The Bottom Line
You're buying into one of Maryland's most affluent waterfront communities — expect neighbors who work high-paying professional jobs, strong property value stability, and excellent schools, but plan on needing a car for absolutely everything. The biggest advantage here is the concentration of wealth: more than 1 in 5 households earns over $200,000 annually, nearly four times the national share, which typically means meticulous home maintenance, active community involvement, and consistently rising property values. The biggest concern is walkability — with a Walk Score of just 15 out of 100, you'll drive to get milk, mail a package, or grab coffee. If you value convenience over community character, this location will frustrate you daily.
This Property At a Glance
Property Profile:
- APN (Assessor Parcel Number): 01-904-07021400 — the government's unique ID for this parcel
- Year Built: Not available in county records (median for Anne Arundel County is 1983)
- Living Area: 1,092 sq ft
- Lot Size: 5,000 sq ft (0.115 acres)
- Property Type: Single Family Residence / Townhouse
- Beds / Baths: Not available in records
- Assessed Value: Not available in records
- Owner of Record: Not available in records
Ownership & Value History:
Sale and tax history were not included in the property records provided. Before making an offer, ask your agent for the complete chain of title and tax assessment history for the past 10 years — you need to see whether this property has been flipped recently (two sales within 12 months), whether taxes have jumped unexpectedly, and whether the sale price aligns with assessed value.
What You're Really Paying For
This home costs significantly more to own than the national average, driven almost entirely by the premium price of living in this wealthy enclave.
- Property taxes: Anne Arundel County's median property tax bill is $3,719 per year (about $310 per month), with an effective rate of 1.06% — just slightly below the national average of 1.10%. If you're financing a $432,000 home (the county median), expect roughly $4,579 annually in property taxes, or $382 per month. Unlike some high-tax states, Maryland's rate is fairly reasonable, but you're paying that rate on a significantly higher base value.
- Median home value is 53% above the national benchmark: Homes here sell for a median of $432,000 compared to $281,900 nationally. You're paying $150,000 more for the zip code, the school district, and the proximity to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay — not necessarily for more square footage.
- Housing age and maintenance: The median year built in this county is 1983 — meaning most homes are approaching their 40s. At this age, expect to budget for roof replacement (typical lifespan is 20–25 years), HVAC system overhaul (15–20 years), water heater replacement (10–15 years), and exterior paint or siding repair. Set aside $5,000–$10,000 in the first two years for deferred maintenance surprises.
- Solar savings potential is VERY GOOD: A standard 4-kilowatt solar system would produce 5,598 kilowatt-hours per year here — enough to offset most of a typical household's electricity consumption. At Maryland's average electricity rate of 16.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, that's roughly $924 in annual savings, or $77 per month. After federal tax credits (30% of system cost), a $12,000 system pays for itself in about 9 years and adds resale value. Maryland also offers state tax credits and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can shorten payback time further.
What Could Go Wrong
The risks here are modest compared to most of coastal Maryland, but don't skip due diligence on radon and verify that flood insurance isn't required by your lender.
- Radon Zone 2 (Moderate Risk): This area sits in EPA Radon Zone 2, meaning naturally occurring radioactive gas from soil may accumulate in basements, crawl spaces, and lower floors at levels between 2 and 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends mitigation at 4 pCi/L or higher because long-term exposure increases lung cancer risk. Action step: Order a radon test during your inspection period ($15–$30 for a DIY kit, $150–$300 for a professional test). If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, mitigation (typically a ventilation system installed under the foundation) costs $800–$2,500 and is worth negotiating with the seller.
- Flood Zone C — Minimal Risk, but verify with your lender: FEMA classifies this property as Flood Zone C, which means minimal flood risk and no mandatory flood insurance requirement. However, these zones are based on historical data and don't account for increasingly severe storms driven by climate change. Action step: Before closing, confirm the exact flood zone designation with FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (search "FEMA Flood Map Service Center" and enter the address) — if your lender requires flood insurance despite the low-risk designation, expect to pay around $400–$600 annually for a low-risk policy, far less than the $1,808 national average for high-risk zones.
