Odenton

Odenton is a growing community in western Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade, with a new downtown development, parks, and excellent schools.

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:

Google Maps: Linthicum Elementary

Curtis Crest Elementary:

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


Verified Sources & References

  1. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/odentoncensusdesignatedplaceannearundelcountymaryland/PST045224
  2. Anne Arundel County Government: aacounty.org
  3. AACPS Schools: aacounty.org/aacps
  4. MARC Train: mta.maryland.gov/commuter-rail/marc
  5. Fort Meade: home.army.mil/meade
  6. MTA Maryland: mta.maryland.gov
  7. BWI Airport: bwiairport.com
  8. CVPH Odenton: cvph.org

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