Savage offers history, highways and a lower price point
At the intersection of Interstate 95 and the Patuxent Freeway lies Savage, Maryland, a community that draws residents looking for convenience and proximity to both Baltimore and Washington D.C. “There is so much going on in this area, especially Howard County, and you have easy access to Baltimore, D.C. and Columbia,” says resident and local real estate agent Anthony Beharry. “You have a better price point compared to being in Columbia or the cities, but you still get all the great amenities.” Once a thriving cotton milling center, Savage brims with rich industrial history, with attractions like the Savage Mill Historic District and the Bollman Iron Truss Bridge, one of the oldest standing iron railroad bridges in the nation. Today, the suburb of over 8,000 residents is sought after for its convenient location and access to major highways, while providing locals with access to top-rated schools and unique recreational, dining and shopping experiences in Howard County.
Savage neighborhoods blend traditional and modern styles
A variety of housing types sit in smaller communities throughout Savage, creating pockets of neighborhoods. Bi-level and split-level homes are common amongst ranch-style houses and smaller Colonial Revival examples. Larger single-family builds feature neo-traditional and contemporary Colonial Revival styles. Custom builds typically also have traditional influences. Beharry says one of the biggest draws to Savage is that the town is more accessible to first-time homebuyers. “You can still be in Howard County at a price point that is competitive to the rest of the area,” he says. “You cross over Interstate 95 and you’re paying at least $200,000 more.” Prices for single-family homes here range anywhere from $300,000 to $1.4 million, with the median hovering around $517,000. Townhouses with eclectic features also line many of the tree-lined residential streets and are typically priced between $285,000 and $620,000. A handful of condos round out the housing inventory.
Savage schools include a new high school and top-rated private options
Howard County Public Schools serves over 57,600 students throughout the county. The district maintains an overall A score and is ranked the best school district in Maryland by Niche. Students may begin at Bollman Bridge Elementary School, which earns a B-plus and covers prekindergarten through fifth grade. Kids may continue to the B-plus-rated Patuxent Valley Middle School. The newest addition to the district is Guilford Park High School, which opened in Savage in August 2023. In its first year, GPHS had 750 students across ninth and tenth grade, though the school now serves ninth through twelfth grade. The new building boasts sustainability features like solar panels and is also the site of a new 3,517-person capacity stadium. The school is not yet rated by Niche. Parents may also opt to enroll their kids in Bethel Christian Academy, a top-performing private, faith-based school serving prekindergarten through eighth grade that gets an A-plus from Niche.
Savage parks offer trails, rivers and family-friendly fun
Access to public parks, hiking trails and the Little Patuxent and Middle Patuxent Rivers provides Savage residents with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Both rivers are destinations for kayaking, fishing and hiking. Savage Park is a popular recreational hub for its playground and multiple athletic facilities, which include multi-use fields, basketball courts and tennis courts. The tract also features almost 3 miles of scenic trails that hug the riversides, including the River Trail and Wincopin Trails. Additional hiking trails include the Savage Mill trail, which connects to the Savage Mill Historic District and Savage Mill shopping plaza. Guilford Park is another public park with tennis courts and basketball courts. The 11-acre park also features a paved path that links to picnic grounds and a pond with a gazebo.
Art galleries, bakeries and taverns fill the Savage Mill plaza
Tucked in the Savage Mill Historic District, the Savage Mill shopping plaza offers a unique flavor of local retail and restaurants. Beharry says the mill offers a lively scene to the local culture: “It’s a very vibrant spot with cafes, art galleries and more.” Once a significant cotton mill from the 1800s, the converted center swells with stylish boutiques, contemporary restaurants, gallery spaces and local businesses. Elevated eateries include The Blind Pig Tavern and Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Café. The mill also houses Terrapin Adventures, an outdoor sports center that offers unique experiences like a high ropes course, tubing along the river, ziplining and more. Locals can access national retailers and grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Wegman’s and Costco less than 6 miles north of Savage. The Snowden Square Shopping Center houses Marhsall’s, Home Depot and other big-box retailers.
Savage sits between Baltimore and D.C. with quick commutes
Savage’s convenient location between Baltimore and Washington D.C. continues to be one of its main draws to new homebuyers and residents. Patuxent Freeway, or Route 32, bisects the community and links to Interstate 95, U.S. Highway 1 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Savage sits approximately 18 miles south of Baltimore and 21 miles north of D.C. Locals may also connect to the cities by train, as the MARC line serves the Savage Train Station at Annapolis Junction just south of Savage. Frequent flyers can catch flights out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport, about 12 miles north of Savage.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Allen
