Oakland blends natural beauty with outdoor adventure
When people think of Maryland, the bustling city of Baltimore and the coastal capital of Annapolis often come to mind. But there’s much more to discover in the western portion of this state, particularly in the mountain city of Oakland. “Deep Creek Lake is the state’s largest freshwater lake. It’s a beautiful, clean resort area that draws investors and second-home buyers,” says Brian Homberg, a Realtor at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales with over 25 years of experience. “It’s just a really beautiful part of Maryland. It’s a recreational outdoor paradise.” The city is the seat of Garrett County and borders West Virginia. Locally owned businesses and seasonal events add to the activity in town. In addition to Deep Creek Lake, Oakland is also home to Wisp Resort, the only ski resort in the state.
A wide variety of housing in the city and at the lake
Homes in Oakland’s downtown range from vintage Victorians and Craftsmans to midcentury ranch-style houses. The homes sit close together on city streets with strong oak trees casting shade over the neighborhoods. The lake and other rural parts of the community feature A-frame cabins and Craftsman houses with many windows, allowing homeowners to take in the views. Dense foliage surrounds the properties, adding a feeling of seclusion. Many lakefront homes have private docks that make it easy to enjoy time on the water. The median single-family home sales price is around $470,000, significantly higher than in nearby communities like Frostburg and Cumberland. Homes are often priced higher near the lake, with buyers able to get a more affordable home in downtown Oakland.
Year-round outdoor activity at Deep Creek Lake
Outdoor activity is the main draw to Oakland, and Deep Creek Lake is the star of the show. With nearly 70 miles of shoreline, the lake has plenty of room for boating, fishing and swimming. Deep Creek Lake State Park is the most prominent public access on the lake, with over 1,800 acres. The lake has two beaches, a boat launch and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Anglers can cast a line for bass, walleye and trout. Wisp Resort is located on the lake’s western shore and has 33 ski runs across 132 acres. The resort is open year-round, offering summer activities like hiking, ski lift rides and disc golf. It also has two golf courses that are open to the public. Adventure seekers can also enjoy Class IV and V rapids on the Youghiogheny River. “Right in my backyard, there’s a stretch of world-class rafting that’s 10 miles long,” Homberg says. “It’s very popular and I think it’s the best spot in the country for whitewater rafting.” Oakland also has traditional city parks downtown, which include sports fields, playgrounds and picnic shelters.
Dining options range from casual diner to upscale steakhouse
Oakland’s downtown is home to a mix of restaurants in brick-clad buildings. Englanders is an old-school diner known for its buckwheat pancakes and soda fountain. Once customers finish their meal, they can browse the establishment’s rows of antiques, including toys, décor and dinnerware. Stonecroft Manor is an upscale steakhouse in a 19th-century home. Shops downtown include a bookstore, record shop and hardware store. Just north of the community, Mountain State Brewing is a rustic spot recommended by Homberg that serves wood-fired pizzas and craft beer. Groceries are available at Walmart or Arrowhead Market.
Community events include fall festivals and weekly farmers market
Weekly and annual events bring neighbors together around the community. The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning at a stand on First Street. The city celebrates fall foliage each October with the Autumn Glory Festival. The five-day event includes a parade, antique markets, a car show and turkey dinners at the Elks Lodge. An annual Independence Day celebration at Broadford Lake Park each July 3rd features live music and fireworks.
Students prepare for college and careers at Southern Garrett High
Oakland students might attend Broad Ford Elementary School and Southern Middle School, each earning a B-minus from Niche. Southern Garrett High School receives a C-plus rating. The high school offers career and technical education programs in agriculture, carpentry, computer sciences and pre-engineering. It also has a JROTC program. Students can also take dual enrollment courses through Garrett College in McHenry.
Oakland’s main highway offers access to I-68 and beyond
U.S. Route 219 is the main highway through Oakland, offering a north-south route through the community. It connects to Interstate 68, which leads to other major cities in the region. Cumberland is about 50 miles away, while Morgantown, West Virginia is about 55 miles away.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
