Magothy Forest, The Neighborhood With Style Fit For A Queen

What does Old Man Creek have in common with Queen Victoria? Why, Magothy Forest, right here in Severna Park, of course! The heavily wooded and enchanting Magothy Forest is a small “Victorian” community of 74 homes located off Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard on the banks of Old Man Creek. Various styles of Victorian homes are nestled between stately oaks and tall pine trees. There also is quite a bit of wildlife, including fox, herons and the occasional deer. Dusk in the forest is particular lively when the hoot owls belt out their songs.

Magothy Forest has direct access to Old Man Creek, including a pier and kayak racks. There are three common areas: one with creek access; one with a field, play equipment, a fire pit and picnic tables; and another with a short “woods walk” loop that is shared with neighbors in Stewart’s Landing. Community events include an Easter egg hunt, fall festival, costume contest, a summer party, progressive dinners, and girls’ nights out, just to name a few.

The community is zoned for Folger McKinsey Elementary School.

Bridget Kelly
Resident for Six Years

Bridget Kelly and her family said they chose the house, not the neighborhood. “The Victorian style of the homes in Magothy Forest makes the community unique,” said Kelly. “The architecture is pretty different from most other homes in the area.”

The family’s three children have also come to love the playground and the dock, where they like to looks for ducks and enjoy nature.

“The family-oriented traditions in Severna Park, like the Fourth of July Parade and annual visits by Santa on the firetruck, combined with close-knit communities, make Severna Park a great place for kids to grow up,” added Kelly. “We definitely recommend Magothy Forest to anyone moving into the area.”

Cindy Schaeffer
Resident for 23 Years

After a six-month house hunt throughout the greater Annapolis area, Cindy Schaeffer and her husband chose Magothy Forest for its affordable water view and nice community.

“We became part of Severna Park when we moved to Magothy Forest two weeks before our wedding,” said Schaeffer. “We chose Magothy Forest, and our house in particular, because we liked the unique Victorian styles of the houses, and that we have a direct view of Old Man Creek.”

Magothy Forest neighbors are always ready to lend a helping hand.

“What comes to mind have been the occasional snowstorms that led to such substantial accumulation that those of us in the cul de sac were unable to get out,” said Schaeffer. “[Neighbors] with snow-blowers, and others with their shovels, worked together to clear the road so we could get out again.”

Laura Kelter
Resident for 16 Years

“My husband’s family relocated here from Clifton Park, New York, when [my husband] was in college,” said Laura Kelter, noting that she grew up just off base in Severn and graduated from Meade Senior High. The Kelters lived in Pasadena before moving to Severna Park in 2003.

“In 2003, the real estate market was hot and sellers had a huge advantage. Homes were hard to find and sold in days, if not hours,” said Kelter. “We were very lucky to find, tour, and get an offer in and accepted on our house; the process took only four hours. We lucked out and ended up with not just the house, but with a home in a great community.”

The Kelters’ two teenagers survived the Folger McKinsey renovation when students had to be bussed to Chesapeake Bay Middle School. “[Folger McKinsey] was great before and amazing after. Our oldest was in the first class to graduate from the new and improved Folger McKinsey,” added Kelter.

The sports-minded family appreciates the spirit of Severna Park.

“We’ve spent years with the Greater Severna Park Athletic Association’s Green Hornets for baseball, soccer and lacrosse,” added Kelter. “Our daughter is working as a Green Hornets soccer referee. Participation in that organization has really helped us meet new friends from all over Severna Park.”

The Kelters don’t hesitate to recommend Magothy Forest to anyone moving into the area.

“We recently had close friends looking to purchase a home in Severna Park,” Laura Kelter said. “We are so glad they moved in right next door.

“Our neighbors have been a lifeline for us,” she added. “We can call on them for anything and we have. We also do our best to support our neighbors. Anything from making meals when they are in need to house- and pet-sitting. Our son and daughter have also been fortunate enough to be able to gain experience babysitting for our neighbors.”