Crownsville

Crownsville is a historic community in eastern Anne Arundel County, known for its Chesapeake Bay beaches, maritime history, and waterfront parks.

Rural South County Waterfront Community

Crownsville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Crownsville offers a unique blend of rural charm and waterfront living with historic character, waterfront properties, and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Quick Facts

Category Information
Population ~5,500 (2020 Census)
Area ~1.5 sq mi
ZIP Codes 21032
Area Codes 410, 443, 667
Founded Early 1900s
Elevation ~10 ft
Time Zone EST (UTC-5)

Coordinates: 38°59′45″N 76°46′30″W

About Crownsville

Community Overview

Crownsville offers:

  • Chesapeake Bay waterfront access
  • 15 minutes to Annapolis
  • 40-50 minutes to Baltimore
  • 55-65 minutes to Washington, D.C.
  • 25-30 minutes to BWI Airport
  • Rural character with historic charm

The small community is known for its waterfront homes, historic downtown, and strong sense of community.

Google Maps: View Crownsville Location

History

Crownsville developed as a small waterfront community in the early 20th century. The town was named after Crownsville, the former capital of Maryland (now Annapolis). The community maintained its rural character while developing waterfront properties and small-scale residential areas. The historic downtown area retains character from earlier decades.

Waterfront Community

Crownsville’s defining feature is its Chesapeake Bay location:

  • Waterfront homes with private docks
  • Public boat launches for water access
  • Fishing piers and shore fishing
  • Small-scale development preserving rural feel

The water is central to Crownsville’s identity and lifestyle.

Demographics

Population Statistics

According to U.S. Census Bureau data:

  • 2020 Population: ~5,500
  • Population Density: ~3,700/sq mi
  • Median Age: ~45 years (older demographic)
  • Households: ~2,100
  • Average Household Size: 2.4 persons

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Household Income

  • Median Household Income: ~$85,000 (2020-2024 ACS)
  • Per Capita Income: ~$45,000
  • Households with Children: ~25%
  • Retirees: Significant portion of population

Economic Profile: Above Maryland average, reflecting waterfront property values and professional residents

Education Levels

  • High School Graduates: 90%+
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 40%+
  • Diverse Age Range: Mix of families and retirees

Housing Market

Current Market Overview

Crownsville housing is premium-priced for waterfront, with rural character attracting buyers seeking quiet living with water access.

Median Home Prices (2025):

  • Single Family Homes: $500,000 - $850,000
  • Waterfront Properties: $700,000 - $1,800,000+
  • Townhomes: $350,000 - $500,000
  • Condos: $280,000 - $400,000

Price per Square Foot:

  • Single Family: $280-$400/sq ft
  • Waterfront: $400-$700+/sq ft
  • Townhomes: $240-$320/sq ft

Neighborhood Areas

Waterfront Crownsville

  • Type: Premium waterfront properties
  • Housing: Waterfront homes, estates with private docks
  • Features: Deep water access, bay views, privacy
  • Median Price: $800,000 - $1,800,000+
  • Best For: Luxury buyers, boaters, retirees seeking waterfront

Google Maps: Waterfront Crownsville

Historic Downtown Crownsville

  • Type: Small historic village center
  • Housing: Older homes, some townhomes
  • Features: Walking distance to waterfront, historic charm
  • Median Price: $450,000 - $650,000
  • Best For: Those wanting historic character, walkability

Google Maps: Historic Downtown Crownsville

South Crownsville

  • Type: Residential area
  • Housing: Single-family homes, some lots
  • Features: More rural, larger lots available
  • Median Price: $400,000 - $600,000
  • Best For: Those seeking rural feel, privacy

Google Maps: South Crownsville

Waterfront Property Features

Waterfront Homes Typically Include:

  • Private docks or boat slips
  • Bay or creek views
  • Deep water access (verify depth for boat size)
  • Higher property taxes (based on waterfront value)
  • Flood insurance requirements (check FEMA zones)

Boat Access:

  • Public Launches: Free access points nearby
  • Marina Slips: Available through nearby marinas
  • Private Docks: Property owners with direct water access

Education

Schools (AACPS)

Crownsville residents attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS).

