South Salisbury has family-friendly amenities with a college town spirit
The community of South Salisbury is home to a growing mix of families, young professionals and college students. Anchored by Salisbury University, the southern half of the largest city on Maryland’s Eastern Shore stretches nearly 14 miles from east to west. Homebuyers looking here can choose between the walkability of living close to the city center or the serenity of a more rural life farther out. Old and new suburbs fill the space in between. “South Salisbury is growing,” says Talane Hastings, a Salisbury native and a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. She says the university is shaping the community, especially the subdivisions close to campus. “You have pros and cons. SU has purchased a lot of housing. It used to be all families surrounding the university, now it’s more of a 50-50 ratio. As far as the economy, it’s a good thing."
Salisbury’s southside offers a variety of homes and lifestyles
This community offers a range of single-family homes, from 100-year-old cottages blocks from the university to newly built custom designs in subdivisions outside the city limits. The Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes surrounding Tonytank Pond sometimes come with water access, while farmhouses along the neighborhood’s outskirts rest on several acres. Most homes fall between $225,000 and $665,000. However, particularly large homes and waterfront estates can exceed $1 million. The neighborhood features several townhouse communities with units ranging from $130,000 to $425,000. Condos are also available from $90,000 to around $250,000. Some subdivisions come with monthly HOA fees that range from less than $20 to more than $60. Potential buyers should note that homes along the Wicomico River and Tonytank Pond rest in flood hazard areas or along regulatory floodways.
Wicomico County’s educational options from kindergarten to university
Wicomico County Public Schools earns a B overall rating from Niche and offers specialty programs, including NexGen STEM Academy. Over a dozen schools serve South Salisbury. Many students can attend Pinehurst Elementary, which receives a C-plus rating. The school feeds into the B-rated Bennett Middle. Students can then attend the B-rated James M. Bennett High. “I have three boys that I put through the school system. I’ve never seen people so invested in my kids,” says Hastings, a Bennett High alum. “It’s Friday Night Lights for sure. There’s a huge rivalry in good spirit between Bennett and Parkside High.” The A-plus-rated Salisbury School, which Niche ranks as the best private high school in Wicomico County for 2025, is on South Salisbury’s east side.
Salisbury University offers nearly 70 academic programs. With about 1,800 faculty and staff members, it is one of Wicomico County’s top employers. Wor-Wic Community College is a nearby two-year option offering associate degrees and workforce training.
The annual Sea Gull Century offers a challenging and scenic bike ride
Thousands of cyclists descend on Salisbury University for the annual Sea Gull Century each September. The annual 100-mile bike ride, which takes riders from the SU campus to Assateague Island and back, dates to 1988. Known for its captivating blend of camaraderie and challenge, this one-day tour of the Eastern Shore has become a big economic boost for Salisbury and Wicomico County. “The amount of business the riders give to local restaurants the night before is amazing,” Hastings says. “They carb up with IPAs and pasta.” Along with enjoying scenic views, riders have the chance to see the famous Assateague ponies.
From riverside parks to sports-focused facilities and Perdue Stadium
Salisbury City Park offers waterside walking trails, a playground and places to picnic, while the free Salisbury Zoological Park features animal exhibits. South Salisbury is home to Pemberton Historical Park. Away from the bustle of the city, the park provides an escape in nature with over 260 acres to explore on seven trails through wetlands, meadows and forests. Hikers are rewarded with a river overlook. Hastings says families often play baseball and soccer at Fruitland Recreational Park and Crown Sports Center, which is a popular birthday party spot for its climbing gym and laser tag arena. Along with two golf courses and an equestrian center, the neighborhood is home to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, where the Delmarva Shorebirds Minor League Baseball team plays home games.
Shopping and dining options along Salisbury Boulevard
The Salisbury Boulevard commercial corridor runs through the center of the community. Along this busy thoroughfare, local businesses mix with restaurants and small shopping plazas. Most of the action is centered around the university, where establishments range from popular watering holes like the Salisbury Pit & Pub to family-run take-out spots like Mediterranean Grill. College students mix with young professionals at Izza Poke and Coffee, which is part coffee shop and part poke bowl bar. Hastings says residents often shop at the Walmart Supercenter in Fruitland. There are also several Food Lions in the neighborhood. Downtown Salisbury offers boutique shopping, bar hopping and more local restaurants, while a Regal movie theater and dozens of name-brand stores populate the city’s indoor mall, The Centre at Salisbury, about 5 miles north of the university.
