Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis to Maryland's Eastern Shore, one
is abruptly transported to a rural countryside serrated by scores of coves and inlets and dotted with a charming collection
of small towns. For those who enjoy fishing, boating, hunting and bird-watching; the Eastern Shore has much to offer. Many
who discover this "land of pleasant living" with its maritime traditions and relaxed, laid-back pace of life eventually
find themselves searching for vacation or retirement homes here.
Easton, the largest community
in the region with a population rapidly approaching 20,000, has a resplendent combination of colonial, Federal and Victorian
homes, churches and quaint shops. Although not directly on the Bay, it is close to the rivers and creeks that feed into the
Chesapeake and only minutes from two smaller waterfront towns, St. Michaels and Oxford, each of which has a rich heritage
dating back to the 1600's. Today, the narrow streets and restored buildings of each of these historic towns house restaurants,
trendy boutiques and antique stores.
Having served as a sophisticated summer country retreat
for affluent families from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, Easton has long been one of the more progressive town on
the Shore and the center of cultural activity. The Avalon Theatre, built in 1921 and restored as a 400-seat performing arts
center now hosts a wide range of concerts, plays and other performances. A number of art galleries and museums add to the
cultural and arts scene and serve to provide a broad spectrum of cultural opportunities for both residents and tourists year
round.
Such lifestyle amenities, along with the mild climate and relaxed pace of life, have
resulted in a significant surge in population growth, as more and more people discover the advantages of living in Easton
and surrounding communities. Consequently, the demand for housing has generated an upswing in development and a substantial
rise in the cost of housing. With the average cost of new homes approaching $350,000, it is more becoming more difficult for
the average buyer to find affordable housing. However, several new communities designed to appeal to the retiree market and
offering reasonably priced homes have recently been started.
Population Easton: 19,151 St.
Michaels: 3,460 Oxford: 1,394 Talbot County: 34,827
Climate: January av. low 26 July av. high
88 Rainfall: 42 inches Snowfall: 5 inches
Sales tax: 5% Income tax: 7% Estate tax: none
