7 Reasons to Move to Frederick, MD

Moving to a new city is an exciting life transition, especially if your new hometown has a multitude of excellent amenities.

We happen to think Frederick is one of those cities, and if you ask any of the locals, they’ll definitely agree. From a bustling downtown full of trendy spots to idyllic refuges where you can commune with nature, Frederick, MD, offers a little something for everyone. Combine that with relaxed vibes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, and you’ve got an excellent place to lay down some roots.

If you’ve been considering a move to Frederick, here are a few of the best reasons to pack your bags.

1. It’s a Metropolitan City with Historic Charm

Catoctin Mountain provides a gorgeous backdrop for downtown’s restored Victorian-style bed and breakfasts, bustling restaurants, chic art galleries, and much more. From trendy Frederick apartments to historic homes, it’s no wonder so many people decide to call downtown Frederick home!

Relax with craft beers and wood-fired pizza on the rooftop of the first town hall. Now Brewer’s Alley Restaurant, the building was built in 1769 and survived the ransoming of the city during the Civil War by Confederate General Jubal Early. It once served as the Frederick Opera House and has played host to presidential speakers throughout history.

If you’re hungry for something more international, you’ll find everything from upscale Italian to Irish pub staples. In the mood for Indian? Visit Clay Oven in the Golden Mile Neighborhood for some tandoori chicken and freshly baked naan. There’s also tempting Thai fare at Sumittra and Japanese ramen and tapas at Tsunami Ramen.

Downtown Frederick’s vibrant community hosts live music, artisanal bakeries, and local shops offering handcrafted goodies, all housed in historic homes and repurposed warehouses and factories.

2. It’s Surrounded by Natural Beauty

There are plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to get out and play in Frederick. The Catoctin Mountains and Monocacy River provide a fantastic venue for hiking, camping, and fishing, and there are multiple national and state parks near Frederick. If you’re up for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’re only about 2 1/2 hours from the ocean and the Western Maryland Mountains.

3. Frederick Has a Strong Job Market

There are roughly 3,400 businesses, and with an increase of 4.6% in the past decade, Frederick has a growing job market with plenty of opportunities for people of all skill sets.

Thanks to Fort Detrick, its biggest employer is the U.S. government, with jobs in the Department of Defense, Agriculture, Health and Human Services. You’ll also find jobs in Homeland Security, the Veterans Administration, and The National Cancer Institute.

Opportunities in biotech and healthcare are abundant thanks to United Healthcare and the ever-expanding AstraZeneca. Jobs with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and State Farm Insurance are available, too.

Frederick is a prime location for entrepreneurs with great ideas for businesses. Whether in downtown Frederick or in many of our business parks, we’ve seen a growth in small businesses over the last two decades. Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is one of the most vibrant chambers in the state.

4. The Quality of Life is Excellent

Frederick offers a high quality of life with good schools and a strong sense of community. It’s a diverse city compared to many others in the state (it ranks #43 of the most diverse places to live in Maryland), with residents from various backgrounds contributing to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

There are also numerous recreational opportunities, including community events, festivals, museums, and local parks. If you enjoy the arts, Frederick offers theater, art communities, and live music.

5. Frederick is Commuter-Friendly

Frederick is just 45 miles from Washington, D.C., and 48 miles from Baltimore, MD, within easy reach of major transportation routes, making it a convenient choice for commuters. For those living within the city proper, Frederick is exceptionally walkable and bikeable, scoring 97% and 76% on the commuter scale, respectively.

6. It’s Very Family-Friendly

Frederick has so many fun entertainment options for children and families. The kids will have a blast at Baker Park in the summertime playing on the playground, enjoying the Summer Concert Series on Sundays, and parking it on the lawn for Summerfest Family Theater on Thursdays.

The City of Frederick Parks and Recreation Department maintains a community garden space where locals can apply to exercise their green thumb. The city has two swimming pools to cool off between Memorial Day and Labor Day and plenty of facilities located within its parks for hosting birthday parties, family reunions, or just a fun gathering to enjoy with friends and family. There are so many fun things to do in Frederick in the summer.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate venues within the parks to gather and play team sports, tennis, and pickleball. Got a skateboarder in the family? The Hill Street Skate Park has features for every age and ability.

There are also plenty of adventure parks to entertain them for the day. Urban Air Adventure Park and Adventure Park U.S.A. offers mini golf, arcades, laser tag, and more. For animal lovers, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo gives kids a front-row seat to see and learn about a wide range of exotic animals.

If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor fun, you can take them ice skating at the Skate Frederick Ice Sports venue year-round. The Rose Hill Manor Park & Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits, fun activities, and special events throughout the year.

7. There are Plenty of Higher Education Opportunities

The city has several reputable educational institutions, including Frostburg State and Frederick Community College. It’s also home to Hood College, a small, private liberal arts school serving over 2,000 students. Students at Hood have a wide variety of majors to choose from, including business administration, finance, and marketing; biomedical sciences; communication and journalism; and more.

Mount St. Mary’s University near Frederick is the second-oldest Catholic University in the U.S., with 98% percent of its graduates attending graduate school or embarking on a career within a year of graduation.

Frederick Welcomes You Home!

If you’ve been debating whether or not you should move here, we hope our list of great reasons to move to Frederick has inspired you to call it home! The city will definitely charm you, and its diverse population of community-minded residents will welcome you with open arms. Learn more about Frederick Living on our blog. See you soon!

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Chris Highland, Associate Broker eXp Realty Maryland
Cell:  301-401-5119  Broker:  888-860-7369