- Violent crime is 22% above the national average statewide: Maryland's violent crime rate is 464.4 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to 380.7 nationally. However, this is a STATE-level figure — Anne Arundel County and especially affluent waterfront neighborhoods like Hillsmere Shores typically see far lower crime than the Baltimore metro area that skews the state average upward. Action step: Search "Anne Arundel County Police crime map" to see hyperlocal incident reports for this specific neighborhood over the past 12 months. Look for patterns in property crimes (car break-ins, package theft) rather than isolated incidents.
- Hurricane and coastal storm exposure: While FEMA rates hurricane risk as "Very Low" for Anne Arundel County, you're less than half a mile from the South River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Tropical storms and nor'easters can bring storm surge, high winds, and power outages lasting several days. Action step: Confirm that the home has hurricane straps on the roof trusses (a $2,000–$4,000 retrofit if missing) and ask your insurance agent whether wind and hail damage are covered under your standard homeowner's policy or require a separate windstorm rider (typically adds $300–$800 annually in coastal Maryland).
Who Lives Here
This is an exceptionally affluent, highly educated, and unusually stable community — the kind of place where neighbors know each other's names and homes rarely turn over.
- Median household income is $116,009 — 54% above the national median of $75,149. This isn't just a comfortable middle-class suburb; about 21.4% of households earn over $200,000 per year, nearly four times the national share of 5.6%. That concentration of high earners typically means well-maintained homes, active civic engagement through community associations, and steady or rising property values even during economic downturns.
- Poverty is nearly nonexistent here: Just 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line compared to 12.6% nationally. Only 2.8% of households earn under $10,000 per year. This economic homogeneity can be a double-edged sword — it usually means excellent public services and low crime, but it can also mean less diversity in perspectives and higher costs for everything from contractors to coffee.
- Owner-occupancy is 75%, well above the 65.5% national average. Neighborhoods with high ownership rates tend to see more investment in long-term improvements (landscaping, roof replacements, exterior updates) and stronger social ties. The flip side: rental inventory is scarce, so if you ever need to relocate temporarily, finding a qualified tenant who can afford the rent (median is $1,908/month, 64% above the national median) may take time.
- 41.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher compared to 33.7% nationally. Combined with the high income figures, this suggests a population of lawyers, federal employees, military officers, medical professionals, and corporate executives — many of whom likely commute to Washington D.C., Annapolis, or Baltimore.
- Work From Home (WFH) rate is 17.2% — more than double the 7.9% national average. This isn't surprising given the professional demographics and the COVID-era shift to remote work, but it's worth noting for two reasons: (1) Home offices and reliable high-speed internet are non-negotiable in this neighborhood, and (2) you'll see more cars in driveways during weekdays than in a typical suburb.
- Commute times are surprisingly short for the area: The average commute is 30.3 minutes, and only 3.4% of workers endure a 60+ minute commute compared to 9.8% nationally. This suggests many residents either work in nearby Annapolis (the state capital is about 10 minutes away) or have flexible remote-work arrangements that spare them the brutal D.C. Beltway commute.
Day-to-Day Living
Climate — What to Expect Across All Four Seasons:
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County experience a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June through September) are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s°F and occasional stretches into the low-to-mid 90s°F; overnight lows typically settle in the upper 60s to low 70s°F. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and humidity that makes the heat feel more oppressive than the thermometer suggests — air conditioning is non-negotiable, and your electric bills will spike July through August. Winters (December through February) are relatively mild compared to the Northeast, with average highs in the low-to-mid 40s°F and lows in the upper 20s to low 30s°F. Snowfall averages 15–20 inches per season, usually in a few moderate storms rather than one crippling blizzard. Ice storms can knock out power for days. Spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) are gorgeous — mild temperatures, lower humidity, and vibrant foliage. Annual precipitation is about 42 inches, fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Notable weather patterns include nor'easters (intense coastal storms bringing heavy rain, wind, and occasional snow), remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes tracking up the Atlantic (June through November), and summer humidity that hovers around 70%.
Air Quality:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) here averages 32, which is categorized as "Good" and notably better than the national average of 45. This means the air is clean enough that even sensitive individuals (children, elderly, people with asthma) can safely spend extended time outdoors without health effects. You're far enough from Baltimore's industrial corridors and Washington D.C.'s traffic congestion to enjoy crisp Chesapeake Bay breezes most days.