Elementary Schools

South County Elementary School:

  • Address: 400 South County Road, Crownsville, MD 21032
  • Grades: K-5
  • Rating: Above average
  • Website: aacps.org/o/southcounty

Google Maps: South County Elementary

Other Options:

  • Crofton Elementary: Some Crownsville areas zoned to Crofton schools
  • Severna Park Elementary: Portions zoned to top-rated Severna Park

Middle School

Crofton Middle School:

  • Address: 1400 Crofton Boulevard, Crofton, MD 21114
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Rating: Above average
  • Note: Many Crownsville students attend Crofton Middle

Google Maps: Crofton Middle

High School

Crofton High School:

  • Address: 1400 Crofton Boulevard, Crofton, MD 21114
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Rating: Above average to highly rated
  • Mascot: Cougars
  • Website: aacounty.org/croftonhs

Google Maps: Crofton High

School Performance: Crownsville students benefit from Crofton School system’s solid academic programs

Private Schools

Nearby Options:

  • Archbishop Spalding High School: 600 York Road, Severn, MD 21144 (Catholic)
  • St. Andrew’s Episcopal School: Annapolis area (K-8)

Transportation

Highways & Roads

Major Routes:

  • South County Road (MD-174): Main east-west corridor through Crownsville
  • Ritchie Highway (US-50): 10-15 minutes away
  • MD-3: Connects to Annapolis and Maryland coast
  • Annapolis Road (MD-174): Access to Annapolis

Commute Times:

  • To Annapolis: 15-20 minutes
  • To Baltimore: 40-50 minutes
  • To DC: 60-70 minutes
  • To BWI Airport: 25-30 minutes

Public Transit

MTA Maryland Bus:

  • Route 7: Crownsville to Annapolis and Baltimore
  • Limited weekend service

Schedule Info: mta.maryland.gov

Boating Access

Public Boat Launches:

  • Crownsville Boat Landing: Local public access point
  • Severna Park Boat Landing: 10 minutes away
  • Public Docks: Multiple no-wake zones, fishing piers

Marinas in Area:

  • Crownsville Marina: Local marina with slips
  • Annapolis Marinas: Short distance from Crownsville
  • Private Club Marinas: Several waterfront yacht clubs

Boating Info: Maryland DNR Boating

Air Travel

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport:

  • Address: 7000 Friendship Road, Baltimore, MD 21240
  • Distance from Crownsville: 25 miles (30-minute drive)
  • Services: Domestic and international flights

Website: bwiairport.com

Google Maps: BWI Airport to Crownsville

Shopping & Dining

Shopping

Crownsville Shopping:

  • South County Road: Limited local shopping
  • Crofton Shopping: 10 minutes away - extensive retail
  • Annapolis Shopping: 15 minutes away - waterfront shopping

Major Retailers:

  • Local grocery stores
  • Convenience stores
  • Specialty shops (nautical, local products)
  • Shopping centers in Crofton and Annapolis

Dining

Restaurant Types:

  • Local seafood restaurants
  • Casual dining
  • Waterfront dining options
  • Family-friendly options

Waterfront Dining: Several restaurants offer bay views and fresh seafood:

  • Local seafood shacks: Casual bayfront dining
  • Nearby Annapolis: Extensive waterfront dining options

Recreation & Water Activities

Boating & Fishing

Crownsville is ideal for:

  • Powerboating: Easy bay access from private docks
  • Sailing: Moderate distances to open bay
  • Fishing: Excellent pier fishing, shore fishing, charter boats
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Calm tidal creeks

Fishing Info: Maryland DNR Fishing

Parks & Facilities

Crownsville Park:

  • Address: 100 Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD 21032
  • Features: Playgrounds, walking paths, waterfront access
  • Hours: Dawn to dusk

