederick’s footsteps. Even though they’re in neighboring counties, they’re very different,” says Bethany Gosnell, Realtor with The Agency who has lived in Maryland since 2006. “Hagerstown has half of Frederick’s inhabitants, so it’s going to take more than 10-15 years for it to be comparable in terms of traffic congestion and overpopulation and to lose that small town feeling that people are attached to.” While new developments have sprung up around the outskirts, Central itself is full of renovated 19th-century row houses that line the narrow streets. An influx of funding and an uptick in business interest has culminated in the construction of Meritus Park, a state-of-the-art baseball stadium. Residents can be found having lunch at the pubs in the center of town, strolling along the shady trails of Hagerstown City Park or catching up in line for donuts that have been a community tradition for over 80 years.. “Hagerstown sometimes feels like the middle child that is constantly compared to the younger and older siblings who are just bigger and taller,” Gosnell adds. “But then you have a conversation with the middle child, and you find out they’re the coolest one of the bunch.”
Major railways pass through Hagerstown, giving it's nickname Hub City.
“Hub City” comes from the railroad lines running into Hagerstown resembled the spokes of a wheel
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Calling Central home
Much of the housing stock in Central Hagerstown consists of Federal-style brick townhouses with neat rows of windows looking out over the sidewalk-lined streets. There are also several Victorian duplexes scattered about, which feature narrow alleyways leading to small backyards on either side. Most residential buildings were constructed between 1880 and 1920 and have undergone extensive interior renovations. Prices range from $125,000 to over $300,000, depending on the condition of the property and the number of bedrooms. In this mixed-use neighborhood, buyers should be wary of rising commercial real estate prices being used as comparables. Prospective owners can also take advantage of services like Homestore, a nonprofit that supports first-time buyers in Washington County. “They’ll help you fill out applications, they’ll go over a budget with you, they’ll help you plan for a real estate goal for a year down the road,” Gosnell says. “It’s similar to what a real estate agent and a lender would do, but this is a storefront for that purpose. It’s part of a goal to increase homeownership here.”
A large crowd enjoys music on a summer evening in University Plaza, Hagerstown.
Simple but quaint brick town homes are common in Hagerstown.
Downtown Hagerstown is highly walkable with sidewalks and walkways throughout town.
Hagerstown is home to some of the areas most interesting architecture.
The beautiful Hagerstown skyline and view of Meritus Stadium.
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Bodegas, Broad Axe and Krumpe’s Do-Nuts
Whichever way they turn, locals will find places to shop for groceries. Options include La Bodega and Spickler’s Market, both in the neighborhood, which offer small selections of pantry staples and daily necessities. Broader stock is available at Aldi or Lidl just 1 mile from the center of town, and the closest Target is a short 4-mile drive south to Valley Mall. “People are trying to revitalize downtown, and walkability there is a key highlight. Last time I looked there were 18 non-chain restaurants in the area, so the food scene is pretty good,” Gosnell says. “Schmankerl Stube is a German restaurant within walking distance of the ballpark, and everybody knows it because it’s unique. And Jpmino Coffee is a frequent spot of mine. It’s kind of like you’re taking a step back in time and sitting in an old jazz club that’s now a coffee shop.” Other popular options include Broad Axe, a modern American pub where residents stop in for sandwiches at lunch or live music and cold beer late into the night, and Krumpe’s Do-Nut Shop, a community staple where tradition has dictated that fresh donuts be handmade nightly from 7 to 11 p.m. since 1934.
Many dining options such as Black Rock Grill and Primanti and many others are in Hagerstown.
Browse through thousands of albums at Hub City Vinyl for your favorite artist on vinyl.
Broad Axe is a local favorite for lunch and dinner or just socializing over drinks.
Hungry customers line up at Krumpe's for the best donuts in town.
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The trailheads and parks of Hagerstown
Hagerstown is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as Tree City USA, and residents of Central are uniquely poised to take advantage of the surrounding natural landscape. “There’s a lot of outdoors activities. I mean, we’re right at the Appalachian Trail, right in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s camping, hiking, whatever you want to do,” Gosnell says. “Marty Snook Park has a section where they have animated characters carved into trees. It has a few different playgrounds, fields and walking paths. It’s kind of like City Park, but it’s a little more wooded. If you have kids, it’s a big highlight.” Hagerstown City Park is also home to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, where locals can peruse the permanent collection, enjoy classical concerts by local musicians or participate in art education programs.
A large crowd enjoys music on a summer evening in University Plaza park in Hagerstown.
Kids enjoy a game of kickball at Marty Snook Park in Hagerstown.
Hagerstown City park has an outdoor amphitheater hosting live events throughout the year.
Fairgrounds park sports an award winning skatepark cherished by local BMX bikers and skaters.
Meritus Park in Central Hagerstown displays a colorful mural on adjacent buildings.
