Frederick has quietly become one of Maryland’s most desirable places to live. Residents from all over Maryland, the DMV, and the Mid-Atlantic are making the same move Nicole and I did many years ago and moving to Frederick, MD.
Located less than one hour from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, the city offers a hard-to-beat combination of historic charm, outdoor activities, entertainment options, affordability, and some great neighborhoods.
Frederick has become a great place for families relocating for more affordability or for retirees looking for their forever home in a place with lots to do.
Whether you are relocating for work, retiring, or just curious about living in Frederick, this guide will take you through the best neighborhoods in Frederick and help you find the right one for you.
A Guide to The Best Neighborhoods in Frederick, MD
Quick Summary: Best Neighborhoods in Frederick, MD
Below you’ll find detailed reviews of what we consider the best neighborhoods around Frederick.
But this interactive map gives you the big picture. See all the neighborhoods, both in Frederick and just outside town, that you should consider if you are planning a move to Frederick.
Why Are So Many People Moving to Frederick MD?
Frederick and Frederick County continue to grow and for good reason. There are a lot of great reasons to live in Frederick:
- Charming and Historic Downtown
- Excellent Restaurants and Breweries
- Access to Outdoor Activities
- Affordable Housing (vs. Maryland Alternatives)
- Strong Local Economy
- Good Schools
- Commuting Options to Metro Areas
Unlike many of the suburbs of Washington and Baltimore, Frederick feels like its own true city with its own identity.
It’s large enough to keep you entertained while also giving you access to places like Cunningham Falls State Park and lots of other weekend day-trip opportunities.
What Makes a Great Frederick Neighborhood?
Of course everyone has different priorities when searching for a home. So neighborhoods will attract differnt residents based on their characteristics.
Some neighborhoods in Frederick, especially in town, provide walkable access to the city’s lively downtown.
Other neighborhoods around Frederick are great because they are more suburban, offer larger homes, quietier streets, good schools, and more amenities.
In general, when evaluating neighborhoods, we look at:
- Walkability
- Overall Safety
- Nearby Restaurants, Shopping, and Commercial
- Schools
- Access to Outdoor Activities
- Amenities like Pools and Tennis
- Access to Highways for Commuters
- Home Affordability and Values
About Nicole and Glenn and Our Guide to Frederick Neighborhoods
So who are we and why should you read our neighborhood guide? Well, first we are Frederick residents and lifestyle guides to this amazing area.
We’ve dined at every restaurant, done all the hikes, attended all the events at Carroll Creek Park, and we are experts on the breweries and wineries around Frederick.
Our Ultimate Guide to Frederick, Maryland is where we share all this valuable information.
Plus, we’ve been through the moving-to-Frederick process.
Nicole and Glenn both moved to Frederick separately. Then we spent a year deciding where in the Frederick area we ultimately wanted to live together.
This afforded us the opportunity to research all the neighborhoods, and so we now share what we learned with you.
1. Downtown Frederick
Why Live Here: One of the best reasons to move to Frederick is its amazing downtown. Downtown Frederick is a walkable, lively, and historic area with an abundance of entertainment and several great parks.
Living downtown means enjoying all of this just steps from your front door. Frederick has an underrated food scene, and most of the best restaurants are downtown.
The same goes for coffee shops, bars, breweries, and art galleries.
You’ll also be able to take full advantage of Carroll Creek Park and Baker Park, the hubs of downtown Frederick where there is almost always something going on.
Best For:
- Walk to Restaurants, Bars, Venues
- Carroll Creek Park and Baker Park
- Historic Architecture
- Walkable Lifestyle
- Frequent Festivals and Activities
- Typical Home Prices: $480K - $550K
-
DowntownFrederick.org
- Current Listings
2. Baker Park
Why Live Here: Another in-town neighborhood adjacent to Downtown Frederick is Baker Park. This section of town has a slightly different vibe, as the neighborhood is mostly made up of stately homes on walkable streets.
You’ll still be walking distance to most of the venues in downtown, and you’ll of course be able to take advantage of beautiful Baker Park.
While there are all types of homes in Baker Park, there are more single-family homes, and the average price is higher than downtown Frederick. Lots of homeowners in Baker Park have renovated old homes and created lovely, modern downtown living spaces.
Best For:
- In Town Living
- Baker Park
- Stately, Single-Family Homes
- Walkable Neighborhoods
- Moderate Traffic
- Typical Home Prices: $630K - $770K
-
BakerParkFrederickNeighborhood.org
- Current Listings
3. Ballenger Creek
Why Live Here: If you are looking for convenience, modern housing that’s still affordable and close to downtown, you should seriously consider Ballenger Creek.
This is where Nicole lived temporarily when she first moved to Frederick, and it was a great first place to live in the area.
Ballenger Creek on the south side of Frederick provides easy access to both I-70 and I-270, making it a great place for commuters. It also has plenty of shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, and healthcare facilities nearby.
Lots of the home developments in Ballenger Creek are newer, with modern floor plans and lots of amenities.
Finally, the Ballenger Creek Trail is one of the best bike trails in Frederick.
