The Charms of Cambridge, Maryland: A Top Eastern Shore Town

Welcome to the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Discover the magic of a town where the tides of the Chesapeake Bay have sculpted not just a landscape but a way of life. Life in Cambridge, Maryland, has a centuries-old maritime heritage, expansive coastal beauty, and a tight-knit community promising small-town charms. Get to know this historic seaside town, from how it came to be to the promise of buying a Cambridge home.

A Glimpse into the Past

Cambridge’s story predates the birth of a nation. The waterways first drew the Native tribes that inhabited the area and, later, the European colonists. Established in 1684, this is one of Maryland’s oldest colonial cities in one of its original counties, Dorchester.

Historic street names, brick pavers, and Victorian-esque buildings whisper tales of British rule and American independence. The facades of its historic buildings hint at three centuries of occupation, growth, and rebirth. Cambridge has burned down several times, only to rise again. Museums and galleries showcase the founding fathers and notable figures tied to Cambridge’s long past.

People have been plying the rich waters for centuries, earning it the early nickname “Garden of Eden” because of nature’s abundance. Its maritime ties remain highly present. The marinas and the seafood packing plants still dominate the waterfront area. At one time, Cambridge was the top seafood packer in the nation. When Phillips Packing Company closed, it brought on an economic depression, from which Cambridge has rebounded.

What’s not as evident from the outside are the intricate patterns of the Underground Railroad that add to Cambridge’s story and evolution. Harriet Tubman, the beacon of freedom, hailed from these parts. The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center honors her legacy and is a must-visit for history buffs and human rights enthusiasts.

Where Land and Water Meet

Cambridge’s first allure lies in its geographical blessings. For those new to Maryland, the Eastern Shore is the region that winds around the eastern side of the mighty Chesapeake Bay. It’s here that this beautiful small town awaits, sitting 13 miles up the Choptank River from Chesapeake Bay. The surrounding marshes, tidal creeks like Little Blackwater and Fishing Creek, and nature sanctuaries add to the tranquil vibe of the Eastern Shore living.

Being waterfront and close to Chesapeake lends Cambridge a “humid subtropical” climate. That means it doesn’t snow often, but the summers can still feel hot and sticky because of all the water in the air. It does make the winters milder, though.

Proof Affordability Can Be Waterfront

Good news for your pocketbook: Cambridge is more affordable than the US and Maryland state average! Can you imagine living this close to the waterfront but not having to pay more to enjoy it? You don’t have to in this town.

Utility costs were the only category that ran above average. Everything else–including housing–ran below the state and national benchmark rate.

In January 2024, the median list price was $264,000. Get a more up-to-date look at the housing market in Cambridge with the latest homes for sale.

Cambridge Values Small Business

Maritime and agricultural-related industries have long been vital to the regional economy. Even though the nation’s largest seafood packing plant shut its doors, Cambridge’s longest-running, Clayton Company, is still in operation. But today, the health care and social services sector has the most jobs for Cambridge residents. Still, food and accommodation rank second.

Small businesses thrive here, and many businesses are proudly family-owned. There are only a few chains in the small town of Cambridge. Local markets and artisans sell wares as unique and varied as the characters who make Cambridge their home.

A Mosaic of Cultural Influences

Delightful Things to Do

The town’s festivals capture Cambridge’s colorful character and history. Visit downtown for the January Cambridge Ice and Oyster Festival or the fall Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race, where the city’s maritime heritage is on full display. The Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta is the nation’s longest-running powerboat festival. The boats thunder across the Choptank River each May, reaching over 170 miles per hour.

Historic downtown Main Street Cambridge is a few blocks off the water. Walk the beautiful square and browse gift stores, local restaurants, and heritage sites. Festivals close down the avenues at night, allowing visitors to walk under the enchanting strings of Edison lights.

Art and Soul

Local artists find inspiration in the Eastern Shore beauty surrounding them. Their works shine on the walls of quaint galleries dotting the downtown. At the center of the creative scene is the Dorchester Center for the Arts. From its downtown location, the DCA is the community’s epicenter for performances and visual art events.