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The Farmers Market and the Flying Boxcars
The highlight of Central’s skyline is Meritus Park, a brand-new ballpark that hosts Atlantic Baseball’s Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. The Boxcars are the city’s first venture into professional baseball since the departure of the Hagerstown Suns franchise in 2020, and their arrival has given locals much to talk about. “There’s just a sense of pride for people from Hagerstown in being able to say that they have their own baseball team,” Gosnell says. “And it’s a beautiful ballpark. The team has had a bit of a rough start, but as more people continue to move here and Central gets built up, the team will get more attention.” Just down Baltimore Street, Maryland’s largest record store, Hub City Vinyl, hosts live concerts by area musicians in their historic venue. Every third Thursday, residents can head to the City Farmers Market to sample local whiskeys, indulge in food truck offerings, grab fresh produce or simply catch up with neighbors.
Shop for locally made unique merchandise at the City Farmers Market in Hagerstown.
Flying Boxcars play ball in the Meritus Stadium in Central Hagerstown.
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Washington County’s Public Schools
The Central neighborhood is zoned for Washington County Public Schools, such as Eastern Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche and which recently hosted an inaugural chess tournament for county children. Students may then proceed to Northern Middle, which is rated B and is an International Baccalaureate World School. North Hagerstown High scores an A-minus and is Niche’s No. 2 Best Public High School in Washington County. Alternative high school options are also available. “The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is the highest-rated public high school in Washington County right now. It’s a magnet school for artistically gifted students, so it helps them hone in on their abilities while still getting a high school diploma.” Barbara Ingram is rated A and takes the top spot as Niche’s No. 1 Best Public High School in the county.
Eastern Elementary serves students in the Hagerstown area.
Northern Middle School in Hagerstown serves students in Washington County.
North Hagerstown High School sports an impressive school campus.
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Between Interstates 81 and 70
Hagerstown is known as Hub City, a nickname that is reminiscent of its position at the center of Maryland’s railroad system in the 19th century. Today, the city’s position at the conflux of two interstate highways keeps that moniker relevant. “Wherever you are in Hagerstown, you can get onto Interstate 70 or 81 in just a couple of minutes, so the commute is all highway,” Gosnell says. “And that is a huge benefit because the surrounding counties are not like that.” Interstate 81 connects Central directly to Hagerstown Regional Airport 6 miles north, which offers flights directly to vacation destinations like Orlando, Florida and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Hagerstown provides a public transportation bussing system for it's residents.
I70 and I81 run through Hagerstown making it convenient for commuting and commerce.
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Washington County Goes Purple
Like many small towns across America, Hagerstown has witnessed firsthand the fallout of the opioid crisis. “I think that the apparent drug use is something any city probably has to deal with, and I know Hagerstown is trying,” Gosnell says. “Washington County has an initiative called Washington County Goes Purple, which is for opioid awareness and overdose prevention. So there are some pretty big initiatives to try and target that problem where it exists. And it’s something that the community really rallies behind, which is what you get from a small town like this.”
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
Are you familiar with the Central neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
10
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central, Hagerstown sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Central, Hagerstown over the last 12 months is $169,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Price - Move-in ready as you step into this beautifully renovated, turn-key home nestled on a quiet street just minutes from all the amenities Hagerstown has to offer. Nearly every major feature has been updated in 2025, including a NEW roof, windows, doors, furnace, flooring, kitchen cabinets, sink, appliances, bathroom, water heater and even a fully finished attic bonus room.Natural
Welcome Home to 257 South Potomac Street! This historic property sits right off the heart(just steps!) from Hagerstown's downtown square , boasting the best of the towns restaurants, entertainment, transportation, services, and more! In addition to the street parking, the home has 3-5 parking spaces at the rear of the yard, off the back alley. Walking inside, prospects are greeted with a
POSSIBILITY OF 6 UNITS! Welcome to 601-603 North Mulberry Street, a 4 -unit residential investment. The property features 4, individually metered 1-bedroom apartments, with 2 separate entrances for each unit(8 total entrances). There are 2 additional attic units on each side that could be renovated into 2 additional efficiency or studio units! These additional attic units already have separate
Beautiful home in move in condition. This home has thoroughly been by the Sellers. Features Four Bedrooms and Two bathrooms, full unfinished basement - great for storage. Check out both the front porch and fenced in rear yard which is idea for entertaining. Recent updates include carpet along with windows and counter tops. Call your Agent for a tour today!
Welcome home to affordable living in Hagerstown Maryland! This unique layout at 601 North Mulberry features 2 identical, yet completely separated living units, all under once singular parcel! Live in one side, rent out the other! Or, start your portfolio with 2 turn-key units under one parcel, at an affordable price. Purchasing this property will involve one closing, one mortgage, yet two
Wonderfully renovated detached single-family Colonial in Hagerstown’s North End. This move-in-ready home features updated flooring, fresh paint, and modern fixtures throughout. The kitchen and both bathrooms have been fully updated, and replacement windows add comfort and efficiency. And wait until you see the exposed brick walls—this is truly a beautiful home.
