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Review Frederick
Noting for the young people, Lived here all my life, move soon.
2.5
rating
By
Anonymous (
Jun 14, 2026)
I've lived in Frederick, Maryland, for most of my life. Born in Silver Spring, I grew up in Frederick and know the area well. Overall, I think Frederick is a good place to live for and families , but it can be a challenging place for young adults and teenagers.
Frederick is an e ...Read More
xcellent place for people who are already married or raising children. There are plenty of family-oriented activities, parks, community events, and attractions geared toward younger kids. The schools are generally well-regarded, and the area feels safe and suburban compared to larger nearby cities.
One of Frederick's strongest qualities is its healthcare system. There are many medical offices and specialists throughout the area, and it's often possible to get an appointment the same day or within a few days. My mother is disabled and has ongoing knee issues(osteoarthritis, had 4 knee surgeries), and we've consistently had positive experiences with local healthcare providers. I bring this up because I'm currently completing my master's degree in Rhode Island, where my experience with the healthcare system has been significantly worse. It can take several months, sometimes up to four months to get an appointment t, and the overall quality of care has not been as good as what I've experienced in Frederick. Living in both places has made me appreciate how accessible and reliable healthcare is in Frederick, especially for individuals and families who require regular medical care.
Education is another strength. Frederick Community College is an excellent option for students looking to complete a two-year degree before transferring. I attended Frederick Community College before transferring to Morgan State University in Baltimore, which is only about an hour away depending on traffic.
Where Frederick struggles, in my opinion, is providing activities and opportunities for young adults and teenagers. As someone in my late twenties who doesn't drink, I often find there isn't much to do locally. Over the past several years, Frederick has developed a strong brewery and nightlife scene, but much of the entertainment revolves around bars, chain/ fast food restaurants, and drinking. If that's not your interest, the options become much more limited.
There are very few major attractions. We don't have large entertainment venues, theme parks, water parks, major museums, or other destinations that attract young adults. Most attractions are designed for families with young children rather than teenagers or people in their twenties. Because of this, many young people end up traveling to nearby cities such as Washington, D.C., or Baltimore for entertainment, concerts, sporting events, nightlife, and cultural activities. Others simply stay in Frederick and struggle to find productive ways to spend their time. Frederick is best known for its Historic Downtown district, particularly Carroll Creek Park. If you watch local news coverage or tourism advertisements featuring Frederick, you'll almost always see images of Carroll Creek and the surrounding downtown area. While the Historic Downtown is charming and worth visiting, it's important to understand that it represents the primary attraction in the city. Their is nothing else. Much of Frederick's entertainment, dining, and nightlife is concentrated in this area, so visitors should set their expectations accordingly.
Transportation is one of Frederick's biggest weaknesses. Realistically, owning a car is almost necessary to fully enjoy and navigate the area. Public transportation is free(for now, 2026) but is limited, and many destinations are spread far apart. Since getting my ebike, getting around has become easier, but the city still has a long way to go regarding bike infrastructure(bike lanes, bike racks, etc). The good news is that Frederick has been investing in new bike paths and trails, and improvements are being made. However, progress has been slow compared to the area's growth.
In terms of jobs, there aren’t many white-collar opportunities locally, most of those are in Washington, D.C., or Baltimore. Frederick’s job market leans more toward blue-collar work, especially trades and construction, largely driven by the ongoing housing development in the area. There are also plenty of fast food and chain retail jobs, along with some warehouse positions, though many of those are located toward the outskirts of the city.
Frederick used to be significantly cheaper than nearby metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. While it is still somewhat more affordable, that gap has been shrinking rapidly. More people are moving to Frederick because housing costs are lower than in the larger cities. In response, developers have been building large amounts of new housing, including luxury apartments and townhome communities. Unfortunately, infrastructure improvements have not kept pace with development. As a result, traffic has become one of the most frustrating aspects of living here. New neighborhoods and commercial developments continue to be built, but road expansions and transportation improvements often lag behind. During peak hours, traffic can be surprisingly heavy for a city of Frederick's size. Also, with the new data centers being built as well, there are growing concerns about increased energy demand and rising utility costs.