Best For:
- Commuter Access to Highways
- Modern Neighborhoods
- Excellent Shopping and Restaurants
- Good Schools
- Growing Community
- Typical Home Prices: $320K to $500K
- Current Listings
4. Wormans Mill
Why Live Here: This is Frederick’s best version of a village within a city. Wormans Mill feels like a small town within Frederick, with some fabulous neighborhoods and its own village center.
If you drive around, you’ll quickly see why it’s one of Frederick’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Wide sidewalks, attractive homes, clean landscaping, and that village square.
Wormans Mill has an active community with lots of events and a clubhouse with a pool and tennis courts.
Also, Ricci, one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Frederick, is in the heart of Wormans Mill!
Best For:
- Village Square and Town Center
- Community Clubhouse
- Pool and Tennis Courts
- Walkable Neighborhood
- Medium to Large Single Family Homes
- Typical Home Prices: $445K to $600K
-
WormansMillVillage.com
- Current Listings
5. Renn Quarter
Why Live Here: This is one of the most exciting new home communities in Frederick. This D.R. Horton development is just southeast of downtown (walking distance) and features single-family homes and townhomes.
There are big plans for this community, which already has a clubhouse, pool, dog park, and plenty of walking trails. It’s in a great school district, and commercial developments are coming up all around the area.
Nicole and I have watched this neighborhood grow over the last few years. If you are looking for a new home in Frederick, Renn Quarter should be on your short list to check out.
Best For:
- New Homes
- Single-Family and Townhomes
- Community Center and Pool
- Walk to Downtown
- Families with School Age Children
- Typical Home Prices: $450K to $790K
-
DHHorton.com/RennQuarter
- Current Listings
6. Bartonsville
Why Live Here: Bartonsville is where the neighborhoods start to feel suburban around Frederick, though actually not being far outside town at all.
Just south of I-70, east of town, Bartonsville has several quiet neighborhoods, including some new home communities like Rosehaven by Wormald.
You are no longer walkable to downtown Frederick, but you aren’t farther than a ten-minute car ride to virtually anywhere. Plus, the houses in Bartonsville are larger for the price.
Another nice feature is Pinecliff Park with lovely playgrounds and ball fields where rec softball games are played in warmer months.
Best For:
- Suburban Feel
- Larger Single-Family Homes
- Townhomes
- Families With Kids
- Access to I-70
- Walkable Neighborhoods
- Typical Home Prices: $500K to $600K
- Current Listings
7. Spring Ridge
Why Live Here: Spring Ridge is one of Frederick’s early planned communities (built in the 1990s and 2000s), and for many residents, it still checks lots of boxes.
The community is just north of Bartonsville, close to downtown Frederick, and has easy access to I-70. The neighborhoods are also suburban and quiet, with well-maintained landscapes and common areas.
There’s a strong community feel, and amenities like a pool, wildlife refuge, and regular events.
Best For:
- Suburban Communities
- Large Pool
- Playgrounds and Common Areas
- Established Homes
- Nearby Shopping
- I-70 Access
- Typical Home Prices: $430K to $500K
-
SpringRidgeOnline.com
- Current Listings
8. Lake Linganore
Why Live Here: Take a drive around Lake Linganore, and you’ll forget you are near Frederick or even in Maryland. It has a vibe all to its own, and it’s pretty special.
Located about fifteen minutes east of town, Lake Linganore is a planned community that revolves around several lakes, private beaches, wooded trails, and homes that remind you of being on vacation.
If you like outdoor living, this is the Frederick neighborhood for you – kayaking, biking, nature trails. Plus there’s a clubhouse, beautiful pool, and playgrounds.
Some of the neighborhoods have been around for years, but there are new developments in Lake Linganore by Ryan Homes as of today.
If you are looking to live just outsside Frederick, Lake Linganore is the first place to check out.
Best For:
- Outdoor Activities
- Private Lakes and Beaches
- Walking and Biking Trails
- Community Center and Pool
- Wooded Settings
- Variety of Existing and New Homes
- Typical Home Prices: $540K to $590K
-
LakeLinganoreLiving.com
- Current Listings
9. Urbana
Why Live Here: Urbana could be considered a suburb of both Frederick, MD, and Washington, DC.
Urbana is virtually the last DC suburb north on I-270. It’s also the first town south of Frederick, only about ten minutes away.
Urbana has a series of planned communities mostly built in the last decade. The Villages of Urbana is a lovely development from Natelli Communities and has a mix of home types plus business and commercial areas.
The Woodlands of Urbana is a newer 55+ community that is very popular and that you should definitely consider if it fits your profile.
All these communities have walkable neighborhoods, plenty of amenities, and the town of Urbana is growing fast with more to do all the time.
Best For:
- Suburban Neighborhoods
- Excellent Schools
- Modern Homes
- Commuters to Montgomery County and DC
- Pools, Trails, and Amenities
- Strong Property Values
- Typical Home Prices: $620K to $715K
-
VillagesOfUrbana.com
- Current Listings
10. Monrovia (Landsdale)
Why Live Here: Landsdale is a hidden gem. Located in Monrovia, MD, about 15 minutes east of Frederick, it’s somewhat secluded and hard to find. But it’s a great neighborhood near Frederick.
