Severna Park

Severna Park is one of Anne Arundel County's most desirable communities, known for its excellent schools, walkable downtown, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Maryland’s Top-Rated Schools & Family Community

Severna Park is a census-designated place (CDP) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Famous for having some of Maryland’s highest-performing public schools, Severna Park is one of the most sought-after communities in the state for families seeking excellent education in a friendly, suburban environment.

Quick Facts

Category Information
Population ~36,000 (2020 Census)
Area ~9.0 sq mi
ZIP Codes 21146
Area Codes 410, 443, 667
Founded Late 1800s
Elevation ~80 ft
Time Zone EST (UTC-5)

Coordinates: 39°04′30″N 76°40′45″W

About Severna Park

Community Overview

Severna Park offers:

  • Top-rated schools (consistently ranked among Maryland’s best)
  • 15 minutes to Annapolis
  • 35-45 minutes to Baltimore
  • 45-60 minutes to Washington, D.C.
  • 20 minutes to BWI Airport
  • Water access to Chesapeake Bay (nearby Sandy Point)

The community is known for its small-town charm, excellent schools, and strong sense of community.

Google Maps: View Severna Park Location

History

Severna Park’s history dates to the late 19th century when the B&O Railroad extended service to the area. The name “Severna” comes from the nearby Severn River. The community developed as a residential area with a strong emphasis on education and family life. The Severna Park School system gained national recognition in the 1980s-1990s for exceptional academic performance.

School District Fame

Severna Park is synonymous with educational excellence:

  • Severna Park High School consistently ranks in Maryland’s top 10%
  • Severna Park Middle School receives high academic ratings
  • Elementary schools in the zone are highly sought-after
  • The school system attracts families from across Maryland

This reputation drives housing demand and property values.

Demographics

Population Statistics

According to U.S. Census Bureau data:

  • 2020 Population: ~36,000
  • Population Density: ~4,000/sq mi
  • Median Age: ~37 years
  • Households: ~13,000
  • Average Household Size: 2.7 persons

Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts

Household Income

  • Median Household Income: ~$115,000 (2020-2024 ACS)
  • Per Capita Income: ~$55,000
  • Households with Children: ~40%
  • Dual-Income Households: High percentage

Economic Profile: Significantly above state and national averages, reflecting professional workforce and educational emphasis

Education Levels

  • High School Graduates: 95%+
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 55%+
  • Graduate Degrees: 25%+ of adults
  • Educational Emphasis: Very high community priority

Housing Market

Current Market Overview

Severna Park housing is premium-priced, driven by school district quality and desirability.

Median Home Prices (2025):

  • Single Family Homes: $600,000 - $900,000
  • Townhomes: $450,000 - $650,000
  • Condos: $350,000 - $500,000

Price per Square Foot:

  • Single Family: $300-$450/sq ft
  • Townhomes: $270-$380/sq ft

Neighborhood Areas

North Severna Park

  • Type: Established suburban neighborhoods
  • Housing: Single-family homes on larger lots
  • Features: Tree-lined streets, family-friendly, near parks
  • Median Price: $650,000 - $900,000
  • Best For: Families with school-age children

Google Maps: North Severna Park

Central Severna Park

  • Type: Core community area
  • Housing: Mix of single-family and townhomes
  • Features: Near downtown, community center, shopping
  • Median Price: $600,000 - $800,000
  • Best For: Professionals, families wanting walkability

Google Maps: Central Severna Park

South Severna Park

  • Type: Developing area
  • Housing: Newer constructions, townhomes
  • Features: Close to highways, modern amenities
  • Median Price: $550,000 - $750,000
  • Best For: Commuters, first-time homebuyers

Google Maps: South Severna Park

School Zoning

Critical Consideration: Severna Park housing prices are strongly tied to school zoning:

Severna Park Elementary Zone:

  • Highly sought-after
  • Properties often command premium prices
  • Some areas zoned to other elementary schools

Severna Park Middle School Zone:

  • Consistently high-performing
  • Strong feeder to Severna Park High

Severna Park High School Zone:

  • Top-ranked in Maryland
  • Includes portions of Severna Park CDP
  • May include some neighboring areas

Verify Zoning: Always confirm school zoning for specific properties with AACPS

Education

Schools (AACPS)

Severna Park residents attend the Severna Park schools within AACPS, some of Maryland’s highest-rated.

Elementary Schools

Severna Park Elementary School:

  • Address: 1000 Severna Park Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
  • Grades: K-5
  • Rating: Among Maryland’s top elementary schools
  • Website: aacps.org/o/severnapark

Google Maps: Severna Park Elementary

Other Elementary Schools in Zone:

  • Linthicum Elementary: Portions of Severna Park zoned here
  • Curtis Crest Elementary: Some Severna Park areas

Middle School

Severna Park Middle School:

  • Address: 201 West Street, Severna Park, MD 21146
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Rating: Consistently top 15% in Maryland
  • Programs: Strong academics, extracurriculars
  • Website: aacounty.org/severnaparkms

Google Maps: Severna Park Middle

High School

Severna Park High School:

  • Address: 400 College Avenue, Severna Park, MD 21146
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Rating: Top 10% in Maryland (multiple years)
  • Mascot: Rams
  • Enrollment: ~2,200 students
  • College Acceptance: 90%+ attend 4-year colleges
  • AP Courses: 20+ Advanced Placement courses
  • Website: aacounty.org/severnaparkhs

Google Maps: Severna Park High

School Achievements:

