A prime vacation destination and stunning place to live
Route 528, commonly known as the coastal highway, slices along the edge of the Atlantic, beginning where the Delaware state line ends. The narrow strip of sand that surrounds this highway is Ocean City, one of Maryland’s most popular vacation destinations. Locals have inhabited the city since the 17th century, but the population didn’t really boom until the late 19th century. The advent of the Atlantic Hotel combined with the railroads brought in foot traffic from folks looking for a sandy retreat. As its namesake suggests, Ocean City has an inviting, 10-mile beach open to the public. The sandy stretch welcomes all sorts of activities, from fishing to metal detecting to bonfires. Back on land, visitors enjoy strolling the Boardwalk and checking out the various food vendors. A weekend evening can be spent perusing the Center for the Arts or taking a stroll along the pier.
Sand in your shoes, culture beyond the beach
The beach, naturally, is the area’s biggest asset both recreationally and financially, with nearly eight million vacationers coming to Ocean City annually. Folks can kick back on the sandy shore and enjoy the waves or get active by surfing or fishing. As with all beaches, the quality of the current varies from day to day, but so do the sandbars. The ocean bed of this beach is comprised entirely of sand, so it’s tricky to recommend a specific spot for surfers. Choosing a fishing spot is a simpler matter since experienced anglers have their favorites. The Oceanic Pier is a convenient one that provides inlet access, stretching out into the water in an “L” shape. There is no license required to cast a line here for stripers, flounder and even sharks (catch and release only). Folks can also hire a charter boat to take them on a guided tour farther out on the water. Back on land, there are multiple parks to explore. Sunset Park is perhaps the most popular, due to its position adjacent to the Boardwalk. The park has everything from crabbing spots to a concert venue, not to mention the views.
Ocean City isn’t just a weekend beach spot; the area hosts a variety of events for visitors and locals to enjoy. Parents with young children will appreciate story time, free and open to the public at the Worcester County Library. The Ocean City Center for the Arts is a great way to explore rotating exhibits, or to appreciate fine cinema at the Ocean City Film Festival. The arts aren’t limited to galleries and festivals, though. The Ocean City Development Corporation is a nonprofit dedicated to improvement and public projects encouraging decorative murals and sculptures.
Condos and single-family homes line the waterfront
Although Ocean City is a prime vacation destination, some 7,000 people call the area their permanent home. Condos are more prevalent than single-family homes, typically fetching between $300,000 and $550,000. Approximately 21,000 condo units and 10,000 hotel rooms populate the city, attracting buyers and tourists alike. Condominiums vary substantially in their offerings, from modest mid-rises to sprawling high-rise towers. Many of these complexes were constructed in the 1980s, but they have a surprisingly modern, clean aesthetic. Stunning views of the ocean are a given, as is the quick walk to the waterfront, no matter which condo complex prospective buyers end up choosing.
Grabbing a bite and shopping, Maryland-style
As one might expect, seafood is a staple in this sandy city. Visitors really can’t go wrong with the restaurant scene, with so many receiving rave reviews and fresh catches consistently available. Locals have their pick of both sit-down restaurants and more casual beachfront eateries.
Despite its narrow stretch of land, Ocean City has a plentiful amount of shopping available for locals to explore. Gold Coast Mall, located roughly two miles south of the state line, features a T. J. Maxx and a movie theater. Various other retailers are scattered along Coastal Highway, be they big box stores or small businesses.
Tracking the bus and avoiding notorious traffic
Folks can utilize the Ocean City Beach Bus, which runs along the Coastal Highway. The bus cycles every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the season, and only costs $4 for a full day of rides. Frequent users will want to download the OCMD Bus App to track the bus’s location in real time. Automobile traffic in Ocean City is notorious, becoming congested around midday. Authorities have recently set lower speed limits and steeper fines. The city-wide limit is now 30 miles per hour, placing an emphasis on traffic safety and discouraging potential reckless driving, racing and the like.
Top-rated schools in Worcester County
Students in Ocean City attend schools within the Worcester County Public Schools District, which receives an impressive A overall from Niche. According to Niche, the district is also the third best place to teach in the state. The average student-to-teacher ratio is 12 to 1, with nearly 7,000 students enrolled in one of 14 schools overall.
The risks of living on the Maryland coast
As with many coastal areas, Ocean City is particularly susceptible to hurricanes and the dangers they pose to both people and property. Hurricane season runs from June through November. Risk Factor rates Ocean City as having a severe wind risk rating and an extreme flood risk rating, which prospective home buyers should keep in mind when searching. Residents are often encouraged to have a “go bag” prepared in the case of a speedy evacuation.
A high crime rate
Crime is high across the entirety of Ocean City. According to 2019 FBI statistics, 91 violent crimes and 720 property crimes were reported in total. When extrapolated out, Ocean City has an overall crime rate of 23,490 per 100,000 people, per the FBI’s 2019 data. The actual total crimes number 1,622 for that year. Statistically, a crime occurs every 13 hours and 20 minutes in Ocean City.