Highways, buses, a ferry and an airport are all available in South Salisbury
With multiple drawbridges and railroad crossings in Salisbury, traffic can get congested, especially in the northern half of the city. Hastings, who lives south of the city limits, says she often uses the Upper Ferry to cross the Wicomico River and avoid backups in the center of the city.
Several highways cross through South Salisbury, including U.S. Route 50, a major Eastern Shore thoroughfare that heads to places like Ocean City, a little over 30 miles east. Washington, D.C. and Baltimore are about 118 miles and 116 miles away, respectively. U.S. Route 13 heads north through Delaware and south along Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Shore Transit provides fixed-route bus service around Salisbury University. Salisbury Regional Airport is in the neighborhood’s eastern end and offers six daily commercial flights through American Airlines. “People love the airport,” Hastings says. “There are people who fly daily or weekly to Baltimore. We’re about to get a direct flight from Salisbury to Orlando, Florida.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Arnett,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Ben's Red Swings Community Playground
Harmon Field
Pemberton Park-Wicomico Department of Recreation & Parks
Salisbury Park Paddle Boats
Schumaker Park
Pemberton Historical Park
Nithsdale Park
Transit
Airport
Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional
15 min drive
Bus
University Park 2
Bus
Beaglin Station
Bus
Milford Street Medical Center
Bus
Pat's Pizzeria
Bus
Woodbrooke Dr. - Tlc Medical Ctr.
Bus
University Orchard & S. Division St.
Bus
Pine Bluff Village
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Salisbury
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Salisbury Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Salisbury, Salisbury sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Salisbury, Salisbury over the last 12 months is $310,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Carefree living at its finest! Spacious end-unit townhome offers much more than meets the eye from its welcoming exterior - 3BR, 3.5BA, 2692sf of well-designed living space. * * * Maintenance-free lifestyle - for $267/mo the COA covers lawn maintenance, common area maintenance, water, sewer, trash, insurance, and snow removal - Giving you the freedom and peace of mind only a condo association can
Beautifully Unique Cape Cod in East Salisbury This is not your typical Cape! Designed for comfort, entertaining, and today’s lifestyle, this home offers abundant living space and fabulous updates throughout.The main level features a spacious, remodeled kitchen that flows seamlessly into a cozy family room with a wood-burning fireplace. A formal living room and dining room provide plenty
Better Than New in Steeplechase! This stunning Craftsman-style home is only five years young and offers all the charm of new construction with the added benefit of custom upgrades, established landscaping, and thoughtful owner care. Perfectly sited on a large interior lot in one of Salisbury’s most desirable communities, this home features a fully fenced backyard and a spacious layout designed
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Colonial home featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, perfectly situated in one of the area's most sought-after communities. Enjoy the warmth and charm of a cozy fireplace perfect for relaxing fall/winter evenings. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. Step outside
OPENING SUMMER 2022 Be one of the first to discover The Reserve at Parsons Lake! Modern farmhouse inspired apartments featuring high-end amenities and stylish finishes located in a serene setting on Parsons Lake. Located in Salisbury, Maryland, you are only steps away from hip eateries, entertainment, shopping, and prime employers in Salisbury, Maryland. The Reserve at Parsons Lake features open
3 Bed 2.5 BathEmbrace the lifestyle offered by this contemporary townhouse, where modern design flawlessly blends with the vibrant community of Salisbury, MD. Here, you will find the perfect mix of comfort and convenience nestled in a serene setting. Whether you're enjoying the local charm or savoring tranquil evenings at home, this property promises a life of ease and enjoyment. Welcome
Marley Manor welcomes you home to luxury living at its finest! Centrally located, this luxury community boasts amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, and a posh clubhouse. Enjoy 24-hour emergency maintenance, a pet-friendly community, and on-site, professional management! As soon as you see the elegant water fountains you know you have arrived. These
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Arnett,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
34,082
Median Age
35
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,113
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$91,260
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92%
College Graduates
39%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
