Keystone Blog
Many counties are home to some of the best suburbs of Baltimore and offer an excellent quality of life, each with distinct character and appeal. The diversity extends from waterfront communities to towns rich in history, rolling hillsides, and planned developments. Understanding the unique advantages of each county can help you identify the best fit for your family's needs and the ideal setting to build your new home with Keystone Custom Homes.
Living in Carroll County offers a distinctive combination of landscape and lifestyle, with a quiet pace of life and everyday convenience. Rolling farmlands surround charming small towns like Westminster, with a pedestrian-friendly, walkable downtown and plenty of options for dining and shopping.
You'll also enjoy an active community when you choose Carroll County for your new Keystone Custom Home. Events like farmers markets, festivals, and food and beverage strolls make excellent opportunities to connect with neighbors and enjoy family time.
Arts, culture, and education are equally as accessible. Visit local galleries, enjoy live performances, or take classes nearby. Make the short drive to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to immerse yourself in Civil War history or go on a ghost tour. Carroll County public schools are well-ranked, and the area boasts several universities for post-secondary pursuits and employment options.
Carroll County remains popular with commuters to Baltimore, too. Well-maintained state routes lead quickly to major corridors like I-795 and I-83, putting downtown Baltimore within reach in about 45 minutes.
Harford County ranks among the best suburbs of Baltimore for families. It offers a balanced mix of suburban feel and natural beauty that contributes to a high quality of life in family-friendly towns like Bel Air and Abingdon. This region has highly-rated public school systems and many community-based youth activities, further cementing its popularity with families.
The county lies at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, offering easy access to water-based recreation opportunities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. Take a short drive to Havre de Grace to watch a sailboat race during the summer and early fall, or try your hand at crabbing.
Consider hiking and biking on nearby trails in one of Harford County's many public parks, watching a minor league baseball game at Ripken Stadium, or visiting the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center to connect with nature. The area also boasts a lively arts and culture community, from art walks and open-air concerts to seaside landmarks and historic manors.
Living in Harford County in your new Keystone Custom Home also comes with practical highway commutes to major employers in sectors like government, healthcare, logistics, and customer service. Our Harford County communities are strategically located close to I-95, putting Baltimore within an hour's reach, with Philadelphia and the nation's capital being about 90 minutes away.
Howard County is one of the country's most educated and affluent areas with an exceptional quality of life. Most area schools consistently rank as above average, with public and private options available. Post-secondary institutions are also within a short drive, including the renowned Johns Hopkins University.
Families looking for distinctive communities where dining, entertainment, and retail amenities are nearby will likely enjoy living in Howard County. With a central location and proximity to major highways, it's about 30 minutes to Baltimore and approximately an hour's drive to Washington, D.C. — perfect for easy commutes as well as access to shopping and five-star dining.
Keystone Custom Homes offers a range of floorplans in tranquil, natural surroundings with access to trails, parks, and outdoor recreation. Take a bike ride or hike along the Patapsco River, fish for bluegill in Lake Kittamaqundi, or explore the local ecosystem at Robinson Nature Center. Families also enjoy getting out together for activities like pro sporting events, a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion, or produce-picking at a local farm.
Frederick County is where history, nature, and modern convenience seamlessly blend. The county's namesake, the town of Frederick, boasts proximity to many Civil War battlefields and a walkable 40-block historic district brimming with unique shops, fine dining, museums, galleries, and architectural interest.
The area is nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail, making it a prime place to connect with nature. Hike in nearby Cunningham Falls State Park, challenge your mountain biking skills on the Frederick Watershed trails, or explore Catoctin Mountain Zoo for close-up views of exotic wildlife.
The community is also active with events for all ages, from cheering on the Frederick Keys at a minor league baseball game to celebrating German heritage at Oktoberfest. Additionally, the area is home to the Great Frederick Fair each September and a high-wheel bike race each July — the only competition like it nationwide!
You're never far from popular urban areas and major employers when living in Frederick County. Keystone Custom Homes communities in the region are within an hour of three international airports, several prestigious universities, and multiple Department of Defense installations. Other popular employment sectors in the county are biotech, healthcare, and education, including careers in the top-rated Frederick County Public School system.
Keystone Custom Homes is the homebuilder you can trust to transform your ideas into your distinctive new home.
Each floorplan we offer is carefully designed for today's active homeowners and busy lifestyles. Thoughtful open-concept layouts and generous square footage translate into welcoming gathering places and private retreats alike. All are customizable with a range of options for finishes and materials, so you can truly make your home your own. Browse our gallery for inspiration about what's possible!
Our proven building process eliminates stress, ensuring dedicated points of contact and consistent communication. You'll work with a New Home Advisor, who helps coordinate every step and keep you informed. Our Designers offer expert advice on creating an aesthetic that best reflects your unique style and taste. Once we break ground, you'll collaborate and communicate with your Construction Manager through our exclusive MyKCH app. We're also here for you after you move into your new home, with our Customer Care Team available for ongoing support.
Your home is one of your largest investments, and every detail matters. That's why we offer only premium materials and highly-skilled construction teams. Your Construction Manager will oversee every stage of building, from site prep to finishing touches, to ensure your new home exceeds your expectations.
No matter which surrounding county in the Baltimore area most aligns with your lifestyle and goals, Keystone Custom Homes has the perfect community to build your new home. Choose from various floorplans to meet your needs, and we'll help you turn your ideas into reality.
Connect with us online, call 717-368-9831 or tour a model home to start a conversation with your New Home Advisor.
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