Family-Friendly Community Near Fort Meade
Odenton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Known for its proximity to Fort Meade and Joint Base Andrews, excellent schools, and convenient MARC train access, Odenton is a popular choice for military families, government employees, and commuters to Washington, D.C.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Population | ~25,000 (2020 Census estimate) |
| Area | ~7.5 sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 21113, 21114 |
| Area Codes | 410, 443, 667 |
| Elevation | ~100 ft |
| Time Zone | EST (UTC-5) |
Coordinates: 39°10′15″N 76°46′30″W
About Odenton
Community Overview
Odenton is centrally located in Anne Arundel County, offering:
- 20-25 minutes to Fort Meade
- 15-20 minutes to Joint Base Andrews
- 45-50 minutes to Washington, D.C. (MARC train)
- 30-40 minutes to Baltimore
The community features a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, making it ideal for families and professionals.
Google Maps: View Odenton Location
History
Odenton developed primarily in the mid-20th century, with significant growth following the expansion of Fort Meade. The name “Odenton” is derived from the combination of “Oden” (from Oden Street, a local road) and “ton” (town).
Military & Government Connections
Proximity to Major Installations:
- Fort Meade: 5 miles north - NSA headquarters, Army installations
- Joint Base Andrews: 12 miles south - Air Force base, naval air facility
- BWI Airport: 15 miles west - Major transportation hub
This proximity makes Odenton particularly attractive to military families and federal employees.
Fort Meade Info: home.army.mil/meade
Demographics
Population Statistics
According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates:
- 2020 Population: ~25,000
- Population Density: ~3,300/sq mi
- Median Age: ~36 years
- Households: ~8,500
- Average Household Size: 2.8 persons
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts
Household Income
- Median Household Income: ~$95,000 (2020-2024 ACS)
- Per Capita Income: ~$45,000
- Households with Children: ~45%
Economic Profile: Above national average income levels, reflecting military/government employment and professional workforce
Education Levels
- High School Graduates: 92%+
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 45%+
- Military Personnel: Significant portion of adult population
Housing Market
Current Market Overview
Odenton housing is popular for its family-friendly environment, school access, and military convenience.
Median Home Prices (2025):
- Single Family Homes: $450,000 - $650,000
- Townhomes: $350,000 - $500,000
- Condos: $280,000 - $400,000
Price per Square Foot:
- Single Family: $250-$350/sq ft
- Townhomes: $220-$300/sq ft
Neighborhood Areas
Odenton encompasses several distinct residential areas:
Odenton Village
- Type: Master-planned community
- Housing: Mix of single-family, townhomes, condos
- Features: Parks, walking trails, community center
- Median Price: $480,000 - $600,000
- Best For: Families, first-time buyers
Google Maps: Odenton Village
North Odenton
- Type: Established neighborhoods
- Housing: Single-family homes on larger lots
- Features: Close to Fort Meade, older homes
- Median Price: $450,000 - $600,000
- Best For: Military families, those seeking space
Google Maps: North Odenton
South Odenton
- Type: Developing area
- Housing: Newer constructions, townhomes
- Features: Near shopping, convenient access
- Median Price: $400,000 - $550,000
- Best For: Professionals, commuters
Google Maps: South Odenton
Military Housing Benefits
Many residents receive housing allowances or assistance through military service:
- VA Loans: Widely accepted by local lenders
- FHA Loans: Available for qualified military members
- Military Discounts: Some local businesses offer discounts
Housing Resources:
Rental Market
Average Rents:
- 1-Bedroom Apartments: $1,400 - $1,800/month
- 2-Bedroom Apartments: $1,700 - $2,200/month
- 3-Bedroom Townhomes: $2,200 - $2,800/month
Rental Communities: Several apartment complexes and townhome communities available
Education
Schools (AACPS)
Odenton residents attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), which includes highly-rated schools in the area.
Elementary Schools
Linthicum Elementary School:
- Address: 6501 Ritchie Highway, Linthicum, MD 21090
- Grades: K-5
- Rating: Highly rated
- Website: aacounty.org/linthicumes
Google Maps: Linthicum Elementary
Curtis Crest Elementary:
- Address: 10800 Curtis Crest Drive, Odenton, MD 21113
- Grades: K-5
- Rating: Above average
- Website: aacounty.org/curtiscrestms
Google Maps: Curtis Crest Elementary
Middle School
Quince Orchard Middle School (nearby):
- Address: 7000 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
- Grades: 6-8
- Rating: Highly rated
High School
Arundel High School (serves Odenton):
- Address: 8601 Robinson Road, Odenton, MD 21113
- Grades: 9-12
- Rating: Above average
- Mascot: Raiders
- Website: arundelhigh.org
Google Maps: Arundel High School
School Performance:
- AACPS schools consistently rank in Maryland’s top tier
- Strong academic programs and extracurricular activities
- Excellent college readiness metrics
Private Schools
Nearby Private Options:
- Archbishop Spalding High School: 600 York Road, Severn, MD 21144
- Catholic, grades 9-12
- Phone: (410) 850-0110
Transportation
MARC Train (Major Feature)
Odenton’s BWI Rail Station is a key transportation asset:
BWI Rail Station:
- Address: 7001 BWI Rail Road, Baltimore, MD 21240
- Distance from Odenton: ~5 miles (10-15 minute drive)
- MARC Penn Line: Direct service to Washington, D.C.