Frederick experiences all four seasons. Winters are generally milder than those found farther north in places such as New York or New England area, but residents still experience cold temperatures, snow, and seasonal weather changes. Summers can be hot and humid, while spring and fall are often pleasant.
One major benefit of Frederick is its location. While the city itself may not offer a huge amount of entertainment, it provides relatively easy access to larger destinations. Baltimore is about an hour away, Washington, D.C. is within commuting distance, Philadelphia is a reasonable day trip, and New York City is roughly five hours away by car. This allows residents to enjoy the benefits of a smaller city while still having access to major metropolitan areas when they want more entertainment, culture, or career opportunities. Amtrack, BWI airport, both in Baltimore are great! My sister, who goes to University Of Maryland, they have a charter bus that runs almost daily, with stops to Frederick. unfortunatel, no train to the surrounding areas like Washington, D.C or Baltimore.
Overall, Frederick is a great place for families, people seeking quality healthcare, and those who want a quieter suburban lifestyle with access to larger cities. However, for teenagers and young adults, especially those who are not interested in drinking or bar culture, the city can feel limited. If you are looking for exciting nightlife, major attractions, or a highly walkable city with extensive public transportation, Frederick may not meet your expectations. But if you want a family-friendly community, good healthcare, strong educational opportunities, and a location that provides access to larger cities, Frederick remains a solid place to live.
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Fun in Fredrick, Maryland
4.5
rating
By
Anonymous (
Apr 23, 2012)
I have lived in Frederick, Maryland for almost ten years. As Maryland's second largest city it has endless opportunities to experience the arts, fine dining, and an amazing cultural scene, all in less that sixty minutes from both Baltimore, MD, and Washington, D.C. Designated as ...Read More
an "Arts and Entertainment District", downtown Frederick is exploding with performance arts. Each weekend offers a variety of dance, musical, and theater experiences. One of my favorite activities is attending the annual Frederick Festival of the Arts. This event takes place on the first weekend in June, and lasts for two days. The festival draws people from across the region to experience the work of more than 100 professional artists.
Frederick also offers a wide range of dining choices from casual to elegant, many of which are found within Frederick's forty block historic district. Worthy of mention are the beloved casual Café 611 which specializes in southern American fare and New Orleans style entertainment. If you are looking for a more upscale experience, The Cellar Door, offers and seasonal menu and caters to special occasions. If you are looking for a light bite, an authentic deli experience can be found at Crabapples New York Delicatessen. Voted best deli for fifteen years by local customers, Crabapples offers awesome sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Frederick also offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Forty miles of the Appalachian Trail borders the western edge of Frederick and can be accessed for hiking and camping. If water activities are more your style you can access both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers for tubing, kayaking, white water rafting, and even zip lining.
When I first moved to Frederick, MD I never expected to stay in one place for so long, however Frederick stole my heart. It has so much to offer both residents and visitors alike. Strong in the arts, culture, fine and casual dining, and amazing outdoor recreational offerings, I can't imagine living anywhere else.
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The Historic Frederick County Maryland
4.5
rating
By
Anonymous (
Jun 24, 2011)
I've lived in the Frederick Maryland area for approximately 13 years and it must be said that it is one of the most beautiful places in the county. With a population of roughly 60,000 people it is also one of the most expensive places to live in the Greater Washington D.C metro a ...Read More
rea. However with views of the Catoctin Mountains and the historic nature of this city, it is well worth it.
You can easily travel to Washington D.C. using the public transportation system however you do have to wake up fairly early in order to board the MARC commuter Train at one of the two stops in Frederick; they are Frederick train station and Monocacy Train Station. Keep in mind that this is a commuter train and only runs during the week, however I've used to travel to D.C. for business and pleasure. The transportation company Mega bus has recently expanded service to the Frederick area as well, and is offering bus trips to Washington throughout the week and on weekends.