  • U.S. News & World Report: Top High Schools
  • Newsweek: Top Public High School
  • Multiple state championships in academics and athletics
  • Strong STEM programs

AACPS Information: aacounty.org/aacps

Private Schools

Nearby Options:

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

Transportation

Highways & Roads

Major Routes:

  • Ritchie Highway (US-50): Main east-west corridor
  • Severna Park Boulevard: Primary arterial
  • MD-295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway): 10-15 minutes away
  • Annapolis Road (MD-174): Access to Annapolis and Baltimore

Commute Times:

  • To Annapolis: 15-20 minutes
  • To Baltimore: 35-45 minutes
  • To DC: 50-60 minutes
  • To BWI Airport: 20-25 minutes

Public Transit

MTA Maryland Bus:

  • Route 7: Severna Park to Annapolis
  • Route 10: Local service within Anne Arundel County
  • Route 28: Severna Park to Glen Burnie

Schedule Info: mta.maryland.gov

Air Travel

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport:

  • Address: 7000 Friendship Road, Baltimore, MD 21240
  • Distance from Severna Park: 20 miles (25-minute drive)
  • Services: Domestic and international flights

Website: bwiairport.com

Google Maps: BWI Airport to Severna Park

Shopping & Dining

Shopping

Severna Park Shopping:

  • Severna Park Boulevard: Retail strip with services
  • Severna Park Village: Shopping and dining center
  • Nearby: Annapolis Road extensive shopping district

Major Retailers:

  • Giant Food (Severna Park)
  • CVS/pharmacy
  • Local boutiques and specialty shops
  • Home improvement stores nearby

Dining

Restaurant Types:

  • Family-friendly casual dining
  • Local restaurants
  • Italian, American, Asian cuisines
  • Coffee shops and cafes

Notable Restaurants:

  • The Grey Fox: Local favorite, American cuisine
  • Severna Park Brewing Company: Craft beer, gastropub
  • Multiple pizza, Thai, and Italian options

Recreation & Parks

Parks & Facilities

Severna Park Community Park:

  • Address: 2451 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146
  • Features: Playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, walking trails
  • Facilities: Community center, fitness programs
  • Hours: Dawn to dusk

Google Maps: Severna Park Community Park

Water Access

Nearby Sandy Point State Park:

  • Address: 5401 Ritchie Highway, Severn, MD 21144
  • Distance: 10 minutes from Severna Park
  • Features: Swimming beach, camping, fishing pier, marina
  • Activities: Swimming, boating, picnicking, camping

Google Maps: Sandy Point State Park

Sports & Recreation

Community Programs:

  • Youth sports leagues (soccer, baseball, basketball)
  • Adult recreation programs
  • Fitness classes at community center
  • Tennis programs

Severna Park Recreation Department: aacounty.org/recreation

Healthcare

Medical Facilities

CVPH Severna Park:

  • Address: 100 Hospital Drive, Severna Park, MD 21146
  • Services: Primary care, urgent care, diagnostic services
  • Phone: (410) 761-2000
  • Website: cvph.org

Google Maps: CVPH Severna Park

Nearby Hospitals:

  • Anne Arundel Medical Center: 2000 International Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (20 minutes)
  • University of Maryland Medical System: Baltimore area

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

Severna Park’s cost of living is among the highest in Anne Arundel County due to school district premium:

Cost Breakdown:

  • Housing: 45% above national average (school district 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

School Premium Value

Housing Premium: Severna Park homes command $100,000-$200,000+ premium over similar homes in other Anne Arundel County areas due to school quality.

Is It Worth It?

  • For families prioritizing education: Often yes
  • College outcomes justify premium for many
  • Resale value remains strong due to school reputation

Living in Severna Park

Quality of Life

Pros:

  • Exceptional public schools (state’s best)
  • Strong community feel and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Low crime rates
  • Excellent parks and recreation
  • Close to Annapolis and water access
  • High property values (good investment)
  • Well-maintained community

Considerations:

  • High housing costs (school district premium)
  • Competitive school enrollment in some zones
  • Traffic on major roads during peak times
  • Limited historic character

Community Vibe

Severna Park attracts:

  • Families prioritizing education
  • Professionals seeking quality schools
  • Parents wanting suburban safety and community
  • Those willing to pay premium for top schools
  • Families planning long-term residence

Local Amenities

  • Grocery: Giant Food, local markets
  • Shopping: Severna Park Village, nearby Annapolis Road
  • Restaurants: Multiple local options
  • Healthcare: Primary care on-site
  • Recreation: Excellent parks and community center
  • Community: Active PTA, community events, youth programs

School Community

Parent Involvement:

  • Strong PTA organizations
  • High volunteer participation
  • Active parent networks
  • Extensive extracurricular support

Community Events:

  • Summer festivals
  • School sports events
  • Community gatherings
  • Farmers market (seasonal)

Moving to Severna Park Tips

For Families

Essential Considerations:

  1. School Zoning: Verify specific school assignments early
  2. Housing Budget: Account for premium over non-school zones
  3. Commute: Test commute routes during peak hours
  4. School Capacity: Some schools may be at capacity
  5. Community Fit: Visit schools and talk to parents
  6. Property Taxes: Higher home values mean higher taxes

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 QuickFacts: census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/severnaparkcensusdesignatedplaceannearundelcountymaryland/PST045224
  2. Anne Arundel County Public Schools: aacounty.org/aacps
  3. Severna Park High School: aacounty.org/severnaparkhs
  4. Maryland State Parks: marylandparks.com
  5. MTA Maryland: mta.maryland.gov
  6. CVPH Severna Park: cvph.org

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