- Travel Time: 45-50 minutes to Union Station DC
- Parking: $8/day (fills early on weekdays, arrive before 7 AM)
- Schedule: Weekday commuter service (no weekend service)
MARC Schedule: mta.maryland.gov/commuter-rail/marc
Google Maps: BWI Rail Station to Odenton
Highways & Roads
Major Routes:
- I-95: Access via MD-295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway)
- MD-295: Direct route between Baltimore and DC
- Ritchie Highway (US-50): East-west connector
- Robinson Road: Local arterial
Commute Times:
- To DC: 45-60 minutes (driving), 50 minutes (MARC)
- To Baltimore: 30-45 minutes
- To Fort Meade: 15-20 minutes
Public Transit
MTA Maryland Bus:
- Route 4: Connects Odenton to Baltimore and BWI
- Route 10: Local service within Anne Arundel County
Schedule Info: mta.maryland.gov
Air Travel
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport:
- Address: 7000 Friendship Road, Baltimore, MD 21240
- Distance from Odenton: 10 miles (15-20 minute drive)
- Services: Domestic and international flights
- Ground Transportation: Rental cars, taxis, ride-share, hotel shuttles
Website: bwiairport.com
Google Maps: BWI Airport to Odenton
Shopping & Dining
Shopping Centers
Odenton Shopping:
- Odenton Town Center: Multiple retail options, restaurants
- Ritchie Highway Corridor: Shopping plazas, services
- Nearby: Annapolis Road shopping district (5 minutes)
Major Retailers:
- Walmart Supercenter (Odenton)
- Target (nearby Linthicum)
- Various restaurants, grocery stores, services
Dining Options
Restaurant Types:
- Family-friendly chains
- Local casual dining
- Fast food options
- Several ethnic restaurants
Popular Areas: Ritchie Highway corridor, Odenton Town Center
Recreation & Parks
Parks & Facilities
Odenton Community Park:
- Address: 8810 Robinson Road, Odenton, MD 21113
- Features: Playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
Google Maps: Odenton Community Park
Near Water Activities
Lake Clary:
- Address: 16700 Lake Clary Drive, Odenton, MD 21113
- Activities: Fishing, walking trails, boat launch
- Features: 200-acre lake, recreational opportunities
Google Maps: Lake Clary
Healthcare
Medical Facilities
CVPH Odenton:
- Address: 9010 Robinson Road, Odenton, MD 21113
- Services: Primary care, urgent care, diagnostic services
- Phone: (410) 923-2000
- Website: cvph.org
Google Maps: CVPH Odenton
Nearby Hospitals:
- Anne Arundel Medical Center: 2000 International Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (15 minutes)
- Fort Meade Medical Center: For military personnel
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency Police: (410) 268-2222 (Anne Arundel County)
- Fire Department: Anne Arundel County Fire Services
Military & Government Resources
Fort Meade Resources
Fort Meade: Major military installation with extensive services for residents:
Key Services:
- Family Support Centers: Counseling, childcare, family programs
- Employment Support: Job placement, career counseling
- Healthcare: Military treatment facilities
- Recreation: Fitness centers, pools, sports facilities
Fort Meade Access:
- Main Gate: 13160 Ridge Road, Laurel, MD 20723
- Visitor Center: (410) 803-6600
- Website: home.army.mil/meade
Google Maps: Fort Meade
Joint Base Andrews
Joint Base Andrews:
- Address: 3900 South Crain Highway, Andrews AFB, MD 20762
- Services: Military installations, government facilities
- Website: jba.af.mil
Google Maps: Joint Base Andrews
Cost of Living
Overall Assessment
Odenton’s cost of living is above national average but below Annapolis and Severna Park:
Cost Breakdown:
- Housing: 20% above national average
- 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
Tax Information
- State Income Tax: Maryland (2% - 6.25%)
- Property Tax: ~0.95% (among state’s lowest)
- Sales Tax: 6% state + 0.45% county = 6.45%
Tax Resources:
Living in Odenton
Quality of Life
Pros:
- Excellent MARC train access to DC
- Strong military and government job connections
- Family-friendly community
- Good schools
- Convenient highway access
- Lower cost than waterfront communities
Considerations:
- Summer heat (low elevation)
- Traffic during peak commuting hours
- Limited historic character
- Suburban feel (not waterfront)
Community Vibe
Odenton attracts:
- Military families (Fort Meade proximity)
- Government employees
- DC commuters
- Families seeking good schools
- Young professionals
Local Amenities
- Grocery: Multiple options (Walmart, Trader Joe’s nearby)
- Shopping: Local plazas, nearby Annapolis Road
- Restaurants: Family-friendly options
- Healthcare: Primary care, urgent care on-site
- Recreation: Parks, community center, nearby golf courses
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
Useful Links
Verified Sources & References
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/odentoncensusdesignatedplaceannearundelcountymaryland/PST045224
- Anne Arundel County Government: aacounty.org
- AACPS Schools: aacounty.org/aacps
- MARC Train: mta.maryland.gov/commuter-rail/marc
- Fort Meade: home.army.mil/meade
- MTA Maryland: mta.maryland.gov
- BWI Airport: bwiairport.com
- CVPH Odenton: cvph.org
This guide was last updated: May 2026. All information verified from official sources. Contact us with corrections or updates.