Havre de Grace, Maryland Real Estate & Community Info

Historic Havre de Grace, Maryland, is ideally situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the at head of Chesapeake Bay. The Harford County community is home to approximately 14,000 residents. It is conveniently situated along Interstate 95 at exit 89. In 2014, Smithsonian magazine named Havre de Grace as one of the 20 best small towns to visit in the United States. It is just 40 miles northeast of Baltimore and 40 miles west of Wilmington, Delaware. The nearby Aberdeen Proving Grounds have stimulated the growth of the community over recent decades.

History

The community's name was inspired by that of Le Havre, France, once known as Le Havre de Grace, or "Haven of Grace." During the Revolutionary War, Gen. Lafayette visited the area a number of times, and he commented that the the existing settlement, Harmer's Town, reminded him of the French seaport.

The community's rich history is well documented. In 1789, during the First Congress, Havre de Grace was nominated to become the capital of the United States. American history forever changed when it fell one vote short. During a British assault on the city during the War of 1812, Lt. John O'Neil manned a cannon all by himself in a valiant effort to defend Havre de Grace.

Parks and Recreation

Just three miles upriver from Havre de Grace is Susquehanna State Park. If you are a mountain biking enthusiast, you'll love the trails here. At the same time, hikers revel in the lush forests and dramatic rock outcroppings. The Susquehanna River Trail is a three-mile hike of moderate difficulty that rewards the adventurous with panoramic views of the Susquehanna River Valley. Equestrians are also attracted to the 15 miles of trails. Anglers and boaters never tire of the recreational opportunities provided by the river itself. History comes alive at the Rock Run Historic Area, where visitors observe a working gristmill and tour a restored mansion.

Golfing residents can enjoy one of the mid-Atlantic's best public layouts right in Havre de Grace. Bulle Rock Golf Course is a 235-acre masterpiece designed by Pete Dye. It was named after the very first thoroughbred horse brought to America. In 2011, Golf magazine rated it #26 on its list of the top public courses in the country. The par-72 test stretches to as long as 7,375 yards. Water lines the entire length of both the 12th and 18th holes. Heavily contoured fairways, white sand bunkers and undulating greens demand the best shotmaking skills.

Activities and Attractions

The Havre de Grace Promenade is a wonderful place to take a stroll along the water, especially at sunrise. The tranquil experience amidst ducks, geese, birds and squirrels is the perfect antidote to the busyness of daily life. Plaques along the route detail the community's early history and the drama of the War of 1812. There's a playground and park at one end and the Concord Point Lighthouse at the other.

The Concord Point Lighthouse is the northernmost such facility on Chesapeake Bay. The 36-ft tower was built in 1826 with illumination provided by 9 whale oil lamps. The granite walls are 31-in thick at the base. It's possible to tour the lighthouse on weekends for April to October.

There's a rich assortment of museums in the area, including the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. The latter features an interesting collection of Coast Guard artifacts, and it's conveniently located adjacent to the Concord Point Lighthouse.

The Greek Revival lock house at the Susquehanna Museum is an original structure that adds to a feeling of authenticity. It is where the lock keeper lived during bygone days when tolls were collected for using the canal. Original locks remain that evoke a sense of the area's canal history. The Steppingstone Museum is a popular farm museum just outside of Susquehanna State Park. See blacksmiths and woodworkers demonstrating skills so important in the 19th century.

Festivals and Annual Events

Efforts to attract visitors to the area benefit residents. A variety of special events fill the calendar throughout the year. In May, the Barn Tour Festival features artisan demonstrations at Steppingstone Farm Museum. Enjoy a crab cake or two as you stroll among the craft displays. Take part in the outdoor yoga as live music fills the air.

In June, the Celtic Festival is staged at the Steppingstone Museum as well. The event celebrates the culture, music and traditions of the six Celtic nations in a highlands setting overlooking the Susquehanna River. Marvel in the skill of skilled sheep dogs during the shepherding demonstrations. There are handcrafted Celtic goods to see while the sound of bagpipes fills the air.

Oktoberfest attracts thousands of visitors to Hutchins Park in downtown Havre de Grace. German-themed crafts are well represented among the many vendor displays. The Kids Zone offers crafts, a moon bounce and a root beer garden. Kick back and savor a German brew as a Bavarian band plays and a German dance troupe performs.

Real Estate in Havre de Grace

If you are relocating to the area, you'll find a wide range of available homes to consider, from historic residences near the water to modern estate-style homes with all the amenities. The are affordable townhomes, luxury waterfront condominiums and golf course properties. There are variety of newer subdivisions to choose from. As an alternative, consider the very different lifestyle possible near the downtown historic district.

Havre de Grace offers an unbeatable combination of location, recreational opportunities, great housing choices and rich history. I'd welcome the opportunity to share more with you about the many reasons to live in Havre de Grace. For the personal attention you deserve, please contact Suzanne Burton.

Suzanne Burton, Sales Associate