Washington County Growth Spurt
Is Washington County the new Frederick County? Check out this article from the Herald Mail:
For decades, growth seemed a little stagnant in Washington County. While Maryland counties closer to the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area were feeling the squeeze of an expanding urban environment, the wave seemed to crash right at the base of South Mountain.
In the 40 years from 1960 to 2000, the county’s population grew by an average of slightly more than 1,000 per year, from 91,219 in 1960 to 131,923 in 2000, according to census records.
By comparison, Frederick County’s population nearly tripled during that period – from 71,930 in 1960 to 195,277 in 2000.
But since 2000, the number of Marylanders venturing over the mountain in search of cheaper housing costs has caused the county’s population growth rate to spike, making Washington County one of the five fastest-growing counties in the state.
In this related article a former Frederick resident states that his family moved to Washington County because “Frederick is just not the same Frederick it used to be. It’s becoming more and more of a big-city feeling.”
Frederick is definitely growing, but I still feel like it has some of it’s small town qualities. Maybe it’s because I work in Montgomery County and experience the hustle and bustle there.
What do you think?
Homes are definitely less expensive in Washington County… most times you can buy a decent single family home there for the price of a townhouse in Frederick.
I grew up in Washington County, and my entire family still lives there. Despite that, I couldn’t wait to get out, and have no intention of moving back. While there are some good shopping areas now, I feel it really doesn’t have the quality of shops, restaurants, and events that you find elsewhere, such as Frederick County. And Washington County just seems a little too ‘old fashioned’ in many ways, including some that are not positive.
Just my opinion. Maybe the influx of new residents will help bring positive changes to the county.