Connectivity
Internet speeds are excellent: Six providers serve this address, with fiber-optic service available from Verizon Maryland delivering up to 1,000 Mbps (1 gigabit) download and 880 Mbps upload. This is ten times the FCC's recommended minimum of 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up, meaning you can comfortably stream 4K video on multiple devices, run multiple simultaneous video calls (critical for Work From Home setups), and download large files without noticing lag. If you're working remotely or running a home-based business, this infrastructure is a major asset.
Getting Around
You will need a car for everything.
- Walk Score of 15 out of 100 — Car-Dependent. This is one of the lowest walkability scores you'll encounter in an urban area. A Walk Score below 25 means you cannot accomplish routine errands — groceries, pharmacy, dry cleaning, coffee — on foot. There are no sidewalks connecting residential streets to commercial areas, and the nearest grocery store is likely 2–3 miles away. If you've lived in a walkable city and enjoyed running out for fresh bread or walking to brunch, this will be a significant lifestyle adjustment.
- Transit Score: Not Available. There is no meaningful public transit within walking distance. Zero bus stops were detected within half a mile of this address. Annapolis does have a limited bus system (Annapolis Transit), but it's designed primarily for commuters heading downtown or to government offices, not for daily errands. If you don't drive, this location is essentially uninhabitable.
- Bike Score of 61 out of 100 — Bikeable. This score indicates some bike infrastructure (bike lanes or low-traffic streets), but biking is for recreation, not transportation. The roads around Hillsmere Shores tend to be narrow, winding, and lack dedicated bike lanes, so cycling to run errands is risky and uncommon. That said, the area is popular with weekend recreational cyclists exploring the waterfront.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging — Moderate Availability. There are four public charging stations within two miles, including four DC Fast Charge (DCFC) ports that can add 100+ miles of range in 30 minutes. Notable stations include EVsmart locations at BGE Eastport and Pal Park. For daily use, you'll want to install a Level 2 home charger (240-volt, costs $500–$1,200 for equipment plus $300–$800 for installation), which will fully charge most EVs overnight. The combination of home charging and nearby public fast chargers makes this area EV-friendly, though not as robust as urban cores with dense charging networks.
Community & Lifestyle
Amenities:
The South River is less than a quarter-mile away — a popular spot for kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and waterfront walks. The Hillsmere Shores community has a reputation as a tight-knit enclave of boaters and water enthusiasts, with private piers and boat ramps for residents. If you're not into water sports, the lifestyle appeal here may feel limited — this is a community built around Chesapeake Bay access.
HOA & Community:
Search "Hillsmere Shores Annapolis" or "Hillsmere Shores Civic Association" to find the neighborhood's governing body, rules, dues structure, and meeting minutes. Waterfront communities in Annapolis often have homeowners associations (HOAs) or civic associations that manage shared amenities like beaches, piers, and parks, and enforce covenants on boat storage, exterior paint colors, and lawn maintenance. Before closing, request the following from your agent: (1) the association's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), (2) the most recent annual budget and reserve study, (3) the past 24 months of meeting minutes to check for disputes or special assessments, and (4) confirmation of current dues and any planned increases. Typical HOA dues in waterfront Anne Arundel communities run $300–$1,200 annually, but can be much higher if the association maintains a private beach or marina.
Character:
Satellite imagery shows a well-maintained suburban neighborhood with medium-sized lots, dense tree coverage, and tidy landscaping. One in-ground pool with visible safety fencing was detected in the top-right corner of the satellite view. Homes are set back from the road with mature landscaping providing privacy between properties. This is quintessential Chesapeake Bay living — quiet, leafy streets where neighbors wave from driveways and boat trailers are a common sight. It's not hip or trendy; it's comfortable and stable, the kind of place where families stay for decades.
Green Flags
- Top 1% income concentration means property values hold steady. When more than 1 in 5 households earns over $200,000 annually, recessions have less impact on home prices because these buyers typically have diversified income sources, substantial savings, and stable professional careers. You're buying into a neighborhood that weathers economic storms better than most.
