Westminster, the seat of Carroll County, Maryland, is a small but historic town almost 38 miles north of Baltimore. Over 20,000 people call the city home, drawn to its artistic atmosphere and sense of rural isolation. “It’s not directly on any big highways, so it’s a little out there. But I think it’s an underrated commuter town for Baltimore because it’s not too inconvenient,” says Realtor Michelle Miller with Douglas Realty, a lifelong Maryland resident. While two-lane highways are the only way to get to and from the city, it’s large enough that locals don’t need to travel far for necessities or entertainment. It thrives on its art scene and its bustling downtown district, which is a nationally accredited Main Street. At the same time, long-standing residents enjoy the rural quietude that comes with living so far north in Maryland. “There are a lot of farms, so you’ll probably hear chickens and the occasional shotgun keeping foxes away from the coop,” Miller says. “But if people are looking for good value in Maryland, Carroll County is the place to go.”
Downtown Westminster has a variety of shops and cafes to peruse.
Abundant wildlife can be found at the Westminster Community Pond, such as this Great Blue Heron.
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Urban, suburban and rural options can all be found in Westminster
Prospective owners will find a mix of styles throughout the city, from brick townhouses downtown pricing between $200,000 and $500,000 to detached single-family styles. Colonial cottages and Craftsman bungalows downtown are clustered close together on small lots set back from the sidewalks by concrete walkways. Farther out from the city center, large Modern Traditional and Colonial Revival houses sit on spacious lawns, separated from winding suburban streets by long, paved driveways. These homes can cost anywhere from $500,000 to $700,000. More rural homesteads on multi-acre lots can demand prices over $1 million.
Newer brick townhomes line parts of the street in downtown Westminster.
Modern McMansions with spacious yards can be found in the outer suburbs of Westminster.
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A championship girls' basketball team and a renowned private college
The Carroll County Public School district serves students in Westminster, earning an overall A-minus from Niche. It ranks as the No. 6 Best District in the state. Westminster High School, which also receives an A-minus, boasts a girls’ basketball program that took home the state championship in 2023.
Higher education draws residents to the area as well. McDaniel College, a storied institution founded in 1867, is among the largest employers in the city and is well-regarded in the state for its political science and history programs. “I had a client who bought a condo there so her daughter could have a place to stay during college,” Miller says.
Westminster Elementary School is a public school serving grades K-5 in Westminster, MD.
Westminster High School is a progressive school with a long tradition of academic excellence.
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A diverse selection of cuisine in downtown Westminster
Grocery stores like Sprouts and big-box retailers, including Walmart and Target, are available on the outskirts of the city center. Westminster’s pedestrian-friendly Main Street provides a diverse mix of locally-owned boutiques and international cuisine, from classic Irish pub fare to Maryland seafood staples. “O’Lordan’s has great food and a great atmosphere,” Miller says. “And if you like crab cakes, RockSalt Grill makes the best I’ve ever had. They’re very large, so they are expensive, but they’re worth the extra price.” From May to November, the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market is open every Saturday, providing fresh produce from dozens of local merchants.
O'Lordans Irish Pub offers traditional Irish food, drinks, and vibes in Westminster, Maryland.
Locally grown produce brings pops of color to the Westminster Farmers’ Market.
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Events take place throughout the year at the Carroll Arts Center
The Carroll Arts Center is a popular area destination for entertainment. The historic art deco building houses various rotating art galleries, live music, speakers and dance performances throughout the year. “Westminster is welcoming to the artist and creative community,” says Melissa Thorn, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Westminster. “There’s a historic mural of the city on Locust Lane, and we’re expecting more murals.” Other annual events include the PEEP Show, an Easter sculpture contest where contestants must use the classic marshmallow treat as their material, and the Celtic Canter, a 5K race inspired by Irish heritage that takes place around St. Patrick’s Day.
Hiking and the fitness center at the historic armory
There are 14 parks throughout the city, providing diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Hikers can explore the countryside on the Wakefield Valley Community Trail, a 3-mile trek parallel to Maryland Route 31. Locals often visit the Westminster Family Fitness Center pool during the summer months. The facility, located in a historic armory, also includes a lap pool, waterslide, splash pad and lagoon.
Westminster Family Fitness Center offers recreational amenities for the community.
Wakefield Valley Community Trail, a 3-mile trek parallel to Maryland Route 31.
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A town that is far from Maryland's system of interstates
Westminster is tucked away in the rural expanse of Carroll County, out of the way of most of the state’s significant interstates. “Maryland Routes 97, 32 and 140 are the main commuter roads,” Miller says. “And the only straight shot, basically, is Route 27. They’re all two-lane highways, so that can cause some issues and people should be aware of it. But Interstate 795, which is the most direct route to Baltimore, has been a huge asset since it was added. It really makes it easier to get into work.” Baltimore is about 36 miles southeast of the city, and commuters may want to take advantage of public transportation options in Owings Mills, the closest stop on the Baltimore Metro.
Crime rates fall within or below the national average
Westminster’s CAP Index Crime Score is a 3 out of 10, slightly below the national average of 4. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, violent crime in the city fluctuated throughout 2023, rounding out to about the national average by December. Property crime in the same timeframe was consistently slightly below the national average.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Jessica Stoddard
Video By
Nina Violi
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Westminster, MD sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Westminster, MD over the last 12 months is $425,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Schedule your appointment to see this Downtown Westminster Gem at 27 S. Church StreetThis 3 bed, 1.5 bath home is ideally located in the heart of downtown Westminster, just steps from dining, shops, and community happenings. This property offers Unique touches, a cozy electric heat-generating fireplace in the living room and a heated kitchen floor—an extra level of comfort and sophistication!
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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