La Vale is a retail-lined suburb west of Cumberland
La Vale is a quaint suburban community close to scenic state parks and hiking areas in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Residents live close to restaurants on National Highway and shopping centers, such as Country Club Mall and the Cumberland Pedestrian Mall. "The retail development is heavier for the whole area," says Stephen MacGray, a Cumberland local and Realtor with Charis Realty Group. "It's more business-heavy than other nearby communities like Cresaptown." La Vale is part of the Western Maryland tri-state area, so locals can drive to Pennsylvania cities like Pittsburgh in two hours or to West Virginia cities like Martinsburg in one hour.
A large residential area in La Vale stretches across the valley floor, framed by expansive mountain ridges.
Cumberland sits just four miles east of La Vale and offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, especially around the popular Cumberland Pedestrian Mall.
1/2
Trails and state parks in the Appalachian Mountains
Cyclists and hikers can access the Great Allegheny Passage Trail from La Vale at the landmark known as Helmstetter's Curve. The trail is a regionally popular attraction, running over 150 miles from Cumberland to Pittsburgh along an old rail bed. Will's Mountain State Park is located north of the community and features scenic hiking trails that lead to the summit of Will's Mountain. La Vale Park has basketball and tennis courts along Georges Creek Boulevard. "There are several state parks people enjoy," says MacGray. "Rocky Gap State Park is combined with a casino and lodge, which has been there for over 10 years." Rocky Gap State Park is a 3,000-acre green space located nearby, featuring miles of multi-use trails and Lake Habeeb, where guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking and fishing for catfish and trout. There's also the Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf, with an eighteen-hole course and a 24-hour casino with four restaurants.
Bikers enjoy taking a day ride along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail in La Vale.
Residents of La Vale enjoy many outdoor activities at Rocky Gap State Park, from hiking to boating and more.
1/2
Various single-family home styles on hillside streets
Buyers can find American Foursquares, open-porch bungalows, Cape Cods and ramblers along La Vale's hilly suburban streets. There are also a handful of new-construction Craftsman-style homes available on the market. The median single-family home price is $250,000, with prices varying by age, square footage and lot size.
A quiet La Vale neighborhood sits at the base of scenic mountain terrain, with homes arranged along a narrow local street.
A charming home in La Vale presents a balanced facade with a front porch and a gravel driveway extending beside the house.
1/2
Outdoor School program for Allegany County's fifth grade-students
Allegany County Public Schools serves La Vale. Students can attend Parkside Elementary School, which is rated a B-plus by Niche, while Braddock Middle receives a B-minus and Allegany High earns a B-rating. All fifth-grade students in the Allegany County Public Schools district are eligible to participate in the week-long Fifth-Grade Outdoor School program at a 4-H Center in Garrett County, which includes hands-on Earth science lessons.
Students in La Vale can begin their education at Parkside Elementary School, which holds a B‑plus rating on Niche.
Older students in La Vale continue their education at Allegany High School, where they prepare for college and future career paths.
1/2
Local restaurants and Country Club Mall to browse
Most of La Vale's commercial businesses line National Highway, including Fratelli's Restaurant & Bar, known for chicken parmesan and pasta dishes. Farther south is a Martin's for groceries, and the Country Club Mall, which hosts retailers such as Walmart, TJ Maxx, and American Eagle. Locals can also browse shopping centers, such as the Cumberland Pedestrian Mall, located just a few miles east.
The Country Club Mall in La Vale features a prominent exterior that highlights its role as a key retail hub in the community.
Café Mark offers a standout breakfast experience for visitors exploring the Cumberland Pedestrian Mall.
1/2
Cumberland commutes take minutes
Due to the limited public transit options in La Vale, residents are mainly dependent on cars for travel. Commutes to Cumberland take minutes, since the town is less than 4 miles east of La Vale, while the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport is 8 miles away. The community is also within 15 miles of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Martinsburg is 72 miles west, and Pittsburgh is 100 miles north. The nearest hospital is UPMC Johnson Heights Medical Building, five miles away in Cumberland.
Roughly 100 miles north of La Vale, Pittsburgh offers a nearby urban destination for shopping, entertainment, and travel.
The city of Cumberland is filled with thriving shops, restaurants, and other small businesses.
1/2
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Donny Carter,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Total Makeover! Beautifully Renovated & Move-In Ready Welcome to this fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 2,400 square feet of stylish and comfortable living space. Every detail has been updated—from the new roof, flooring, and kitchen, to the HVAC ductwork and central A/C—giving you modern comfort and peace of mind. Enjoy the upgraded kitchen featuring sleek stainless steel
Discover the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience in this stunning 1920 Colonial Revival home, ideally situated along the historic National Road (Rt. 40) in beautiful Mountain Side, Maryland. This rare stucco residence—with its original tile roof—greets you with a grand foyer and invites you into over 3,000 sq. ft. of character-filled living space. The main level offers a
3 BEDROOM 2 FULL BATH BRICK HOME IN LAVALE WITH OFF STREET PARKING. FEATURING A TRADITIONAL FLOORPLAN WITH EXTRA SPACE FOR EXPANSION IN BASEMENT. TERRIFIC LOCATION! TONS OF POTENTIAL. NICE YARD WITH DRIVEWAY. FRONT PORCH AND SUNROOM. QUIET AREA.
THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!!As you walk into the Hamilton there is a Choice Room that's open to the foyer. Use this space as a formal living room or playroom for the kids. Down the hall is the Great Room with a fireplace to make an inviting space to gather with the whole family. The Great Room opens up to a classically designed Kitchen with island. A small Mudroom at the entry to the
887 WEIRES AVENUE – A RIDGE-TOP SANCTURARY, Welcome to 887 Weires Avenue, one of the most exceptional and sought-after properties in Allegany County, Maryland. Situated on just over 8 acres atop a scenic ridge in the hills of LaVale, this remarkable home offers panoramic mountain views stretching from Maryland into Pennsylvania—a setting most vacation homes only dream of. In addition to its
THIS HOME IS TO BE BUILT!! MANY MORE FLOOR PLANS TO CHOOSE FROM!!!The Frankford puts a unique twist on a traditional design that includes 3 bedrooms (optional 4th), 2 1⁄2 baths, 2-car garage, two-story family room, kitchen/breakfast room combination, and separate formal dining room. The first floor laundry and first floor owner's suite with walk-in closet add an enormous amount of convenience
This charming ranch-style home, built in 1955 and beautifully renovated in 2024, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic appeal. Step inside to discover an inviting open floor plan, featuring gleaming hardwood floors and a cozy gas fireplace that sets the tone for relaxation. The kitchen, equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a built-in microwave and gas range,
This is parcel #3 of 3 and is 4.5 acres +/-. Less secluded and less wooded than the other two properties, this could be set as a single family home or perhaps two or a townhouse might fit nicely, but think of it, in the sweet spot of Sunset View--you can't beat it! Refer to the drone shot: When you see the single roof home, this property lies across the property.
Imagine being the king of your own kingdom just a minute or so from Lavale or Cumberland! This parcel is ideal for development, in fact, that was always the plan for the sellers--unfortunately, time passed and now time has gotten away and they are ready to sell. This has been researched as an over 55 housing development, but would be fabulous development of any kind with its proximity to
Property Id: 2195897COMING SOON!!!! Welcome to your new home in LaVale, MD! This charming 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit at 356 National Hwy in LaVale! Enjoy hardwood floors, in-unit washer/dryer, and included utilities (water/sewage, tenants would pay gas, electric and cable/internet themselves). Pets allowed (cats only) with no smoking. Don't miss out on this cozy and convenient living
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.