Landsdale has a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, built by builders like Ryan Homes and Wormald. The streets, sidewalks, playgrounds, and common areas are well-kept, and there’s a great community clubhouse and pool.
If you are a family with kids, Landsdale has a brand new elementary school. You are also five minutes from Urbana, which gives you access to all the commercial areas in that growing area.
Families looking for larger, more modern homes in a good school district should definitely check out Landsdale.
Best For:
- Modern Homes
- Good Schools
- Pool and Playgrounds
- Families with Kids
- Townhomes
- Typical Home Prices: $560K to $800K
-
Facebook/Landsdale
- Current Listings
11. Holly Hills
Why Live Here: If you are looking for a proper county club community, then your main option around Frederick is Holly Hills.
Located in Ijamsville, MD, Holly Hills is a long-established neighborhood centered around its golf club. It’s a private golf club, though you don’t have to be a member to live in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood is mostly larger single-family homes, and many non-golfing residents have a ‘social membership’ to the club, which gives them access to all the other amenities (pool, tennis, gym, and activities).
Note: one advantage of moving to Frederick is all the great public golf courses in the area. But if you want to join a private club and live nearby, Holly Hills is your place.
Best For:
- Private Golf Club Community
- Pool
- Tennis and Pickleball
- Larger Single-Family Homes
- Social Activities
- Typical Home Prices: $745K to $870K
-
HollyHillsGolf.com
- Current Listings
12. Brunswick
Why Live Here: You could probably debate whether Brunswick is considered a Frederick neighborhood. But many of its residents consider it to be.
Brunswick is a town fifteen minutes south of Frederick right on the Potomac River, and offers a lifestyle different from virtually all the other places on this list.
Brunswick is a historic town, but has recent new home developments like Brunswick Crossing, which are pretty amazing.
Living here means access to the Potomac, the C&O Canal, Harpers Ferry, and lots of other outdoor adventures. It’s also commuter-friendly as there is a MARC station and access to MD 340.
It’s probably not what you had in mind when considering moving to Frederick, but you should definitely give it consideration.
Best For:
- New Home Communities
- Outdoor Adventures
- Commuter-friendly via MARC
- Historic Downtown
- Potomac River Access
- Typical Home Prices: $590K to $625K
-
BrunswickCrossing.com
- Current Listings
Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick, Maryland Neighborhoods
What is the Nicest Neighborhood in Frederick, Maryland?
There isn’t a single ‘nicest’ neighborhood in Frederick, MD, because it depends on your priorities and lifestyle.
But the neighborhoods that we consider most desirable are Lake Linganore for the outdoor activities and amenities, Wormans Mill for its town center and location, and the Frederick suburb of Urbana.
Is Frederick, MD a Good Place to Raise a Family?
Absolutely! Frederick consistently attracts families because of its high-quality schools, youth sports programs, parks and outdoor recreation, family-friendly events, affordability, and strong job market.
Some of the best neighborhoods for families are Bartonsville, Renn Quarter, Urbana, and Landsdale.
Which Frederick Neighborhoods are Best For Commuters?
If you commute to Washington, D.C., Gaithersburg, Rockville, Northern Virginia, or anywhere close to those areas, there are few neighborhoods around Frederick you should specifically look at.
Ballenger Creek has the best access to I-70 and I-270 from Frederick proper. Urbana, about ten minutes south of Frederick on I-270, is a great neighborhood even closer to those areas.
If you commute to Baltimore or anywhere east on I-70, you should look at Spring Ridge, Bartonsville, or Landsdale, as they have faster access to I-70.
Which Frederick Neighborhoods are Best for Amenities?
If community amenities like pools, tennis, parks, and playgrounds are important to you, than Lake Linganore is hard to beat.
But there are other neighborhood options in Frederick with great amenities as well. Check out the new Renn Quarter, Wormans Mill, Urbana, and Landsdale.
Are Home Prices Expensive in Frederick, MD?
Home prices vary by neighborhood, and prices will feel different depending on where you are moving from.
But in general, Frederick is much more affordable than other suburban areas around Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Many residents of Frederick have come from places like Montgomery County and Howard County because houses are more affordable.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Neighborhood in Frederick, MD
Whether you are moving from somewhere else in Maryland or accross the country, finding the right neighborhood in Frederick can make all the difference.
Fortunately, there’s a big diversity of neighborhoods to chose from, all with different characteristics. You can choose to live downtown in a historic district with walkable aspect to everything. But there are also lots of new home coummunties with a suburban feel.
Regardless of where you choose to live in Frederick, you’ll be choosing to live in one of Maryland’s most desirable but affordable locations with lots of benefits.
We recommend you do what we did when moving. Explore lots of neighborhoods before making a decision. Visit the local coffee shop. See what hiking trails are nearby. Get a feel for how walkable the streets are in the evening.
Frederick is a great place, we love it, and we are confident your family will as well.
