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.
For daily essentials local can shop at big box retailers like Target in Westminster, MD.
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.
Carroll County Farmers Market
Westminster Farmers’ Market was established in 1994.
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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.
MEET RANDY POMFREY: YOUR BALTIMORE AREA REAL ESTATE AGENT I specialize in the straightforward sale and purchase of homes in Maryland and Southern PA. My team and I are consistently in the top #1 of agents worldwide. Before Real Estate I worked in education and in the Information Technology field. My expertise in technology gives you the extra edge in advertising or seeing properties before anyone else! Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I endeavor to bring that same passion working with each and every client!
WHAT SETS ME APART Right from the start, I sit down with every client, and find out what is most important to them. I take the time necessary to educate each client in the process and state of the market so that they can make the best decisions possible. My straightforward, honest, no-nonsense approach makes me the choice of educated consumers. I have a strong local and nationwide network of top agents to further your goal of buying or selling. My responsiveness to my clients is unrivaled in Real Estate.
GIVING BACK Helping out fellow man, and animals is very important to me. I believe God has truly blessed my family, and I believe strongly in giving back. Currently we help run the Free Lunch Friday soup kitchen, contribute to WSPCA and local SPCAs, as well as give generously to local and world missions. I enjoy giving back to the real estate community by serving on various committees at the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors and serving on the Board of Directors.
IN MY FREE TIME Family time is most important to me. My wife is the most amazing person in my life; she keeps all of our family running like a well-oiled machine. We are super proud of our three kids, oldest Jared who bought his own home at the ripe age of 21. We love going to his house and visiting with him. Second son, Jordan who is in college studying medicine and working to help others with his gifts. And Morgan, our daughter who is studying nursing at UNCC and is also a firefighter and EMT. We love playing games together and spending time with our adopted furr babies Tommy, Koda and Pickles.
YOUR DECISION Buying or Selling a home is a Huge decision. I feel you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you decided not to meet with me before making that choice. Whether you are buying or selling, my team and I will work harder to get you a better deal than you would get with any other agent. Give us a chance to meet with you and go over how we are different and how that difference helps you win every time. If we don't WOW you, we'll part friends, you'll leave with some great information, and we'll even buy you coffee for your trouble. You've got nothing to lose and everything to win by choosing us. Thank you for your consideration.
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