Smithsburg offers mountain views and rural roots
Rolling hills and flourishing orchards surround the western Maryland town of Smithsburg, a rural yet growing community about 8 miles east of Hagerstown. A quaint town center balances with Smithsburg’s idyllic setting, complete with mountain views that draw people to the area. “Smithsburg has a small-town community feel,” says associate broker Cynthia Sullivan of Sullivan Select LLC. “They have great schools, nice community parks, low crime, beautiful orchards and beautiful mountain views.” Roots run deep in the town’s farming culture, which still thrives through its many apple and peach orchards and dairy farms. Sullivan says that the development of new subdivisions has helped spur growth in Smithsburg, offering more housing for newcomers. Still, the town maintains its charm while continuing to draw residents.
Historic homes and newer builds offer a wide range of styles
Smithsburg’s housing inventory ranges in style, blending old and new. “You have a lot of historic homes, some as old as 1850, and people have a lot of acreage,” Sullivan says. “As you go into Smithsburg, there are more townhouses and newer subdivisions, which have single-family colonials, most of which were built in the last 15 years.” Homes on the outskirts in the more rural parts of town feature larger properties and more sprawling layouts. Clustered more closely together in town, comparatively modest homes include ranch styles, Foursquares, bi-levels and colonial styles. Prices typically range between $135,000 and $500,000, with outliers reaching close to $700,000.
Highly rated schools with advanced courses and tech education
Students are part of the Washington County Public School District, which is ranked among the top 10 school districts in the state and earns an A-minus from Niche. Kids may begin at Smithsburg Elementary, which earns a B-plus, before advancing to Smithsburg Middle School. Rated an A-minus, the middle school serves over 500 students and focuses on career and college readiness with programs such as career technology education and advanced courses. Students may continue to Smithsburg High School, which gets a B-plus and offers a high-performing athletics program. All three schools sit clustered together off North Main Street, providing a central location for public education.
Smithsburg is surrounded by trails, streams and scenic summits
Sullivan says that Smithsburg puts a lot of care into its community parks, such as Lions Community Park and the Smithsburg Athletic Fields. Both provide baseball diamonds and open green spaces. The athletic fields also feature sports courts, while Lions Community Park has a small scenic pond. Smithsburg is also surrounded by state parks brimming with hiking trails, campsites and more outdoor recreation. The Appalachian Trail snakes its way through the eastern side of town, providing opportunities for hiking and several picturesque summits, including High Rock. “High Rock has scenic vistas and lots of lovely little streams around,” Sullivan adds. The nearby Catoctin Mountain Park is home to Camp David, the renowned presidential retreat. Cunningham Falls State Park, just south of Catoctin, is also a popular destination, Sullivan says. “It’s just beautiful, with a lot of lovely little streams all around,” she says.
Small-town locales with bigger options in Hagerstown and Frederick
Smithsburg’s town center offers a small range of establishments that showcase its agricultural charm. “There are a few cute little pubs and restaurants in Smithsburg,” Sullivan says, adding that most people head to nearby Hagerstown or Frederick for larger retailers and dining options. Wolfe’s Den is a favorite dive bar for its unfussy atmosphere, while Dixie Diner serves classic American staples in its welcoming interior. Martin’s in Cavetown is the closest grocery store; more options, such as Aldi and Weis Markets, are about 8 miles west in Hagerstown. The city’s downtown area brims with cafés, eateries and stores, while its outskirts feature shopping plazas with big-box retailers and familiar chains.
Major highways connect Smithsburg to nearby cities
Due to a lack of public transportation, Smithsburg is a car-dependent community. The town is framed by Route 64 and Route 74, offering convenient access to Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 40. Hagerstown is 8 miles away and Frederick is 27 miles to the north. While the nearby Hagerstown Regional Airport offers local service, most residents rely on international hubs like Washington/Baltimore International Airport and Dulles Airport for broader connectivity.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