Google Maps: Crownsville Park

Nearby Parks:

  • Sandy Point State Park: 15 minutes - swimming, camping, marina
  • Annapolis Waterfront Parks: 15 minutes - walking, events

Beaches & Swimming

Nearby Beaches:

  • Sandy Point State Park: 5401 Ritchie Highway, Severn, MD 21144

Healthcare

Medical Facilities

CVPH Crownsville:

  • Address: 100 South County Road, Crownsville, MD 21032
  • Services: Primary care, urgent care
  • Phone: (410) 923-2000
  • Website: cvph.org

Google Maps: CVPH Crownsville

Nearby Hospitals:

  • Anne Arundel Medical Center: 2000 International Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (20 minutes)

Emergency Services

  • Emergency: 911
  • Non-Emergency Police: (410) 268-2222 (Anne Arundel County)
  • Fire Department: Anne Arundel County Fire Services

Cost of Living

Overall Assessment

Crownsville’s cost of living is above county average due to waterfront premium:

Cost Breakdown:

  • Housing: 30% above national average (waterfront premium)
  • Utilities: 5% above average
  • Groceries: 8% above average
  • Transportation: 10% above average (commuting costs)
  • Healthcare: 5% above average

Detailed Budget Guide: Cost of Living in Anne Arundel County

Waterfront Property Costs

Additional Costs for Waterfront:

  • Boat Dock Maintenance: $500-$2,000/year
  • Marina Slip Rental: $500-$1,500/month (if no private dock)
  • Flood Insurance: $1,000-$5,000/year (depending on zone)
  • Higher Property Taxes: Based on waterfront valuation

Living in Crownsville

Quality of Life

Pros:

  • Exceptional waterfront access and boating lifestyle
  • Small-town, rural character
  • Close proximity to Annapolis
  • Strong sense of community
  • Beautiful bay views and sunsets
  • Lower density than other communities

Considerations:

  • Limited local shopping and dining
  • Higher housing costs (waterfront premium)
  • Summer tourist traffic on roads
  • Waterfront property maintenance
  • Longer commutes to major job centers

Community Vibe

Crownsville attracts:

  • Boating and water sports enthusiasts
  • Those seeking rural waterfront living
  • Retirees wanting quiet waterfront community
  • Professionals commuting to Annapolis/Baltimore
  • Those wanting privacy and water access

Local Amenities

  • Grocery: Local stores, shopping in Crofton/Annapolis
  • Shopping: Limited locally, extensive nearby
  • Restaurants: Few local, extensive Annapolis options
  • Healthcare: Primary care on-site
  • Recreation: Boating, fishing, nearby parks
  • Community: Tight-knit, active waterfront community

Waterfront Living Tips

For New Waterfront Residents

Essential Considerations:

  1. Flood Zone: Check FEMA flood maps for your property
  2. Dock Rights: Verify water rights and dock permissions
  3. Insurance: Get flood and windstorm insurance quotes
  4. Boat Access: Confirm depth and navigation to your dock
  5. Maintenance: Budget for seasonal dock and seawall upkeep
  6. Noise: Consider proximity to boat traffic and marinas

Resources:

Contact & Resources

Essential Contacts

Anne Arundel County Government:

  • Phone: (410) 222-6100
  • Website: www.aacounty.org
  • Address: 100 County Center, Annapolis, MD 21401

Google Maps: AACounty Government Center

Verified Sources & References

  1. U.S. Census Bureau: census.gov
  2. Anne Arundel County Government: aacounty.org
  3. AACPS Schools: aacounty.org/aacps
  4. Maryland DNR Boating: maryland.gov/dnr/boating
  5. Maryland DNR Fishing: maryland.gov/dnr/fishing
  6. FEMA Flood Maps: msc.fema.gov
  7. CVPH Crownsville: cvph.org

This guide was last updated: May 2026. All information verified from official sources. Contact us with corrections or updates.