Edgewater, MD
Edgewater, MD, is a waterfront suburb on the South River, known for its colonial history at Historic London Town and Gardens and its proximity to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Edgewater, Maryland.
- Administrative Center: Edgewater is not an incorporated municipality but a census-designated place (CDP) located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States . It is considered a suburb of the nearby state capital, Annapolis .
- Region: The city is situated in the state of Maryland, a region famously known as "America in Miniature" for its diverse geography, from sandy dunes to mountains. Anne Arundel County itself is historically significant and forms a major part of the Chesapeake Bay region, a hub for maritime culture and history .
Date of Foundation and Age
While Edgewater as a modern community developed later, its heart is the historic colonial town of Londontown.
- The area's most significant historical site, Historic London Town and Gardens, was founded in 1683 .
- The William Brown House, a key landmark within the park, was built around 1760 . The modern community of Edgewater has grown around this deep historical root.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 38°56′14″N 76°33′30″W (approximately 38.9373, -76.5572) .
- Waterfront Location: Edgewater is defined by its location on the water, bordered on three sides by the tidal South River and its bays and creeks. It sits directly across the river from Annapolis .
- Elevation: The elevation in Edgewater varies, with the central area around 20 feet (6.1 meters) above sea level, while some sources note an average of 49 feet .
- Geographic Type: It is a waterfront suburban community, a quintessential Chesapeake Bay town where life revolves around the water .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Edgewater is primarily a residential suburban community with a strong local economy focused on retail and services for its residents. Its economic identity is closely tied to its geography:
- Maritime and Recreation Center: Boating, sailing, fishing, and other water-related activities are central to the local lifestyle .
- Historic and Cultural Tourism: Historic London Town and Gardens is a key local attraction that draws visitors interested in colonial history and gardens .
- Residential Hub for Neighboring Cities: Many residents commute to jobs in Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., making it a key bedroom community .
Population and Demographics
- Population: According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Edgewater is 9,446 . Other sources estimate it to be between 8,297 and 9,280 .
- Population Class: Edgewater is a small town or suburban CDP. It is part of the larger Baltimore metropolitan area .
- Demographic Features: The community is known for its excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere, with a high rate of homeownership (around 86%) . It is described as having a sparse suburban feel and a generally conservative lean . The median household income is high, at approximately $111,000 .
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Edgewater is a serene waterfront community on Maryland's South River, offering a quintessential Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Home to the 17th-century Historic London Town and Gardens, it provides a peaceful, family-oriented retreat with boating, scenic views, and easy access to the vibrant state capital of Annapolis .
Geography
Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- South River (South River): The defining geographic feature of Edgewater, this tidal river is an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. It surrounds the community on three sides and is central to local life, offering opportunities for boating, sailing, swimming, and fishing . The Historic London Town and Gardens is situated on its banks .
- Chesapeake Bay (Chesapeake Bay): While Edgewater is on a tributary, it is part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The bay is the largest estuary in the United States and a globally significant site for marine life and history .
Beaches and Coastlines
- Woodland Beach (Woodland Beach): A local community beach in Edgewater where residents can enjoy the waterfront .
- Edgewater Beach (Edgewater Beach): Another neighborhood in Edgewater named for its location along the shore, indicating the prevalence of waterfront access .
- Londontowne Marina (Londontowne Marina): A marina in the area, providing boat slips and services for the boating community .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Edgewater has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm, muggy summers and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The area is partly cloudy year-round .
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons.
- Hottest Month: July, with an average high of 84°F (29°C) and an average low of 71°F (22°C) .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average high of 42°F (6°C) and an average low of 29°F (-2°C) .
- Extreme Values: Summer highs rarely exceed 91°F, and winter lows rarely drop below 17°F .
| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 42 | 29 |
| February | 44 | 31 |
| March | 53 | 38 |
| April | 63 | 48 |
| May | 72 | 57 |
| June | 80 | 66 |
| July | 84 | 71 |
| August | 82 | 70 |
| September | 77 | 63 |
| October | 66 | 52 |
| November | 55 | 42 |
| December | 47 | 35 |
| Data sourced from WeatherSpark . |
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: Edgewater receives significant rainfall throughout the year. The wettest months are typically from April to August, with July having an average of 11.4 wet days. Annual rainfall averages around 45 inches .
