Middletown

Forty-five miles from D.C., Middletown, Maryland is a town that is winning people over. “I would live nowhere else,” says Kelly Losquardo of Long & Foster Real Estate. “The community is great, you feel like you’re a part of something,” Losquardo claims that many people who work in D.C. move to Middletown for a quiet escape from the city. “The drive down and back on I-270 isn’t easy, but people do it daily.” For those who prefer public transportation, there is a Metro station, but it will take longer than driving.

Townhouses in Middletown start at $320,000, while ranch-style homes begin near $435,000. Large Victorian builds are around $555,000, and brick colonials are in the $800,000 ballpark. “The prices are great compared to similar areas nearby,” says Losquardo. The Victorians on Main Street are close together with front lawns and parking in the back. In more secluded areas, roads end in cul-de-sacs and have long driveways leading to multi-car garages. The homes in these areas are on large lots and have wide sidewalks perfect for walking a dog. Folks from all areas of town get together for plenty of events. “The town will mail out flyers for community events and everyone will show up downtown,” claims Losquardo. “I can’t emphasize enough that it oozes community.”

Children in the area enter the Frederick County public school system, beginning at Middletown Elementary. The highly regarded elementary school holds an A-minus rating on Niche and has a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which is better than the national average. Middletown Middle School is rated as an A-minus school on Niche. Teens head to Middletown High which earned an A-rating on Niche. The school, built in 1888 is rated the 14th best school in Maryland for athletes, and the football team won the state championship in 2019.

There are plenty of ways to stay active in Middletown. Catoctin Creek Park provides 138 acres of fun including hiking and nature trails that are pet friendly. Parkgoers can take boats out on the Catoctin River or drop a fishing line in from the shore. “kayaking is big, you’d want to be on the water because it’s so gorgeous,” boasts Losquardo. Remsberg Park also has miles of walking trails and is a popular spot for youth sporting events with five all-purpose fields and three baseball diamonds. Middletown Park has a sand volleyball area, lighted basketball courts and a full 18-hole disc golf course. Pets can get some exercise at the Wiles Branch Dog Park, and golf lovers will enjoy having Richland Golf Club and Hollow Creek Golf Course in the neighborhood.

Foodies will enjoy the many options in Middletown, beginning with The Main Cup. With made-to-order American favorites and signature cocktails, locals love to spend an afternoon on The Main Cup’s patio. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Dempsey’s Grille has something to offer all day long. Whether it’s the balsamic glazed avocado toast, a steak & cheese subs or salmon cakes, Dempsey’s is serving it up. For some Italian flavor, check out Tapia’s on Main for wood-fired pizzas and favorites like lasagna and stuffed shells. Ice cream doesn’t get fresher than South Mountain Creamery, where they get the milk from cows on site. For a relaxing place to grab a drink, Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine has award-winning products with a great view.

The Middletown Farmer’s Market is open from May to -October and a great spot to grab local produce, baked goods, honey and more. The market was named the best farmer’s market in Fredrick for the past three years. Safeway off Main Street is a convenient place to grab groceries for the entire week ahead, as is the Aldi off Highway 40. For any household needs, Target is a one-stop shop. You’ll be able to spend an entire afternoon at Westview Promenade between the dozens of retail shops and the movie theater.

Written By

John Moyer

Photography Contributed By

Tyler Priola

Video By

Francesco Basti