Living In Severna Park: What You Won’t Find On Zillow

When clients ask me about Severna Park neighborhoods, I often tell them the following: Zillow can show you square footage and sale prices, but it can’t tell you which neighborhood has a Halloween parade, which intersection to avoid at 4:30pm, or where to get the best iced latte within walking distance.

As a local and real estate professional, I’ve learned that the true value of a home isn’t just what’s inside — it’s what’s around it. Here’s what makes Severna Park feel like home beyond the online listings.

It’s hard to talk about Severna Park without mentioning Chartwell, a neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, tennis courts and country club culture. But what makes it truly special are the things you won’t find on a property sheet — like the Christmas Eve luminaries that light up the whole neighborhood.

Down by the water, Linstead on the Severn offers a tucked-away retreat where residents enjoy a private beach, quiet streets and community events that feel pulled from a postcard: Fourth of July bike parades, summer crab feasts, and neighbors waving from their porches are all part of the rhythm of life there.

Oakleigh Forest has a strong sense of connection too. It’s one of those places where everyone still knows their neighbors and where community swim teams and homeowners association-sponsored socials bring people together. I’ve had clients fall in love with the neighborhood just from chatting with folks during an open house.

If waterfront access is what you’re after, Round Bay and Whitehurst both offer access to the Severn River, with community piers, kayak launches, and neighborhood sailing culture baked into the everyday experience. But even among these high-demand communities, each block has its own personality — and knowing the subtle differences between them is something only locals truly understand.

Traffic Quirks & Local Tips

• The Robinson Road Cut-Through – Locals know this sneaky shortcut when Ritchie Highway backs up near Magothy Bridge Road.
  
  
• School Traffic Timing – Plan around drop-off and pickup times at Severna Park Elementary and the high school. It’s a great sign of a thriving community, but it’s a nightmare if you’re late to a showing.
  
  
• Flood Zones Along the Water – Some areas like Arundel Beach and certain parts of Round Bay can experience tidal flooding. Knowing which lots are higher ground is key — something Zillow can’t tell you.
  
  

Whether you’re moving from across the country or just across the bridge, the charm of Severna Park is found in its people, traditions and places you only learn about by living here, or by asking a local.

For more information, contact Shawn Martin, Realtor at The Shawn Martin Group. Call 443-955-9354, email Shawn@shawnmartingroup.com or visit www.mymarylandrealestate.com.