Odenton

About Odenton

Odenton is a friendly town in the western portion of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Its close proximity to the Fort George G. Meade army training camp and the large cities of Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C., have seen it grow rapidly in recent years. As one of the fastest-growing towns in the county, Odenton has quickly evolved into a busy suburb with many amenities.

The History of Odenton

European settlers arrived in the area now known as Odenton during the middle of the 1600s. By the early 1700s, several plantations were established along its Patuxent, South and Severn rivers. Tobacco, grain and corn farms; cotton and lumber mills; and iron furnace operations helped build its early economy. The area grew further when the Annapolis and Elkridge Railroad built tracks through the region.

The town of Odenton was officially formed when the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad constructed tracks there in 1868. Its name pays homage to Oden Bowie, the railroad's president at the time and Maryland's former governor.

Jobs in Odenton

Odenton has transformed from a farming and railway town to a growing intelligence and defense center. Jobs are plentiful, especially in the emerging areas of informatics, high-speed computing, communications, aerospace and instrumentation. Growth in these industries has been fueled by the establishment of intelligence and cybersecurity agencies at the expanded Fort Meade army base, home of the National Security Agency and the U.S. Cyber Command headquarters.

The Odenton Town Center is also a thriving business region spanning approximately 1,600 acres. This development features office space, industrial facilities and retail outlets. While there are many jobs available in a variety of industries in Odenton, you can also take advantage of easy access to the larger cities nearby, which offer even more job opportunities. All these possibilities set Odenton's unemployment rate significantly lower than the national average. Job growth in the city is also positive.

Odenton Schools

The Anne Arundel County Public Schools system manages the public schools of Odenton. The district offers advanced learner programs in its elementary schools and advanced placement courses in all high schools. Or, you can enroll your child in one of several private schools in Odenton and the surrounding area.

Resources for Moving to Odenton

As you prepare for your move to Odenton, the following information may be helpful:

• Utilities: The primary electricity provider in the Odenton area is Baltimore Gas and Electric. Anne Arundel County oversees water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Your trash, recyclables and yard waste will be collected on a weekly basis.
• Transportation: Public transportation is available through the RTA and the Maryland Transit Administration. The MARC commuter rail line is a popular mode of transit for locals.

Odenton Housing

Odenton's oldest and most affordable homes are located around Maple Ridge and Chapelgate. The traditional dwellings here are close to local schools and churches, which make them ideal choices for families. Newer townhouses and single-family homes are located in the Peachtree neighborhood. Their close proximity to the MARC line makes them attractive to workers commuting to nearby cities. Odenton also has two modern planned communities: Piney Orchard and Seven Oaks.