Emmitsburg

There is a decent chance you've never heard of Emmitsburg, Maryland, until now, which is a bit odd considering its prominence in early American history. Often treated as a footnote in Civil War history books for where the Battle of Gettysburg almost occurred, Emmitsburg is also home to the country's first Catholic girl's school, Mount St. Mary's University. But as with almost anywhere in Frederick County, Emmitsburg is growing a lot and might soon make a name for itself for reasons other than cannons and convents. "A lot of people have moved out here from the nearby cities, and it's just continued to grow like crazy," says Managing Realtor for Murase Partners of Charis Realty Margo Miller, who has sold homes in Frederick County since 2014.

The Main Street USA feel of Emmitsburg's downtown extends east-to-west for roughly seven blocks before hitting US Highway 15. Sitting right at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, many residents of Emmitsburg enjoy scenic vistas of ragged mountain peaks and miles of farmland right in their backyards. Most of the homes in Emmitsburg that are going on the market are those closest to town, often invoking a traditional architectural design that does its part to tell the town's history. "Emmitsburg has a lot of homes that were built in the 1800s, so they're going to be small Colonial homes, or ones that were originally bigger that have since been made into duplexes," says Miller. "A lot of people that don't want to be in an HOA neighborhood will find those are typically more of a ranch-style or a split-level." A single-family home in Emmitsburg sells for a median of $397,000. Most homes sell in the mid-$400,000 range, though some occasionally sell above $600,000.

Young students living in Emmitsburg get to attend some of Frederick County School District's best-serviced schools. Starting at Emmitsburg Elementary, which earns a score of B from Niche, students get to begin their education in a small classroom setting with an average ratio of 12 students per teacher. When they move on to Thurmont Middle, which earns a B-minus score from Niche, students attending will be introduced to an environmental literacy curriculum in their courses for social studies and science. Finally, once they reach Catoctin High, which earns a B-minus score from Niche, students in attendance can enroll in AP classes to help them skip some gen eds when they go off to college.

Whether you want a taste of history, adventure or leisure, you will find one or more at one of Emmitsburg's nearby parks. E. Eugene Myers Community Park is the largest in town and offers several amenities for recreation, including a dog park, baseball diamonds, a playground and even a disc golf course. There is also a community pool at the park's north end, which can be rented for parties and events upon applying for membership. A family-friendly activity can be found south of downtown Emmitsburg at Mount Tabor Park. The park's central attraction is the "big slide," a barn-themed covered slide that towers over the park's jungle gym and outdoor concert pavilion. Perhaps you would rather go fishing or take a hike, however. In that case, head up the mountain to Rainbow Lake, an 8-acre conservation area where anglers can cast lines once they obtain a permit from the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources.

Emmitsburg's Main Street is a picturesque downtown drag of retail spots and restaurants housed in Colonial storefronts. As you walk Main Street's sidewalks and pass beneath gas lamps and antique shudders, you'll come across several boutiques, old firehouses, small businesses and local eateries at its intersection with Seton Avenue. One of the more popular spots in town is the Ott House Pub, a rustic dive bar that has been open since 1970 and is famous for its assortment of seafood sandwiches and live music acts. Just a block away, shoppers can spend hours perusing the Emmitsburg Antique Mall's seemingly endless aisles of vintage chachkies and knick-knacks. But when you'd rather spend the day around the house, unlike many other areas of Frederick County, Emmitsburg residents do not have to leave town to buy groceries, visit their doctor or pick up home and school supplies.

Written By

Tom Jakob

Photography Contributed By

Tyler Priola

Video By

Grace Kim