Duplexes 643-645 Pennsylvania Ave are being remodeled. Beautifully remodeled duplex featuring two fully updated units! 643 Pennsylvania Ave offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms upstairs, plus 1 bedroom and 1 full bath on the main level. Hardwood one main level and engineered flooring in the bedrooms level. Gorgeous kitchen cabinetry and with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and
Prime Downtown Mixed-Use Investment Exceptional opportunity to own a fully occupied mixed-use property in the heart of Downtown Hagerstown! This well-maintained brick building features a street-level restaurant and four fully leased residential apartments above, generating $4,000 per month in rental income. Tenants pay all utilities, providing a low-expense, high-yield investment. Located just
Exceptional Multi-Use Property in Prime Location! Discover incredible flexibility and potential in this well-maintained property featuring three separate units. Perfect for owner-occupants, investors, or professionals seeking a live/work setup. Upstairs Unit:
COMMERCIAL LOT FOR SALE! .62 ACRES - LOT 3-AGREAT LOCATION WITH ALOT OF MEDICAL OFFICES NEXT DOOR. OWNED BY SAME OWNER FOR MANY YEARS. WOULD MAKE A GREAT LOCATION FOR OFFICES, RETAIL, MEDICAL, URGENT CARE. PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER AVAILABLE.ATTENTION! THERE ARE TWO (2) SEPARATE LOTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON SAME STREET, ONE LOT IS 1.025 ACRES AND THE OTHER IS .36 ACRES WHICH ARE LOTS 2 AND
Convenient 2 bedroom, 1 bath brick townhome with a new roof, fully fenced rear yard offering added privacy, and private off-street parking. The main level includes a living room with exposed brick accents and a gas fireplace, along with an eat-in kitchen offering space for a table and access to the backyard. Hardwood flooring spans all 3 finished levels of the home. The second level features one
Renovated historic building in downtown Hagerstown. Within walking distance to the Arts & Entertainment Center, Meritus Ball Park, the Maryland Theatre and numerous restaurants and shops.First floor has retail, second - fourth floor are residential apartments.
This townhome has been completely remodeled and is for rent! Brand new LVP flooring, paint, plumbing and electric. Kitchen features granite countertops and brand new white cabinets with modern black hardware. Beautifully remodeled bathroom features glass enclosed shower with subway tile, new vanity and toilet. Lovely front porch and backyard. Off street parking for one car behind the building and
Milan BroadusMonument Sotheby's International Realty
Come view this spacious 3 bedroom today. With plenty to offer. The property has a great layout and beautiful wood flooring throughout. The Kitchen comes with Granite counters and brand new stainless- steel appliances. The home provides you with great size bedrooms and alot of natural light. It also has a nice size backyard. Washer and Dryer hook-up. Conveniently located minutes away from shopping
The Updegraff Building was originally constructed for the manufacturing and sale of hats and gloves in 1882 by the Updegraff Family. The development consists of 21 apartments and ground-floor retail. The Updegraff Building is located in Hagerstown’s historic Arts & Entertainment District. The Arts & Entertainment District features numerous off-site amenities including the Maryland Theatre,
This 1 bedroom apartment has so much to offer. It includes hardwood flooring. An open floor plan with alot of natural light in the unit. At a great location which is right across from the stadium. Walking distance from many restaurants and shopping. Call and make your appointment today.
Beautiful 2 BR apartment with hardwood floors and ceramic tiles in bathroom. Water, trash, and sewer are also included in the rent. Off street parking optional. Unit is walking distance from City Hall in down town Hagerstown. Ready for immediate occupancy. Minimum income requirement is $30,000.00 a year. Great value, must see...
This charming side-by-side brick home, built in 1884, offers a unique blend of historic character and modern convenience. With 2 spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom, this residence is perfect for those seeking comfort and functionality. The built-in range in the kitchen invites culinary creativity, while the unfinished basement provides ample storage or potential for customization. Situated in
This classic 3 bedroom 1.5 bath townhouse in Hagerstown is the ready for immediate move in. This townhome has the perfect blend of modern, updated kitchen & bathrooms, combined with old world charming features, like crystal door knobs, glass french doors, and a grand wooden baluster stairway.Fall in love with where you live! Convenient parking in the backyard. Close to Meritus Health
Spacious 2nd floor apartment ready for immediate occupancy. The apartment has been updated with new energy efficient windows, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint and updated kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen features all wood cabinets, plenty of counter space, electric stove and fridge and tile flooring. The adjacent dining room offers table space for 6 comfortably and would also double as a
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