- Owner-occupancy rate of 75% signals strong community investment. Neighborhoods where three-quarters of residents own their homes see more long-term improvements, active civic participation, and lower crime. Owners have a financial stake in maintaining property values and tend to care more about school quality, road maintenance, and neighborhood character than transient renters.
- Work From Home rate of 17.2% is more than double the national average. This means your neighbors are likely professionals with flexibility, stable incomes, and home offices. It also means less weekday traffic, more informal networking opportunities, and neighbors who are around during the day if you need a package retrieved or an emergency contact.
- Exceptionally low vacancy rate of 4.9% compared to 10.3% nationally. This indicates strong demand and limited turnover — homes don't sit empty here. When you're ready to sell, you'll likely have multiple interested buyers, not a months-long listing with price cuts.
- Solar potential is VERY GOOD, with annual production of 5,598 kWh. A 4-kilowatt system here would generate enough electricity to offset most or all of a typical household's consumption, saving you roughly $924 per year at current Maryland electricity rates. After federal and state tax credits, a solar installation pays for itself in under 10 years and adds immediate resale value.
Red Flags
- Walk Score of 15 means you'll drive everywhere, every day. If you're used to urban convenience — walking to the grocery store, popping out for takeout, strolling to a park — this location will feel isolating. Budget for higher transportation costs (gas, car maintenance, insurance) and consider what happens if you're temporarily unable to drive due to injury or illness.
- Median Year Built of 1983 means homes are approaching 40+ years old. At this age, expect major systems to be near the end of their useful life: roofs (20–25 years), HVAC (15–20 years), water heaters (10–15 years), and exterior paint or siding (15–30 years depending on material). Before closing, insist on a comprehensive home inspection with specific focus on these big-ticket items, and budget $10,000–$20,000 for deferred maintenance in the first 3–5 years of ownership.
- Radon Zone 2 requires testing before closing. Moderate radon risk means there's a real possibility of elevated indoor levels (2–4 picocuries per liter or higher). A radon test costs $15–$300 depending on whether you DIY or hire a pro, and mitigation runs $800–$2,500 if needed. Don't skip this — radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking, and it's completely invisible and odorless.
- Hurricane and coastal storm exposure requires specific insurance riders. While FEMA rates hurricane risk as "Very Low," you're less than half a mile from a Chesapeake Bay tributary. Tropical storms and nor'easters bring storm surge, high winds, and power outages. Confirm your homeowner's policy covers wind and hail damage (not always standard in coastal areas) and ask whether you need a separate windstorm rider. Expect an extra $300–$800 annually if required.
- Violent crime is 22% above the national average statewide. This is a STATE-level statistic heavily skewed by Baltimore's urban crime. Hillsmere Shores is almost certainly far safer, but you should verify this before closing. Search "Anne Arundel County Police crime map" and review the past 12 months of incident reports within a one-mile radius. Look for patterns in property crimes (car break-ins, package theft) and ask neighbors about their experiences.
Before You Make an Offer
1. Order a professional radon test during your inspection period. Cost: $150–$300. Timeline: 2–5 days. Why it matters for this property: You're in EPA Radon Zone 2, meaning there's a significant chance of elevated indoor radon levels (2–4 picocuries per liter or higher). If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, negotiate for the seller to install a mitigation system ($800–$2,500) or reduce the purchase price accordingly.
2. Hire a structural engineer or specialized inspector to evaluate the roof, HVAC, and major systems. Cost: $400–$800 beyond a standard home inspection. Timeline: 1 week. Why it matters for this property: The median year built in this county is 1983, meaning this home is likely approaching 40 years old. Roofs, HVAC systems, and water heaters built in the 1980s are living on borrowed time. Get a professional assessment of remaining useful life and replacement costs for these big-ticket items so you can budget accordingly or negotiate repairs before closing.
3. Confirm the exact FEMA flood zone designation and whether your lender requires flood insurance. Cost: Free (FEMA Flood Map Service Center). Timeline: 30 minutes online. Why it matters for this property: The preliminary data shows Flood Zone C (minimal risk), but lenders sometimes require flood insurance based on their own risk models even in low-risk zones. If required, a low-risk policy costs $400–$600 annually — a cost you need to factor into your monthly budget.
