A coastal Maryland town that flies under the radar
With a population of just over 20,000, Arnold is a suburb of Annapolis, Maryland that can often be overlooked. It is located between the Severn and Magothy Rivers, lending it a surprisingly coastal atmosphere. Those who choose it do so for its quietude and the friendliness of its community. “I picked Arnold because of the good-sized, reasonably priced houses and the quiet neighborhoods,” says Chris Ronsaville, a resident of almost 10 years. “I’d say most people know their neighbors, or at least they know everyone who lives on the same block. It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably leave your shed unlocked.” The city has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, indicating violent and property crime rates below the national average. It is also home to some of Anne Arundel County’s best public schools, along with plenty of greenways and parks.
Although it is not the best-known of Maryland’s small towns or even of its coastal communities, Arnold’s waterside vibe reveals itself in nearly all everyday interactions between residents. “It’s green pretty much year-round because of the pine trees and the fact that it barely snows in Maryland anymore,” Ronsaville adds. “Summers can get muggy, but it gets nicer when you’re out on the water. If you don’t own a boat, it’s easy to make friends with a neighbor or even just the guy sitting next to you at the bar who has one.”
Arnold is a quiet and friendly neighborhood where people look to help one another.
A big part of Arnold is the coastal atmosphere. This includes gorgeous sunsets.
You have access to great boat launches when you live in Arnold.
Help a friend or neighbor in Arnold prepare their boat for a day on the water.
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Subdivisions offer a wide range of styles and water privileges
Housing options in Arnold are diverse, ranging from apartments and townhouses to detached single-family homes in various styles. Townhouses can range in price from around $300,000 to over $700,000, depending on the build year. Midcentury ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals are most common in the inland subdivisions, tending to cost between $485,000 and $800,000. Larger modern traditional homes, both inland and on either of the rivers, tend to cost between $1 million and $4 million depending on the size of the lot, the build year and the number of bedrooms.
Subdivisions are nearly all walkable, many with large mature trees lining either side of the street. “The majority of neighborhoods have sidewalks, and I mean sidewalks with grass and trees, not just concrete jungle,” Ronsaville says. While there are plenty of communities to choose from, buyers looking for a coast town atmosphere without the prices associated with riverfront homes should look into water-privileged communities like Ulmstead Estates or Pines on the Severn, which offer private beaches and marinas. “Water-privileged neighborhoods are more sought-after, but those communities have extraordinarily reasonable association dues,” says Realtor Scott Schuetter, who leads the Scott Schuetter and Crew team for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “When you look at condo HOA dues, they could be $500 to $600 a month, and when you look at these neighborhoods, it’s $500 to $600 per year.” Residents may need to pay extra, however, if the property includes a boat slip.
House hunters could find a stately townhouse in Arnold.
Pines on the Severn in Arnold offers a marina and beach.
Arnold has very sought after water-front housing.
Live in a beautiful colonial home in Arnold.
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Anne Arundel Community College ranks among the nation's best
Children in Arnold attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools, which score an overall B-plus from Niche. Broadneck High School, rated A, offers an Apex Arts Magnet Program, where students participate in an art-heavy curriculum. Anne Arundel Community College is also located in the city. It is the largest single-campus community college in the state and was ranked as the best in the nation by Academic Influence in 2021.
Broadneck High School in Arnold prepares students well for college.
Anne Arundel Community College near Arnold gives students a great education.
Magothy River Middle School in Arnold helps students strive for greatness.
Broadneck Elementary School serves students in grades K - 5th in Arnold.
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From the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail to the Bay Hills Golf Club
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in Arnold, from the 2-mile long Forked Creek Trail behind Broadneck Elementary to one of Maryland’s most popular rail trails. “If you’re an avid runner or biker, we have the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail,” Ronsaville says. This 13-mile path follows the old Baltimore and Annapolis railway line from Arnold to the Glen Burnie Light Rail station. Residents with boats will also find many potential launch points throughout the city. “Sandy Point is $5 for entry, and you can launch your boat from there,” Ronsaville continues. “But really, you can launch for free from any restaurant that’s on the water and has a boat ramp.” Golfers will enjoy playing the 18-hole course at Bay Hills Golf Club, which offers public and membership rates.
Arnold has great places to launch your boat such as Sandy Point State Park.
The Baltimore and Annapolis trail in Arnold is a great place to get some exercise.
The Point Crab House & Grille in Arnold also has a great boat launch.
Enjoy playing golf? Arnold has you covered with Bay Hills Golf Club.
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Restaurants and retailers are centered around Ritchie Highway
Much of Arnold’s commercial footprint is concentrated around Maryland Route 2, also known as Ritchie Highway. Grocery stores like Safeway sit across the street from popular eateries like Oishi Japanese Cuisine and Naval Bagels. Other options include Green Valley Market Place, a local supermarket chain located in the same shopping center as O’Loughlin’s Restaurant, a pub that serves Buffalo-area specialties like roast beef sandwiches on kimmelweck rolls. Waterfront restaurants like Donnelly’s Dockside Bar and The Point Crab House are staples of the coast town’s atmosphere, both offering docks so residents can pull up in their boats to enjoy a summer evening meal.
O'Loughlin's Restaurant in Arnold serves amazing drinks and kind faces.
Green Valley Market in Arnold is a good spot in town to get produce.
Donnelly's Dockside Bar in Arnold is a great spot for dinner with the family.
Get all of your grocery shopping done in Arnold at Safeway.Arnold.
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Two state highways serve as the major thoroughfares for Arnold
Residents often choose Arnold for the city’s proximity to major area destinations. “Maryland Routes 2 and 50 are just a few minutes from my house,” Ronsaville says. “That makes Annapolis easy to get to, along with Glen Burnie.” Since the town is on a peninsula, these two highways are the only options for getting to other parts of the state. Route 2 is the most direct way to access Route 100, which connects Arnold 17 miles northwest to Arundel Mills Mall and Baltimore Washington International Airport. Route 50, on the other hand, is the best way to make the 34-mile trip west to Washington, D.C.
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