Pros and Cons of Moving to Urbana, Maryland: Is It the Right Place for You?

Pros & Cons of Living in Urbana, MD by Eddie Brady

If you’re considering a move to Urbana, Maryland, you might be wondering: is it the right choice? Known for its family-friendly community, highly rated schools, and proximity to the DC metro area, Urbana has a lot to offer. But like any location, it comes with its own pros and cons. Let’s dive into what makes Urbana special and where it might fall short to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Overview of Urbana, MD

Located within Frederick County, Urbana is a large, well-established community with over 3,500 homes. Known for its suburban charm and excellent amenities, the neighborhood is close to I-270, a major highway that makes commuting to Washington, DC, a possibility. Additionally, it’s ranked by Niche.com as the number one place to raise a family in Frederick County and ninth in all of Maryland.

The Pros of Living in Urbana

1. Family-Friendly Community

   • Urbana is designed with families in mind. You’ll often see kids playing outside, running around, and enjoying the neighborhood’s various parks and amenities. The community’s sidewalks and walking paths make it easy for children to explore and make friends safely. Many residents say the sense of community is one of the biggest perks of living here, with a close-knit feel that appeals to both parents and kids.

2. Top-Rated Schools

   • Urbana’s schools are a major draw for families moving to the area. The community has three elementary schools, Urbana Middle School, and Urbana High School. Urbana High School is the number one high school in Frederick County and consistently ranks in the top 10 in Maryland. The school offers impressive programs, such as dual enrollment for college credits, an International Baccalaureate program, and a strong selection of AP and varsity sports. For families with younger children, the Goddard School offers early childhood education within Urbana itself. With every school in Urbana boasting an A rating, education is a significant reason families choose this area.

3. Extensive Amenities

   • Urbana’s amenities are hard to beat. Residents enjoy multiple community centers, each with pools, sports courts, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. For example, Stone Barn Community’s pool area includes an Olympic-sized pool, a water park with slides, and a lazy river. The HOA also provides numerous parks, including Urbana District Park, which even offers free Wi-Fi, and Urbana Community Park, complete with a skate park and pump track. Plus, the new YMCA facility is a community highlight.

   • You’ll also find plenty of shopping, dining, and healthcare options within Urbana. Major retailers, grocery stores like Giant, and dining options from Panera to local favorites like Surf House are conveniently close. Urbana even has two urgent care clinics, so medical care is never far away.

4. Ideal Location for Commuters

   • For those commuting to Washington, DC, or nearby cities, Urbana’s location is advantageous. The community sits along I-270, the primary commuter route to DC. While traffic can be heavy at peak times, being near the highway offers a quicker, more direct commute. Residents can also easily access Frederick (just 10 minutes away) and Germantown or Gaithersburg (within 20 minutes), providing a range of shopping, dining, and employment options.

The Cons of Living in Urbana

1. Walking Distance Requirements for Schools

   • One of the most frequently mentioned downsides of living in Urbana is that kids often have to walk to school. According to Frederick County regulations, students within a certain distance (1.25 miles for elementary and 1.75 miles for middle and high school) are considered “walkers,” which means they do not have bus service. This can result in a large number of children on the sidewalks before and after school, which some parents find concerning.

2. Traffic and Congestion

   • As a popular and growing community, Urbana does experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. It’s a primary route for many surrounding areas, which adds to the flow of vehicles. While recent traffic lights and infrastructure improvements have helped, congestion remains an issue. Residents note that traffic tends to ease up once you’re outside Urbana, but it’s something to consider if you’re looking for a quieter neighborhood.

3. High Home Prices

   • Urbana’s desirability has driven up home prices. The median sales price for a townhouse is over $582,000, while a single-family home averages around $887,000—both significantly higher than other areas in Frederick County. New homes in the Market District, for instance, are starting in the high $600,000s, which is comparable to housing costs in DC metro areas like Rockville and Silver Spring. The high prices reflect Urbana’s appeal, but they may be a barrier for some buyers.

Is Urbana Right for You?

Urbana offers a strong community feel, fantastic schools, and abundant amenities, making it a top choice for families and those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy city access. However, the traffic, walking requirements for schools, and high property prices may be considerations for those weighing their options.

If the pros outweigh the cons for you, Urbana could be a wonderful place to call home.

And if you’re considering other areas in Frederick County with similar perks, exploring nearby towns might also be worthwhile. Regardless of your timeline, reach out anytime to start planning your move and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Would Urbana be a fit for you? If you’re local or have experience living in the area, share your thoughts on life in Urbana in the comments below!

Eddie Brady, REALTOR

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Cell: 301-395-0815

Email: eddie@showcaserei.com 

Office: 301-648-6000