- Snowfall: The area experiences measurable snowfall primarily from late November to late March. February is typically the snowiest month, with an average accumulation of 5.7 inches . Average annual snowfall is about 12 inches .
- Humidity: Summers are notably muggy due to the combination of heat and humidity .
Best Time to Visit
Based on climate data, the best times to visit Edgewater for warm-weather activities are during the entire month of June and from early August to late September .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, from cool to pleasantly mild. This is a great time for outdoor exploration as nature comes alive.
- Summer (June-August): This period is warm to hot and muggy, with July being the peak of summer heat and humidity. It is ideal for all water-based activities on the South River.
- Fall (September-November): Temperatures become comfortable again in September and October, with cooling trends leading into a chilly November. This is another excellent period for visiting.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are very cold, snowy, and windy. While the landscape can be stark, this time is quiet and not suitable for outdoor recreation .
Landmarks
Historic London Town and Gardens
- Full Name: Historic London Town and Gardens.
- Location: 839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037 .
- Description: This is the crown jewel of Edgewater, a unique destination offering a glimpse into a lost colonial town. Founded in 1683, it is now a 10-acre park featuring woodland gardens and historic structures .
- Key Features: The site includes the William Brown House, a historic landmark built around 1760, as well as reconstructions of other colonial buildings like the Carpenter's Shop. It's a place for education, seasonal events, and scenic beauty overlooking the South River .
- Why It's Famous: It serves as a powerful connection to Maryland's colonial past and is a popular venue for weddings, concerts, and community gatherings due to its stunning natural and historical setting .
South River and Waterfront
- Full Name: South River.
- Location: The river forms the northern, western, and part of the eastern boundaries of Edgewater .
- Description: While a natural feature, the South River is the defining landmark of the community. The waterfront is lined with private residences, community beaches like Woodland Beach, and marinas such as Londontowne Marina . The river is a central part of life, used for boating, fishing, and enjoying the views.
Transport
Main Highways and Roads
- Maryland Route 2 (Solomons Island Road): This is the main north-south thoroughfare through Edgewater, lined with businesses and residential developments. It leads north across the South River Bridge to Annapolis and south to other parts of Southern Maryland .
- Maryland Route 214 (Central Avenue): This road forms the southern boundary of the Edgewater CDP and connects to communities east towards the bay, such as Mayo .
- Maryland Route 253 (Mayo Road): A road that curves through the center of Edgewater, connecting MD 2 and MD 214 in the historic Londontown neighborhood .
Nearest Major Airports
Edgewater does not have a major commercial airport, but residents and visitors have several options nearby .
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – Code: BWI. Located approximately 30-40 minutes north of Edgewater, it is the closest major airport, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights .
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Code: DCA. Situated about 45-60 minutes southwest, this airport is a major hub for flights, particularly to and from Washington, D.C. .
- Lee Airport (Lee Airport) – Code: None (FAA: ANP). This is a small, public-use general aviation airport located within Edgewater itself, serving private and smaller aircraft .
Local Transportation
Edgewater is largely car-dependent with limited public transport.
- Public Transit: The area has a low Walk Score and Bike Score, meaning that a car is necessary for most errands and commuting . Residents have noted a need for improved public transportation options .
- Ridesharing and Taxis: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Edgewater, providing an alternative to personal vehicles for getting around town or to nearby destinations like Annapolis and the New Carrollton Metro station .
- Major Destinations from Edgewater (via UberX):
- Westfield Annapolis Mall: ~$20
- U.S. Naval Academy (Gate 3): ~$21
- Largo Town Center WMATA Metro Station: ~$40
- New Carrollton WMATA Metro Station: ~$47