4. Request the complete Hillsmere Shores Civic Association governing documents, fee schedule, and reserve study. Cost: Free (your agent requests from the seller). Timeline: 1 week. Why it matters for this property: Waterfront communities often have HOAs or civic associations that manage shared amenities like beaches, piers, and boat ramps. You need to know the annual dues, what they cover, whether there are any pending special assessments (one-time fees for major repairs), and what restrictions exist on boat storage, exterior modifications, or short-term rentals.
5. Search "Anne Arundel County Police crime map" and review 12 months of incident reports within one mile of this address. Cost: Free. Timeline: 1 hour. Why it matters for this property: Maryland's state-level violent crime rate is 22% above the national average, but that figure is heavily skewed by Baltimore's urban crime. Hillsmere Shores is almost certainly far safer, but you need hyperlocal data to verify. Look for patterns in property crimes (car break-ins, package theft from porches) and ask your agent to connect you with a current resident for firsthand perspective.
6. Test the water quality if the home has a private well, or request the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) if on municipal water. Cost: Free for CCR (search "Annapolis water quality report" or "Anne Arundel County water quality report"); $200–$500 for private well testing. Timeline: 1 week for well test results. Why it matters for this property: Chesapeake Bay waterfront properties sometimes rely on private wells, which require annual testing for bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals. Even if on municipal water, older homes (1980s-era) may have lead solder in pipes or outdated fixtures. Get baseline data before closing.
7. Schedule a termite and moisture inspection if the home has a crawl space, basement, or wood siding. Cost: $75–$200. Timeline: 1 week. Why it matters for this property: Maryland's humid climate (especially near the water) creates ideal conditions for termites, carpenter ants, and wood rot. Homes built in the 1980s often have untreated wood framing, and waterfront properties face additional moisture exposure. A clean termite report protects your investment; evidence of active infestation or past damage gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or a price reduction.
Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent
1. "Has the roof been replaced since the original 1980s construction, and if so, when and what is the warranty status?" — Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20–25 years. If the current roof is from the 1980s, you're looking at immediate replacement ($8,000–$15,000 depending on size and pitch). If it was replaced more recently, you need proof of the work and any transferable warranty.
2. "What is the age and condition of the HVAC system, and when was it last serviced?" — HVAC systems have a 15–20 year lifespan. If the current system is original to a 1980s build, replacement could cost $5,000–$10,000 depending on size and efficiency. If it's been replaced, ask for maintenance records — a well-maintained system lasts longer and runs more efficiently.
3. "Are there any open or expired building permits on record for this property?" — Unpermitted work (additions, electrical upgrades, deck construction) can delay your own future renovations, affect financing, and create liability if something goes wrong. Your agent should pull permit history from Anne Arundel County's building department before closing. If there's an open permit, the seller must close it out or you negotiate a credit to handle it yourself.
4. "What are the Hillsmere Shores Civic Association's current annual dues, and have there been any special assessments in the past five years?" — Annual dues for waterfront communities typically run $300–$1,200, but special assessments for major repairs (pier replacement, beach renourishment, stormwater management) can add thousands in one-time costs. You need to see the association's reserve study to understand whether they're adequately funded for future capital expenses.
5. "Is flood insurance required by the lender despite the Flood Zone C designation, and if so, what is the estimated annual premium?" — Some lenders require flood insurance based on their own risk models even in minimal-risk zones. If required, a low-risk policy costs $400–$600 annually, but you need to confirm this before closing so you can accurately budget your monthly housing costs.
6. "What is the water source for this property — municipal or private well — and if well, when was it last tested?" — Private wells require annual testing for bacteria and periodic testing for nitrates, heavy metals, and other contaminants. If the home is on a well, request the most recent water quality report. If municipal, ask whether the home has a backflow preventer (required in some jurisdictions for homes with irrigation systems or near tidal waters).
7. "Has the seller experienced any flooding, storm damage, or power outages lasting more than 24 hours in the past five years?" — You're less than half a mile from the South River, a Chesapeake Bay tributary. Tropical storms, nor'easters, and tidal flooding can bring storm surge and extended power outages. The seller's disclosure should address this, but ask directly and request documentation of any insurance claims or FEMA assistance related to storm damage.
Report generated by MyPlot.AI — Property Intelligence for Smarter Homebuying