Aberdeen & Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland Real Estate & Community Info

Aberdeen, Maryland, is the largest community in Harford County. Its 16,000 residents live about 30 miles from Baltimore at the upper end of Chesapeake Bay. Interstate 95 runs north-south through the community, so Baltimore's arts, culture and entertainment are only 40-45 minutes away. Aberdeen homeowners enjoy a wealth of water-based activities including fishing and boating. The area is known as the "Gateway to Chesapeake Bay."

Aberdeen is adjacent to the 72,500-acre Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG), headquarters of the U.S. Army's Test and Evaluation Command. An estimated 5,000 military personnel and 7,500 civilians work at the APG, the Army's oldest active proving ground. It opened in January 1918, months after the United States entered World War I. Today, the Churchville test area features steep natural grades used to test the engines, suspensions and other components of M1 Abrams Tanks, Humvees and other military vehicles.

History

Edmund Law Rogers came from Scotland around 1800. The Rogers family lived in Baltimore, although they maintained ties with their cousin, the Earl of Aberdeen back in their homeland. Aberdeen, Maryland, was eventually named in honor of the Earl, who became Great Britain's prime minister in 1852. In 1892, Aberdeen was incorporated as a town.

Parks and Recreation

Only minutes north of Aberdeen is Susquehanna State Park. More than 15 miles of trails appeal to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. For example, the moderately difficult, 2.1-mile Deer Creek Trail starts and finishes at the picnic area. If you are looking for great views of the valley, try the 3-mile Susquehanna Ridge Trail. It is routed along the western edge of the Susquehanna River, and it features climbs rated moderate to difficult.

Also within the confines of the heavily wooded park is the Rock Run Historic Area. Visit the historic mansion and the working gristmill. Fishermen launch their boats at the park before they head out on the water in pursuit of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. Perch and catfish are also caught in the Susquehanna River. The Spring herring and shad runs are popular attractions as well.

APG offers a wide range of recreational activities. Fishing is possible in a number of non-secured areas, like portions of Swan Creek, along the east shore of Woodpecker Point and along the west shore of Spesutie Island. Hunters are encouraged to apply for an APG hunting permit. APG offers a number of hunting-related programs, including those in archery and shotgun proficiency. Boaters can use the APG boat ramps once they complete the Boaters' Orientation Course. Spesutie Boat Marina offers 108 wet slips for boats up to 40-feet long and a 20-ton travel lift. Swimming, bowling, camping, skeet, and horseback riding are some of the other leisure-time activities possible at APG.

Attractions and Activities

Baseball fans can attend games at Ripken Stadium, home of the class A Aberdeen Ironbirds of the New York-Penn League. The 6,300 seat stadium is the brainchild of baseball Hall of Famer and Aberdeen native Cal Ripken and his brother Bill. The complex also hosts youth baseball tournaments, and there's a 500-seat reception area for weddings and other special events.

The rolling terrain in and around Aberdeen is perfect for golf courses, and players will find a number of great layouts just minutes away. The 7,111-yard Ruggles Golf Course features a immaculate but firm greens and excellent fairways. From the back tees, the course carries an impressive 74.5 course rating. The APG layout is available for play by active-duty military, DoD civilians and Hartford County residents. There's an excellent practice facility that includes a driving range with both grass and artificial tees, practice bunker, practice chipping area and putting green.

Golf enthusiasts will certainly want to play Bulle Rock Golf Course, just northeast of Aberdeen. Many consider this Pete Dye creation the very best public course in the state of Maryland. Sidehill lies are common due to the rolling terrain. Pristine white sand bunkers and large water hazards are daunting challenges for even low-handicap players. The par-72 layout plays as short as 5400 yards or as long as 7,375 yards.

The 18-hole Wetlands Golf Course is just two miles off of Interstate 95. Holes meander through marshy areas featuring ornamental grasses and plentiful wildlife. Wide, inviting fairways allow for a relaxing round. Many of the large bentgrass greens are framed by large white sand bunkers.

Festivals and Events

The 2.9-acre Aberdeen Festival Park offers a walking track, playground, pavilion and picnic areas. The beautifully landscaped facility hosts a number of concerts and festivals every year. In late April, unique Earth Day festivities include playing music on bike parts, scrap hockey and playing recycled games. Browse among the environmental exhibitors and enjoy the offerings of the food vendors. In May, there's another well-attended event - Yard Sale in the Park.

From late July to early August, Ripken Stadium hosts the Cal Ripken Word Series. Throughout the year, the best 12-year-old baseball players in the world compete on the "Road to Aberdeen" for the right to play at this premier youth baseball event. International teams come from as far away as Australia, Japan, and the Dominican Republic.

Aberdeen and APG Real Estate

At any one time, those relocating to Aberdeen or assigned to APG will find hundreds of homes on the market, from modest ranches to estate-style Georgians and Colonials. Select from updated bungalows in town, residences with acreage and new construction in modern subdivisions. There's also a good selection of town homes and condominiums. Most Aberdeen homes offer Baltimore commuters ready access to Interstate 95. The Amtrak and Chessie lines also serve the area.

There's more to learn about the lifestyle in and around Aberdeen. I'd welcome the opportunity to share more with you about the area's recreational and other assets. Please contact Suzanne Burton at your earliest convenience!

Suzanne Burton, Sales Associate