Outdoor recreation and lakeside living define life in Linganore
The community of Linganore is a leafy suburb where ample outdoor recreation allows residents to enjoy a slower pace of life about 50 miles from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Anchored by its titular lake, this area has transformed from a seasonal getaway into a landing spot for those looking to put down roots in Frederick County. “It was a second home, vacation-type community, but it’s year-round now,” says Drew Hopley, a Realtor and operator of the Live Frederick Group with Keller Williams Realty Centre who has sold several homes in the area. “It’s desirable for people who want that outdoor living feeling.”
Active community with lakes, an extensive trail system and parks
Outdoor recreation revolves around Lake Linganore, the biggest of four community lakes. The Lake Linganore Association manages amenities, which only residents can access. Coldstream Beach and Nightingale Beach are popular, with sandy shorelines and boat racks filled with kayaks and canoes. In addition to swimming and paddle boating, the lake is popular for catching largemouth bass.
The community has 30 miles of nature trails where residents can hike, bike or walk their dogs through dense woodlands and past serene lakes. Residential villages offer their own amenities, including parks with playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields and outdoor pools. “People love it there, particularly people who like the outdoors,” Hopley says. For golfers, the public Clustered Spires Golf Club is just over 5 miles away.
Residential villages where styles range from traditional to modern
Construction here began in the 1960s and is ongoing as of the mid-2020s. The community is expected to be finished by 2030 and will have approximately 6,400 properties, including single-family homes and townhouses. More established villages feature traditional Colonial Revival, split-level and Cape Cod-style homes, with a handful of custom-built properties and cottages on the lakefronts. More recent construction includes New Traditional homes and contemporary builds with elements of Craftsman-inspired design. Prices for single-family homes typically range from $460,000 to $800,000, although newer builds sell for $600,000 to $1 million. Townhouse prices range from $380,000 to $620,000. Residents must pay dues to the Lake Linganore Association.
Frederick County schools receive A-range ratings from Niche
Residents live in the highly rated Frederick County Public Schools district, which earns an A-minus from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. Kids can attend Deer Crossing Elementary School before moving on to Oakdale Middle School and Oakdale High School. The elementary and middle schools receive an A-minus from Niche, while the high school scores an A. The high school is a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School, and its Pre-Engineering Signature Program gives students hands-on experience working with 3D printers, electrical circuits and other engineering tools.
A lively neighborhood association hosting year-round festivities
The Lake Linganore Association hosts community events throughout the year. Summer brings live concerts and a weekly farmers market to the Coldstream Common Area, while winter favorites include a holiday light decorating contest and a festival celebrating Santa’s arrival. A pickleball tournament and turkey trot encourage friendly competition, and food trucks frequently visit.
A new town center on the way, with Downtown Frederick nearby
Construction is underway on Lake Linganore Town Center, a shopping plaza located along the community’s southern edge. Its anchor is Weis Markets, which opened in June 2025. Future tenants include a veterinary hospital, a doctor’s office, and fast-casual restaurants such as Chipotle, Dairy Queen, and IHOP. An estimated completion date for the town center has not yet been announced.
Residents can head to Downtown Frederick , less than 10 miles away, and explore over 200 shops, art galleries and eateries. Downtown is known for its growing craft beer scene, and for those who prefer wine, Lake Linganore is less than 15 miles from three wineries: Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard, Linganore Winecellars and New Market Plains Vineyards. Linganore is also just west of New Market , a historic town with antique stores and cozy eateries like Vintage, known for its modern take on southern comfort foods.
Car-dependent area where highways lead to Baltimore and Washington
Residents typically rely on their cars. Interstate 70 runs about 50 miles east to Baltimore, while Interstate 270 leads roughly 50 miles southeast to Washington. Locals working in the capital can also head to Downtown Frederick’s MARC Commuter Rail station and catch a train into the city. Baltimore/Washington International Airport is less than 50 miles from Linganore, and Frederick Health Hospital is around 10 miles away.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
