Mount Aetna is an expanse of farmland and forest east of Hagerstown that amalgamates the natural beauty of Western Maryland. The neighborhood’s namesake creek winds through the fields and into the densely wooded South Mountain State Park, which draws hikers from across the state eager to climb to Black Rock Vista or Annapolis Rock. “We’re in the mountains, but there’s also lots of open farmland,” says Sandy Snyder, associate broker with Exp Realty who has 23 years of experience in real estate and has lived in the neighborhood since 1989. “People like the feeling of being out in the country, and they like the history in the homes. My husband’s grandparents built a log cabin out here themselves, and it’s still standing. That’s the kind of country we’re talking about.” This tangible sense of familial history mingles with the more modern construction in the neighborhood’s center, which rose around the Highland View Seventh-day Adventist Church in the early 1960s. Since then, steady residential expansion, quality schools and easy access to shopping districts in both Hagerstown and Frederick have recommended the neighborhood to prospective buyers.
Rolling farmland makes up a large portion of the landscape in Mount Aetna.
From the farmlands to the mountains, Mount Aetna is unique place to live.
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Long-standing log cabins in Mount Aetna
There is a blend of different home styles in the Mount Aetna neighborhood. “Up in the area directly off Mount Aetna Road, there are a lot of cinderblock ranch-styles, with maybe some Cape Cods mixed in,” Snyder says. “Those have been around since the neighborhood was founded. Since that time, it has really grown. You’ll find big homes, small homes, mobile homes and a few subdivisions as well.” Houses are often set apart from one another on large lots, with farmhouses being a common sight. Ranch-styles can cost anywhere from $335,000 to $400,000, while Cape Cods price between $490,000 and $590,000 depending on build year and lot size. For more recent Modern Traditional builds, prospective owners can expect to pay between $500,000 and $650,000. “There are also a lot of log homes in the area,” Snyder adds. “Those require a lot more maintenance and upkeep. They need stains, and animals and insects think they’re trees. But they’re beautiful. They really fit our area up here in the mountains.” These homes tend to price between $400,000 and $650,000.
A stunning farmhouse with wrap around porch, overlooking a huge yard in Mount Aetna.
Ranch-styles can cost anywhere from $335,000 to $400,000 in Mount Aetna.
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The Appalachian Trail and Mount Aetna Camp and Retreat Center
At the end of White Oak Road residents can pick up the Thurston Griggs Trail, which leads 1 mile to a junction of the Appalachian Trail. From here, hikers can head south to the popular Black Rock Vista for a moderate challenge or north 13 miles towards the Ensign Phillip Cowall for a more rugged trek. “I have lots of beautiful pictures from Black Rock,” Snyder says. “The whole neighborhood is a mountain area, with lots of wildlife – deer, bears, everything you can think of.” For those seeking a less demanding outdoor experience, Hagerstown City Park is a short 10-mile drive west of the neighborhood. Mount Aetna is also just 8 miles from Greenbrier State Park. There are nearly 11 miles of trails winding through this park and around the 42-acre man-made lake, where locals can relax on the white sandy beach or launch boats into the sparkling water. Directly in the neighborhood is the Mount Aetna Camp and Retreat Center, managed by the Highland Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church. This center offers lodgings and retreat services for work and church groups, as well as a nature center that is free and open to the public on Saturday afternoons year-round. “The Beaver Creek Country Club is pretty popular, too,” Snyder adds. “You need a membership, but lots of people go there to swim in the pool. And of course it has the 18-hole golf course, as well.”
Enjoy long hikes along the Thurston Griggs Trail in South Mountain State Park.
South Mountain State Park is a popular location for outdoor enjoyment and recreation.
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Washington County Public Schools and Highland View Academy
Mount Aetna is zoned for Washington County Public Schools such as Old Forge Elementary, which Niche rates a B-plus and where the archery team finished 3rd in the Maryland State Archery Tournament in 2024. Smithsburg Middle earns an A-minus, and Smithsburg High School scores a B-plus as Niche’s No. 3 Best Public High School in the county. Faith-based private schools are also available in the community. Mt. Aetna Adventist School serves elementary and middle school children, who can then move to Highland View Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist day and boarding high school that earns an A-minus from Niche.
Old Forge Elementary prepares students for bright futures.
Smithsburg High School serves students of Washington County, Maryland.
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From Hagerstown to Frederick along I-70
Interstate 70 runs along the southern edge of the neighborhood, providing Mount Aetna’s connection to shopping destinations in Hagerstown 11 miles west and Frederick 23 miles east. “We’re pretty much right between Valley Mall in Hagerstown and downtown Frederick,” Snyder says. “Frederick doesn’t feel too far away at all. It’s usually a pretty quick trip.” Interstate 70 also links up with Interstate 81, which heads north to Hagerstown Regional Airport - a trip that totals 18 miles from the neighborhood. From here, residents can catch direct flights to vacation destinations like Orlando, Florida and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Mount Aetna is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Greenbrier State Park contains a massive man made lake open for public swimming and boating.
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Shopping in Hagerstown and Smithsburg
The two closest grocery stores to Mount Aetna are both Martin’s. “You either go about 3 miles north to Smithsburg or 5 miles west to Hagerstown for groceries,” Snyder says. “Truthfully, they take about the same amount of time to drive to.” For daily necessities, DIY project supplies and casual eateries, locals head 10 miles west to Halfway. The collection of shopping centers surrounding Valley Mall is home to Target, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club and restaurants ranging from national chains like Red Robin to Black Rock Bar and Grill, the only location of its kind in Maryland. For a sweet treat, locals head 5 miles south of the neighborhood to Cow’s Cones, an ice cream stand with rotating special flavors like black raspberry and peach.
Mount Aetna locals enjoy an quick lunch at the Hagerstown Mall Food Court.
Many Mount Aetna locals get their groceries from Martins in Smithsburg.
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Nights out in downtown Hagerstown
Mount Aetna is just 10 miles from Meritus Park, the baseball stadium that plays host to the local minor league team, the Flying Boxcars. Two blocks down Baltimore Street from the arena is Hub City Vinyl, Maryland’s largest record store, which hosts live music nearly every weekend from a historic venue. The Maryland Theatre in the center of town is Hagerstown’s home for live theater, and children will enjoy Discovery Station, the hands-on science museum.
Nothing beats a beach day at Greenbrier State Park.
You'll never get over the views from High Rock Overlook, just a few miles from Mount Aetna.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
David McGuire,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Greenbrier State Park
South Mountain State Park
Transit
Airport
Hagerstown Regional/Richard A Henson Field
23 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Mount Aetna
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mount Aetna, Hagerstown sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Mount Aetna, Hagerstown over the last 12 months is $437,980, down 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$315,000
Median Single Family Price
$315,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$170
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$315,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-29%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
188
Median Year Built
1983
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
David McGuire,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
548
Median Age
50
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$111,666
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$140,025
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
26.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
71.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
21/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
9/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
