Five Reasons Why Urbana, Maryland, Might Not Be Right for You
- Eddie Brady
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Urbana, Maryland, is often ranked as the #1 best place to live in Frederick County, praised for its top-rated schools, amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, before making a move, it's important to consider some potential downsides.
1. High Cost of Living
Living in Urbana comes with a hefty price tag, making it one of the most expensive areas in Frederick County.
Townhouses: The median price in Frederick is just over $435,000, while in Urbana, it's $570,000.
Single-family homes: Prices in Urbana are about $200,000 higher than in other parts of Frederick.
New Developments: NV Homes is building townhouses near Urbana Regional Library, starting in the high $600,000s, similar to prices in Rockville and Silver Spring—closer to D.C.
These high prices are largely due to Urbana’s prime location and A+ rated schools, making it a competitive and expensive market.
2. Traffic and Congestion
While Urbana’s location along I-270 and Route 355 makes it convenient for commuters, it also comes with significant traffic congestion.
Many commuters drive through Urbana to reach I-70, adding to rush-hour bottlenecks.
With a population of over 13,000 residents, local traffic is consistently heavy.
New traffic lights at major intersections have improved safety but slowed down traffic flow.
If you're looking for a quiet, low-traffic community, Urbana’s growing congestion may be a drawback.
3. Walking to School
Frederick County has specific walking distance policies for students:
Elementary students within 1.25 miles of their school are required to walk.
Middle and high school students must walk if they live within 1.7 miles of school.
For Urbana, this means that most neighborhoods around the high school and middle school do not have bus service.
Some families appreciate the traditional neighborhood feel, where kids walk to school.
Others raise concerns about safety, especially during poor weather conditions or heavy traffic.
If you're looking for busing options for your kids, Urbana might not be the most convenient choice.
4. Planned Community Feel
Urbana is a master-planned community, which may not appeal to everyone.
Developers have designed Urbana to feel like a modern version of small-town America, but some residents find it lacking in character.
While there is some variation in home facades, the overall community aesthetic remains uniform.
The area is highly walkable, with sidewalks and interconnected roads.
Residents do enjoy community perks like four pools, community centers, activities, playgrounds, and a library.
If you prefer a historic or more diverse architectural setting, Urbana’s planned suburban atmosphere may not be the right fit.
5. Low Housing Inventory
Finding a home in Urbana can be challenging, as the area consistently has low housing inventory.
Most available properties are townhouses and single-family homes—there are few to no condos in the area.
With over 4,100 homes in Urbana, only six houses were for sale at the time of this update.
Low inventory is a long-term trend, making it hard to find a home, even during past real estate downturns like COVID.
If you’re looking for a variety of housing options or an easy home-buying process, Urbana’s limited availability might pose a challenge.
Final Thoughts on Urbana
While Urbana has plenty of positives—including family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundant amenities—it’s not the right fit for everyone. Before making a move, consider whether the high cost of living, traffic congestion, school policies, planned community layout, and low inventory align with your priorities.
Would you still consider living in Urbana, or are these deal-breakers for you? Let us know in the comments!
Let's Talk About Your Next Move
Are you curious about Urbana, Maryland? I’m your local real estate expert, ready to help you explore the many communities here.
Finding the right home isn’t just about numbers—it’s about discovering a place that fits your lifestyle and future goals.
If Urbana interests you, let’s have a chat about what you’re looking for and see if this area feels right.
Whenever you’re ready, let’s set up a time to talk.
Eddie Brady, REALTOR
Cell: 301-395-0815
Email: eddie@showcaserei.com
Office: 301-648-6000
Comments