Rising Sun is a rural community of northeastern Maryland
In the early 1700s, stagecoaches would stop at a tavern with a sign bearing the image of a sunrise in Maryland. The establishment was a Colonial landmark of the area and, a century later, its name became the official moniker of the community. Today, Rising Sun is a small town of almost 3,000 near the northeastern corner of the state, encircled by farmland and bisected by Maryland Route 237. “Rising Sun is a more rural area than some of the surrounding towns and counties, so you have some larger lot sizes, rural scenery and lots of trees and greenery,” says Brian Zack, a Realtor and team leader for the Diamond Home Group of Garceau Realty who grew up in the area. “It’s a beautiful area. There are low taxes and easy country living.”
Despite its rural setting, Rising Sun is not without nearby amenities. Area restaurants offer local flavor at places with quirky names like Bottom of the Hill Bar and Grill and Bigfoot’s Steaks & Hoagies. The quaint establishments, quiet surroundings and residential streets are part of the community’s appeal. “There’s not a ton going on, but that’s kind of the draw there. If you want a small-town feel, that’s Rising Sun for you,” says Zack.
Detached homes on roads near Route 237
The community’s residential streets branch off Route 237, some lined with sidewalks, and many of the homes offer front and back yards dotted with trees. Housing in Rising Sun is typically ranch-style or colonial-style architecture, though some Cape Cods and split-levels are mixed in. “There are a lot of detached homes,” Zack says. “There are some farms, which are few and far between when they hit the market, so they’re popular when they do.” Prices typically fall between about $270,000 and $450,000. Properties on significant acreage often cost more than $500,000.
Rising Sun High School offers STEM opportunities
Cecil County Public Schools receives a B-minus from Niche and serves the Rising Sun area. Rising Sun Elementary also gets a B-minus, while Rising Sun Middle School earns a B. Rising Sun High School gets a B-minus and offers students the opportunity to join a STEM program.
Staple restaurants serve comfort food in northeastern Maryland
Several restaurants sit along Route 237 as it crosses through town, doubling as Rising Sun’s main street. The Bottom of the Hill Bar and Grill sits at the bottom of a sloped section of the road. There, patrons can order drinks, burgers and pizza. Bigfoot Steaks & Hoagies has served cheesesteaks for over 20 years. “Those are all staples that have been around forever,” Zack says. “Bottom of the Hill is a very popular spot.” Riviera Maya serves up Mexican food, while the Rise ‘N Grind Café has breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Martin’s Foods is located in the Rising Sun Towne Center for grocery shoppers.
Small area parks on either side of Route 237
Rising Sun has several community parks. On the north side, Triangle Dog Park and Trails has walking paths for exercising four-legged family members, along with covered areas for pet owners to sit. Veterans Community Park of Rising Sun is on the south side and offers a playground and basketball court, while Rising Sun Little League’s three-field complex sits alongside it. Locals can fish at Rising Sun Community Pond, and golfers can hit the links about 5 miles southeast. “The Chesapeake Bay Golf Club is a great local golf course,” Zack says. “It’s a beautiful, hidden gem in the area.”
Drivers can jump on Interstate 95 to get to Baltimore
Residents need personal vehicles to get around. Route 274 branches off from the east-west Route 273, connecting Rising Sun with Interstate 95 less than 10 miles away. Those living in Rising Sun are almost 50 miles from Baltimore. Wilmington is under 40 miles away, while Philadelphia is over 60 miles northeast. “Rising Sun is kind of right in the middle between Baltimore and Philadelphia,” Zack says. “It’s an easy commute on 95 to either of those spots, and 237 is a great way to get to Newark or Delaware.” West Cecil Health Center sits around 6 miles west.
Seasonal events in the Rising Sun Towne Square
Every October, the annual Fall Spooktacular shuts down parts of Route 273 in front of the Rising Sun Town Hall and features food vendors and carnival-style rides and games. In December, the community’s annual Winter Extravaganza and Lighted Tractor Parade also hosts vendors, while attendees can watch the tractor parade and Christmas tree lighting.
