Essex is one of the fifty most affordable waterfront towns in the USA, as ranked in a report conducted by Smart Asset, a financial technology company. Essex is located in Eastern Baltimore County, Maryland with easy access to major highways, waterways, a railway, and airways. The community has roots dating back to 1909 when surveyors first began to stake out 400 lots for the development of Essex.
Once thriving due primarily to its industrial past, the area now is designated a Baltimore County Commercial Revitalization Area and a State of Maryland Sustainable Community. These designations provide economic development incentives that are supporting a renaissance in Essex. It’s a great place to live, work, and play!
ENGAGED
We are keeping our laser focus on the Essex community and all the moving parts of the revitalization movement. This level of involvement allows us to recognize any course corrections and pivots necessary to attain the best project results.
VIBRANT
We help brighten The Boulevard each year with colorful flowers, plants, trees, and banners. There’s a saying, “Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good!” This strategy will go a long way to lift Essex and show people that it’s a great place to work, live, and shop.
READY
We facilitate events for Essex businesses and property owners to gather frequently to create a strong sense of business community and pride in Essex. Networking with other property owners and business owners can be very beneficial.
COMMERCE
- Essex is a GATEWAY AREA with a central commercial corridor strategically located between two significant developments.
- To the SOUTH, Tradepoint Atlantic is a thriving 3,300 acre development on the former Bethlehem Steel Mill site.
- To the NORTH, Greenleigh is a mixed-use development on 1,000 acres with nearly 2 million sq. ft. of commercial space and 2,000 residences.
- Smaller retail and service businesses will find space available at affordable rates to help their companies grow and prosper.
TRANSPORTATION
- Amtrack Train Station
- Two Airports
- Major Highways: I-95, I-895, I-695
- 22 Marinas
- 6 Yacht Clubs
HEALTH & EDUCATION
- Essex Campus of CCBC which serves over 50,000 students countywide
- Eastern Technical High School ranked third in the State in 2023
- MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center is nearby
RECREATION
- Waterfront Parks (Cox’s Point & Rocky Point)
- Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River
- 5-Star Waterfront Golf Course
- 6 Yacht Clubs
- Local Restaurants and Food Trucks
- Miles of Shoreline for Waterfront Activities
- Local Breweries and Distillery nearby
- Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum nearby
- Marshy Point Nature Center nearby
GRANTS, PROGRAMS, AND INITIATIVES
Façade Improvement Grant
The 2024 Essex Façade Improvement Grant aims to stimulate investment in infrastructure appearance and improvements to building frontages in the Essex commercial district. This represents a huge contribution to the economic vitality of the area. The goal is to create an attractive and inviting commercial/retail area that encourages regular use by residents and visitors. This program is funded by a Community Legacy Grant from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development and a Facade Improvement Grant from Baltimore County’s Department of Planning.
Security Camera Grant
This initiative is being managed by Essex Community Development Corporation and is funded by both a Commercial Revitalization Action Grant through Baltimore County’s Department of Planning and a Community Safety Works Grant through Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Through the program, we are providing incentives for businesses/non-profits in the Essex Commercial Revitalization District to install security camera systems on the exterior of their property in an effort to improve public safety, deter crime, and assist law enforcement with investigations.
