Abingdon, Maryland Real Estate & Community Info

Abingdon, Maryland, is an unincorporated Harford County community 25 miles northeast of Baltimore. Residents enjoy ready access to major state parks and the upper end of Chesapeake Bay. Commuters value the fact that Abingdon is conveniently located along Interstate 95 between exits 77 and 80. U.S. Route 40 also passes through the community.

A Brief History of Abingdon

William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, founded Abingdon. Paca would go on to become the third governor of Maryland. The settlement was named after Abingdon, England. In 1787, Cokesbury College was founded in Abingdon. It was the first Methodist-affiliated college in the country. Methodist leaders met at an historic gathering on Christmas Day, 1784. During the meeting, Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury were named the first Methodist bishops in the country. Cokesbury College was then named after these two men. The institution moved to Baltimore after its main building in Abingdon burned down in 1795. However, the Abingdon Methodist Chapel at the college later became Cokesbury United Methodist Church.

Parks and Green Space

Abingdon residents enjoy a wealth of green space in and around the community. Harford Glen Park offers a half-mile trail along a lake and through wooded areas. Hikers and anglers typically use this relatively level path. The Bush Declaration Natural Resources Management Area is only a few miles northeast of Abingdon.

The Anita C. Light Estuary Center lies along the Bush River, just east of Route 40. The facility features one of the few publicly accessible freshwater tidal marshes in the upper Chesapeake Bay area. The center is located within the confines of the 93-acre Leight Park. The 350-acre Bosely Conservancy features wooded wetlands and tidal marshes. The center offers many events throughout the spring, summer and fall, including wildflower walks, storytelling and pontoon boat fishing.

The 18,000-acre Gunpowder Falls State Park is in western Harford County, south of Abingdon. The varied topography includes steep slopes, rocky cliffs and tidal wetlands. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are all popular pastimes withing the confines of one of the largest state parks in Maryland. Hikers can select their preferred trail difficulty from 120 miles of trails. The TCB Trail follows a former rail line from Ashland to the Pennsylvania line. Gunpowder Falls State Park also offers a swimming beach and a marina. History buffs will want to visit the Jerusalem Mill historic village.

Recreational Opportunities

The Maryland Sports Arena is right along U.S. Route 40, just southwest of Abingdon. It is an indoor soccer facility established in 1989. In addition to youth soccer, it offers adult leagues, soccer camps and more.

Golfers quickly discover that Harford County is home to a variety of top-notch courses. For example, the demanding and beautiful Mountain Branch Golf Course is only four miles away. Avid golfers will appreciate the unique aspects of the 18-hole layout, including split fairways, rock outcroppings and driveable par-fours. Washington Monthly named it a "Must Play" course. From the championship tees, the course is 7,088 yards long, with an impressive slope of 137. The course architects carved rolling fairways out of mature hardwood forests. Large water hazards will consume the wayward shot. The Mountain Branch Grille and Pub is a highly-rated, award-winning eatery frequented by golfers and non-golfers alike.

The Ruggles Golf Course at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds is available for play by Harford County residents. It is only seven miles from Abingdon. The championship-quality, 18-hole course plays at 7,111 yards from the longest tees. It features a respectable 131 slope and substantial 74.5 course rating. Mature trees and contoured bunkers will often penalize the wayward shot.

Attractions and Activities

The Liriodendron Mansion in nearby Bel Air is just one of the many historic architectural masterpieces that focus attention on the rich heritage of Harford County. The Georgian Revival stuccoed brick home was built in 1898 as the summer home for Dr. Howard Kelly and his wife Laetitia. Dr. Kelly was a founder of Johns Hopkins Medical College. The property also includes a variety of outbuildings dating to the mid-19th century, including a smokehouse, ice houses, corn crid, cottage and bank barn.

Abingdon residents can shop at the Harford Mall, only about 15 minutes away. Anchor stores includes Macy's and Sears. A number of major national chains operate restaurants here, like Bonefish Grill and Red Robin. A smaller, more compact design requires less hiking from store to store.

Festivals and Events

In March, experience the Chocolate and Candy Festival in downtown Bel Air, just seven miles northwest of Abingdon. In September, the Bel Air Festival of the Arts is held in Shamrock Park. This established Maryland show has been staged for over 50 years. The juried show attracts over 350 locally and nationally -known artists offering some of the best fine art, photography and hand-crafted items found in the mid-Atlantic region. Live entertainment at the band shell stage adds to the festive atmosphere. In October, the Town of Bel Air Film Festival comes to the Bel Air Armory. Attendees enjoy highly-rated films followed by lively discussions.

Abingdon Real Estate

You'll find a nice assortment of homes for sale in Abingdon, from mature ranches with 1,500 sq-ft of living space to sprawling estate homes on acreage. Abingdon's newer developments offer great opportunities, like all-brick, four-bedroom homes with more than 3,500 sq-ft of living space and all the amenities. Or, consider waterview homes and lots in the eastern part of Abingdon along Chesapeake Bay. Those relocating to Abingdon will also find a nice selection of affordable townhouses and condominiums. Abingdon residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle marked by a natural environment only 30-40 minutes from Baltimore's arts, culture and entertainment.

I'd welcome the opportunity to share much more with you about this thriving community and its open spaces. Please contact Suzanne Burton at your earliest convenience.

Suzanne Burton, Sales Associate