The New York Times has declared that the Spring Ridge area is the home of the no. 1 Pale Ale in the United States. Local wineries and craft beer establishments abound this part of Maryland.
Spring Ridge is a small unincorporated community of some 5,800 people located in Frederick County, Maryland. The town's southern boundary is U.S. Highway 40, originally the National Turnpike that President Thomas Jefferson had built from Baltimore to St. Louis. Residents here mostly commute to work in Baltimore or Washington,D.C. The 2010 Census pegged median house value at $364,000, as compared to the national average of $181,400. It's very hot and humid in the summer and the winters tend to be mild to cool. Its crime rate is higher than the Maryland average, but it is still a great deal safer than either Baltimore or D.C.
Moving to Spring Ridge
Spring Ridge is a small community with a definite emphasis on family activities and a small housing market. There is more of an urban buzz in nearby Baltimore and Washington,D.C. Typically, there are fewer than 20 houses on the market in Spring Ridge, and its municipal services are provided by the City of Frederick. Applications for utilities and other services should be made in advance. To access the community center and pool, an application must be made and yearly fees paid.
The major apartment complex, Spring Ridge Senior Apartments, is an income-restricted 55-and-over community. Filling in an application and providing proof of income well in advance of moving is necessary. Large apartment communities in nearby Frederick will provide full amenities, but will require proof of income and a credit check. It is best to arrange a visit to tour apartments in Spring Ridge and Frederick and to allow 4 to 6 weeks for the application process.
Living in Spring Ridge
Located in Northern Maryland, Spring Ridge has an abundance of outdoor activities in the Appalachian and Piedmont Mountain Ranges. Just to the west is the CatoctinMountainPark. With miles of trails, it is also home of the famous presidential retreat, Camp David. Enjoy the mountains, but Camp David is out of bounds!
For a taste of city life, hit the road to Baltimore or Washington,D.C. Spring Ridge is less than an hour away from Baltimore (via I-70) and its popular InnerHarbor area, with a wide array of shops, restaurants and water activity. You can paddle around the harbor or visit the tall ships. The InnerHarbor is also home to the spectacular National Aquarium. From Spring Ridge, it is less than an hour to the sights and attractions of Washington,D.C. (via I-270). Frederick, about 4 miles away, is the nearest city. The schools are excellent and Spring Ridge is part of the acclaimed Frederick County Public School System.
Spring Ridge
There is a definite emphasis on family, community and outdoor activity in Spring Ridge. Spring Ridge is home to a wildlife sanctuary with 1.4 miles of trails. The Spring Ridge community center has a pool and tennis courts, both of which are only available to residents of Spring Ridge. The major social networking organization is the Friends and Neighbors Club (FAN). Run by local residents, it holds home-based parties, organizes book clubs, Bunco and the popular "Chick Flick" movie series. The group also organizes Easter egg hunts, a Fourth of July bike parade, summer concerts and community yard sales.
A major crossroads during the Civil War, Spring Ridge is located near Monocacy National Battlefield. You can get involved in a variety of hands on activities and the whole family can enjoy the (sometimes noisy) Civil War battle reenactments.
Spring Ridge has a small retail center, with a bank, grocery store and a dry cleaner. Just a few miles away in Frederick, there are larger grocery stores, such as Wegmans and Giant Food.
There are a number of wineries and craft beer establishments in the area that are opened to visitors. Feel free to enjoy sampling some of their products!
Frederick
Frederick, the county seat of Frederick County, is just a few miles away from Spring Ridge. With a population of over 65,000, Frederick has a wide array of shops and restaurants and an open air market that runs along Carroll Creek. The 50 blocks of its thriving downtown area have been awarded the distinction as one of the Prettiest Painted Places in the U.S. There is a craft beer festival in May and an arts festival in June. The FrederickRegionalAirport is the nearest air terminal to Spring Ridge. In close proximity to Spring Ridge, Frederick offers a number of one, two and three bedroom furnished and unfurnished apartments, many with a full range of amenities such as fitness centers, pools and club rooms.