Throughout the 18th century, Joppatowne was one of Maryland’s most vital seaports. The community’s location on the Gunpowder River made it easy to transport tobacco and produce. But as Baltimore grew and the river silted up, trade slowed down in this Hartford County town, and modern development didn’t begin until the 1960s. Today, people here enjoy boating as a leisure activity, with many homes sitting along the river’s shore and near waterfront green spaces, like Mariner Point Park. Joppatowne is also a close-knit community, home to a little over 13,000 residents. “Parents raise their kids here, then their kids raise their kids here,” says Tricia Diana, a lifelong Joppatowne resident and the owner-broker of Weichert, Realtors-Diana Realty. “I know generations of families because so many of us are born here and don’t leave.”
Live right on the Gunpowder River in Joppa, with many homes even coming with a private dock.
Get your steps in on the paved walking trail in Mariner Point Park in Joppa.
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Some houses are in Special Flood Hazard Areas
Joppatowne’s earliest homes include ranch-style houses, Cape Cod cottages and split levels built between the 1960s and ‘70s. Early 2000s New Traditional houses and townhouses from the 2020s are also common. Homes on the river often have docks and boat slips. The median price of a townhouse here is about $350,000, which is lower than the national median, while the median price of a single-family house is higher at about $430,000. According to 2024 data from the Maryland Department of State Police, Hartford County’s property and violent crime rates are lower than state figures.
Heavy rain and tropical storms may cause the Gunpowder River to overflow; several houses in Joppatowne are in Special Flood Hazard Areas, making flood insurance mandatory for some properties. All new construction houses in these areas must be elevated. However, Diana says the floods are rarely intense. “I’ve lived here since the ‘60s, and I’ve never heard of an entire house getting wiped out. It’s usually just trees getting knocked over or some water in the basement.”
Townhomes in Joppatowne offer an affordable option for modern living close to the Gunpowder River.
Settle into a cozy home in Joppatowne, where community and comfort come together.
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Boating at Mariner Point Park, swimming at Gunpowder Falls State Park
“If you don’t own a boat, you know someone who does, and they’ll typically let you tag along and go out on the water with them,” Diana says. On Joppatowne’s southernmost inlet, Mariner Point Park offers boardwalk hiking trails, fishing piers and several boat ramps. There’s nowhere to swim at this local green space, but Gunpowder Falls State Park, less than 10 miles southwest, has a public beach. Several public and private marinas are within 10 miles of town. The Joppa Library hosts regular craft workshops and workout classes, like Zumba and chair yoga.
Take a break and soak in the scenic views of the Chesapeake from Mariner Point Park.
Gunpowder River is a major source of the lifestyle for people living in Joppa.
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Highly rated Hartford County Public Schools
Joppatowne is zoned for Hartford County Public Schools, which earn an A-minus rating from Niche. The district serves around 38,000 students with a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio. There are three public elementary schools, two public middle schools and one public high school.
Joppatowne Elementary School serves students from Pre-K through the 5th grade.
Perry Hall High School is one of the largest high schools in the area and welcomes all.
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Interstate 95 and the Penn Line lead to Baltimore
Interstate 95 stretches across north Joppatowne. An 18-mile drive west on the tolled highway reaches Baltimore, home of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Hartford Transit buses in the area offer rides to neighboring towns like Aberdeen and Edgewood. The Edgewood train station, less than 5 miles southeast, follows the Maryland Area Regional Commuter’s Penn Line, reaching Baltimore in about 30 minutes. Part of the railroad crosses over the Gunpowder River, which Diana says affects boating. “The track is really low, so it’s a tight squeeze for most boats to get under.” She adds that there’s a project to replace the bridge, though it won’t be complete until 2036, per estimates. “Everybody here is excited for it to be rebuilt and raised, but construction hasn’t even started yet.” The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, 9 miles north, is the closest hospital.
Locals rarely leave Joppatowne for shopping and dining
An Amish market, grocery stores and a few locally owned restaurants fill Joppatowne Plaza. More restaurants and retailers are available off U.S. Highway 40 in Edgewood, about 2 miles east, but Diana says locals rarely drive that short distance. “Joppatowne is a very self-contained community. Most restaurants have been owned by the same families for decades, and there’s no reason to leave town for groceries. Everything we need is already here.”
Locals can shop for all their daily essentials at the Walmart in Joppatowne, MD.
Find fresh produce and goodies at the Joppa Amish Market in Joppatowne, MD.
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Written By
Meghan Baker
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Son
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara McPhail,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Joppatowne, MD sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Joppatowne, MD over the last 12 months is $474,990, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
4 bedroom townhome w/ 1 car garage, 3 full baths, & 1 half bath w/ 4' x 3' composite deck w/steps to backyard . Situated adjacent to established single family home community and within walking distance to Mariner Point Park. This affordable home is perfect for someone looking for water access to boat, fish, or to enjoy outings with family and friends. A cozy home with low maintenance so
New Construction- October/November, 2025 Move-In Date. This End-of-Group home offers a 1 car garage, 2 Dual Owner’s Suites; Primary bedroom has private bath w/ spacious walk-in shower & custom closets organizers in all bedrooms. Enjoy the 4'x3' Landing w/ Steps off of the Kitchen Level into the Backyard; Large finished recreation room for entertaining, or dual home office or 3 bedroom; Lots of
PRICE IMPROVEMENT ON THIS QUICK MOVE IN -3 bedroom townhome w/ 1 car garage, 3 full baths, & 1 half bath 3 Finished levels. Your entry level includes a private finished rec room and full bath. The main level boasts a spectacular kitchen with a large island, granite countertops and a complete stainless steel appliance package which opens to a 4' x 3' composite deck w/steps to backyard.
Welcome home to this beautifully updated split foyer with serene water views in a quiet community backing to North Bay Marina. Step inside to a bright, open-concept main level featuring a modern kitchen, spacious dining area, and sunlit living room — perfect for everyday living and entertaining.Enjoy outdoor living at its best on the brand-new deck, or unwind year-round in your private
This 4 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bath split level located in Water Front Community Rumsey Island has large eat-in kitchen and stainless appliances.....plus Sunporch that exits to back yard to a Beautiful In-Ground Pool and brick accents in addition to new pump plus rewire the electrical wiring to the pool....Lower level has a 4 th BD and a half bath with fireplace......plenty of off street
Here's your chance to build equity at a good price! Welcome to this 4 bedroom, 3 full bath home with one car garage in the heart of Joppatowne. This home has a full bath with tub/shower combo and three bedrooms on the main floor. One of these bedrooms is the primary suite with its own private full bath with a walk in shower and walk in closet. Also, on this main floor there is a living room
Charming single-family home available for rent in a quiet Joppatowne cul-de-sac. This spacious property offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, a separate dining room, and a large family room perfect for gatherings. Enjoy the oversized deck and flat backyard, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, and major commuter
Our inviting Joppatowne apartments for rent, at Mariner's Pointe, offer newly-renovated one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes for you to call home! For your comfort, every home offers spacious living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, generous storage space, and a private patio or balcony!Mariner’s Pointe Apartments offers many amenities to make sure you enjoy your time here with us!
3 bedroom 1.5 bath detached home with a 1 car garage. Newer kitchen including floors, cabinets, appliances and counters! Finished lower level walk out level basement. Large deck overlooking your back yard. You even have an office in the lower level! Single family home priced at townhouse prices! In this market, it will not last. Show ASAP. Woodstove in basement is inoperable.
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