As the second largest city in the State of Maryland, Frederick enjoys big city amenities while having a wonderful, small-town quality of life deemed enviable by any standard.

Neighborhoods

Collectively, the City and County have a housing stock of approximately 74,000 units located in more than 90 residential communities - many of which have won awards for their superb design. Top-notch amenities, beautiful parks and green space, a rare sense of community, and close proximity to a vibrant downtown result residential neighborhoods of unique character and charm.

Education

Frederick offers impressive academic schools and programs for all ages. Our Maryland State "Blue Ribbon" designated County public school system is complemented by 25 state-approved Career Technical Education programs offered at the Frederick County Career and Technology Center. Private schools provide instruction at every grade level. Coursework in pursuit of Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degrees is available at Frederick Community College, Hood College, and Mt. Saint Mary's College.

The Arts

Frederick is a celebration of the arts. Astonishing architecture and public art works abound in the downtown historic district where you're never more than a few blocks away from one of three impressive cultural arts centers and a host of private galleries. Throughout the year, the downtown plays host to theatrical performances, arts festivals, and outdoor summer concerts produced by the city's 30 cultural organizations. So artistically rich is downtown Frederick that in 2003 it was certified as a Arts & Entertainment District by the State of Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Developers and business owners who renovate buildings for arts related purposes qualify for a property tax credit. The A&E tax credit, in combination with other City, County, State, and Federal preservation tax credits expands the possibilities for revitalization and continuing development.

Places to Play

The City's residential and commercial development is balanced by more than 60 municipal parks - each offering distinctive amenities. Our parks provide for all sporting and recreational interests with organized league athletics, nature-based study programs, tennis courts, swimming pools, fishing spots, hiking trails, ice skating, and a highly-rated, public golf course. Throughout the year, private facilities offer indoor bowling, skating, tennis, swimming and more. On days when you'd rather just play the spectator, you'll find camaraderie at Harry Grove Stadium where the Baltimore Orioles minor league team, the Frederick Keys, play baseball during the spring and summer months.

Whether you are in the mood for a deli sandwich or haute cuisine, Frederick is renowned for its roster of locally-owned restaurants as well as its national chains which play host to business meetings by day and candlelight dinners at night. During the late night hours, many of our downtown dining establishments become venues for live musical entertainment, making the
historic district an exciting hotspot
for adults of all ages.

Shopping

Frederick provides for every type of desired shopping need or experience. National retailers, located in major mall and strip center locations, complement generations-old, locally-owned specialty stores and antique shops quartered within the downtown historic district. Whether you're into customer service or convenience, luxury designer items, or one-of-a-kind creations, Frederick is a shopping mecca for local and regional consumers alike.

Health Care

Frederick offers outstanding, comprehensive health care services. Frederick Memorial Hospital (FMH), an accredited 248-bed hospital, provides for medical/surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, obstetric, sub-acute, and emergency patients. Its 300+ physician staff specializes in all areas of medicine. FMH is part of the larger Frederick Memorial Healthcare System that offers allied surgical, rehabilitative, and preventative care services throughout Frederick County.

Religious Denominations

Frederick's famous clustered church spires represent only a fraction of the religious denominations that worship here. Frederick County is home to more than 150 organized congregations of spiritual diversity.