Another popular art attraction is the Mural Trail. The city stops include a mosaic-style mural on Race Street and the iconic Harriet Tubman Mural outside her education center.

Celebrating Local Cuisine

Savor the flavors of the Eastern Shore at Cambridge’s renowned farm-to-table establishments–or should we say sea-to-table? Every plate celebrates Chesapeake Bay’s abundant bounty, from fresh oysters to crabs to fish. The chefs are spoiled for local and seasonal ingredients. It’s a combination fast making Cambridge a top culinary destination in the state.

As for places to visit, RAR Brewing is a local favorite, with five restaurants and microbrew tap rooms under its umbrella. Fresh crabs are found at the many seafood markets and vendors, like Lindy’s Seafood or Choptank River Crab & Oyster Co. The Dive Club looks like a boat, but you’ll stay firmly on land while sipping cocktails and nibbling from sharable plates.

What better way to dive into Cambridge’s culinary bounty than at a farmer’s market? And how about a waterfront Farmer’s Market? The Long Wharf Park farmer’s market is within walking distance of historic waterfront sites and brings in over 18 seasonal vendors. Visit on Thursdays in-season.

Coastal Charms

Proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean means residents have been building and sailing boats on the waters here for over three centuries. The water is not just a feature; it’s a way of life here in Cambridge. Sail the bay on centuries-old skipjacks, like the Nathan of Dorchester. Try the art of crabbing that the locals have perfected over generations. Many maritime-related historical sites are present, from captains’ homes to iconic Boatworks.

The Lure of the Outdoors

For the nature enthusiast, Cambridge sits at the doorstep of multiple wildlife sanctuaries and state parks. Trek through untamed wilderness at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds. This “Everglades of the North” preserves 40 square miles of vital marshy habitat on the Great Atlantic Flyway, with over 250 species calling the park’s backwaters home. Get up close with a kayak expedition through its calm and winding marshes. If you’d rather stay dry, the park does have hiking and biking trails.

Golfers will be delighted to find a top-ranked golf course at River Marsh Golf Club, part of the 400-room Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay resort. Another course is available, the Clearview at Horn Point.

Scenic byways wind through the Dorchester County landscape. The region has long been an agricultural producer, so the roads wind by farms and nature preserves interspersed between the creeks and wetlands. The main artery into Cambridge is a designated scenic drive known as the “Sunburst Highway.”

Historic Landmarks

The care and attention given to historic landmarks show how preservation is paramount in Cambridge. The former slave state has put the legacy of Harriet Tubman at the center. There is a Tubman Visitor Center, a scenic byway that travels by key sites in her legacy and exhibits how the Underground Railroad worked.

Richardson Heritage Museums captures the skills needed to craft wooden boats essential for living in the Choptank and Chesapeake region. See firsthand how master boatwrights created these crafts.

Navigating Cambridge

Reach Cambridge by boat or car. Multiple marinas and docking areas have slips available for rent or day visits. See the city marina, Cambridge Yacht Club, River Marsh Marina, or Cambridge Creek, to arrive by your boat.

Getting around Cambridge is as much a delight as arriving at its destinations. The “Ocean Gateway,” or Highway 50, is the main road connecting Cambridge across the Choptank to more Eastern Shore destinations, including Ocean City. The downtown areas are highly walkable to the stores and waterfront.

Educational Choices in Cambridge

Cambridge K-12 education falls under the Dorchester County Public School system. It’s a small district of about 5,000 students that attend one of 12 schools. The high schools do provide a college prep curriculum, while its Technical Center has classes for certifications in skill trades from welding to medical services. Cambridge lacks a college or university in town.

Moving to Cambridge

Cambridge, Maryland, is more than a place on a map—it’s a feeling, a heritage, and a home. For those who have always aspired to waterfront living or being close to the tranquility of nature, Cambridge stands ready to share its treasures. And it comes with an incredibly affordable cost of living. Get to know more about Cambridge with a local real estate agent.