My favorite place in Frederick is the city's downtown corridor. It is historic in nature as it houses many museums of a civil war nature. There are several historic landmarks in and around Frederick and it is also the site of the civil war speech given by President Abraham Lincoln. There are also over 200 specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants for all tastes; my favorite being The Tajitu Ethiopian restaurant on East Patrick Street. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing yet traditional. I am never dis-satisfied after having a meal there.
My favorite place to shop has to be along Buckeystown pike in Francis Scott Key mall. It's not a big shopping mall by any means, but I can get most of my shopping done there easily. There are also shops on the Golden Mile along US 40. The Golden mile is a long stretch of fast food restaurant chains, auto-dealerships and strip malls.
Just outside our city limits is The Monocacy Battlefield, which is the site one of the last battles carried out by the confederates in Union territory during the civil war. The park hosts battle walks, and other programs throughout the summer.
Frederick is a wonderful place to live; it is family friendly, there is plenty to see and do, numerous places to shop and a great view of the Catoctin Mountains.
Read Less
The Historic Frederick County Maryland
4.5
rating
By
Anonymous (
Jun 24, 2011)
I've lived in the Frederick Maryland area for approximately 13 years and it must be said that it is one of the most beautiful places in the county. With a population of roughly 60,000 people it is also one of the most expensive places to live in the Greater Washington D.C metro a ...Read
More
rea. However with views of the Catoctin Mountains and the historic nature of this city, it is well worth it.
You can easily travel to Washington D.C. using the public transportation system however you do have to wake up fairly early in order to board the MARC commuter Train at one of the two stops in Frederick; they are Frederick train station and Monocacy Train Station. Keep in mind that this is a commuter train and only runs during the week, however I've used to travel to D.C. for business and pleasure. The transportation company Mega bus has recently expanded service to the Frederick area as well, and is offering bus trips to Washington throughout the week and on weekends.
My favorite place in Frederick is the city's downtown corridor. It is historic in nature as it houses many museums of a civil war nature. There are several historic landmarks in and around Frederick and it is also the site of the civil war speech given by President Abraham Lincoln. There are also over 200 specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants for all tastes; my favorite being The Tajitu Ethiopian restaurant on East Patrick Street. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing yet traditional. I am never dis-satisfied after having a meal there.
My favorite place to shop has to be along Buckeystown pike in Francis Scott Key mall. It's not a big shopping mall by any means, but I can get most of my shopping done there easily. There are also shops on the Golden Mile along US 40. The Golden mile is a long stretch of fast food restaurant chains, auto-dealerships and strip malls.
Just outside our city limits is The Monocacy Battlefield, which is the site one of the last battles carried out by the confederates in Union territory during the civil war. The park hosts battle walks, and other programs throughout the summer.
Frederick is a wonderful place to live; it is family friendly, there is plenty to see and do, numerous places to shop and a great view of the Catoctin Mountains.
Read Less
What the locals say about
Family friendlyPublic transit is accessibleWalkable to grocery storesYards are well-keptLots of parksWalkable to restaurantsFriendly neighbors Safe at night Pet friendly Streets have sidewalksA quiet areaSense of community
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Compare Frederick, MD Livability
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Amenities
Are there many local amenities in
Frederick?
Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.
Parks
Staley Park
Max Kehne Memorial Park
Picnicking Museum Gardens
Kidwiler Park at Rosedale
Rose Hill Manor Park
Little League Park
Bike Park
Monocacy Village Park
Entertainment
Children's Museum of Rose Hill Manor Park
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
TAG/The Artists Gallery
Baker Park Band Shell
Frederick Arts Council
Roads and Rails Museum
The Weinberg Center for the Arts
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Food & Drink
3 Star Liquors
Jerry's Subs and Pizza
McDonald's
Ye Old Spirit Shop
Dunkin' Donuts
Subway
Dunkin'
Taco Bell
C-
Commute
Is public transit available in Frederick?
Of all people who commute,
3.0% take public transportation in
Frederick.