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Clarksburg, MD

Frequently asked questions

Clarksburg, MD

Clarksburg is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area in northern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is located at the northern end of the Interstate 270 technology corridor, approximately four miles north of Germantown. As of the 2020 census, Clarksburg had a population of 29,051.

Clarksburg is named for trader John Clarke and was established at the intersection of the main road between Georgetown and Frederick and an old Seneca trail. One of its earliest white inhabitants was a man named Michael Ashford Dowden, who in 1752 received a patent for 40 acres (160,000 m²) from the colonial government called "Hammer Hill", and two years later permission to build an inn. The inn itself is a footnote in history, hosting the army of General Edward Braddock during the French and Indian War, serving as a meeting place for local Sons of Liberty in the years before the American Revolution, and possibly serving dinner to President Andrew Jackson on his way to his inauguration. Jamie, the grandson of the trader, built a general store in the area around 1770, and over the next thirty years, enough people moved to the area that Clark was appointed postmaster for the community. By 1875, Clarksburg was a major town in the northern part of the county, but the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad undermined its economy.

In 1964, the Montgomery County Planning Commission decided that Clarksburg would be the last community along Interstate 270 that would have large-scale development. The Montgomery County Council adopted a master plan for Clarksburg in 1968, which rezoned land for a mix of townhouses and single-family houses. Another master plan was adopted in 1994. This master plan set forth the areas to be developed, with targets for housing, retail, employment and transit. A network of roads and infrastructure was mapped out to handle the growth expected as the town grew to 40,000 residents. The center of this plan is the Town Center District, which contains a retail area connected to the historic town business district. It was planned to be built early on, but had not broken ground by 2010, to the dismay of some residents. A Harris Teeter-anchored shopping center opened in 2013, and a large mall called Clarksburg Premium Outlets opened in October 2016. The shopping complex has over 90 stores and provides jobs for the region.

In June 2015, the Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce held a contest and chose a flag designed by Shaneea Peek. The inspiration for the flag was derived from Dowden's Ordinary which is a historic landmark of the community of Clarksburg.

As an unincorporated area, Clarksburg's boundaries are not officially defined. Clarksburg is, however, recognized by the United States Census Bureau as a census-designated place, and by the United States Geological Survey as a populated place. According to the United States Census Bureau, it has a total area of 8.3 square miles (21 km²), of which 8.2 square miles (21 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) (1.82%) is water. Roads in Clarksburg include MD 355, I-270, and MD 121.

Health and wellness are integral to Clarksburg's identity, with numerous resources and programs dedicated to residents' well-being. The Clarksburg Village Center is a hub for fitness and community activities, offering a variety of exercise classes and wellness programs and goPerformance & Fitness provides comprehensive fitness facilities and programs. Clarksburg Urgent Care ensures residents have access to quality healthcare services and is dedicated to residents' well-being. Orangetheory Fitness Clarksburg offers high-intensity interval training sessions that are both challenging and invigorating. For those who prefer a holistic approach, Ahimsa Wellness Yoga offers various yoga classes focused on mind-body balance. Martial arts enthusiasts can visit Han Mi Martial Arts for a blend of traditional and modern techniques. 

Top sites in Clarksburg, MD are Little Bennett Regional Park, Arora Hills Local Park, and Black Hill Regional Park. 

Population: 29,246 (2023). ZIP code: 20871. Elevation: 202 m. Area code(s): 301, 240. Area: 8.2 square miles (21 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Clarksburg, MD?

What we now know as Clarksburg began in the 1730s at the crossroads of two Indian trails called the Sinequa Trails. William Clark, originally from Scotland, who lived in Lancaster, PA came to this area with his son John Clark to hunt and trade with the local Indian tribes. Hunting and trading must have been good because in time William established a trading post at the crossroads. 

What is the cost of living in Clarksburg, MD?

Clarksburg, Maryland's cost of living is 40% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area. Clarksburg's housing expenses are 120% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 10% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 5% higher than the national average. Clarksburg has grocery prices that are 9% higher than the national average.

What is the crime rate in Clarksburg, MD?

The crime rate in Clarksburg is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 18 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Clarksburg is 1 in 55. Based on FBI crime data, Clarksburg is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Maryland, Clarksburg has a crime rate that is higher than 70% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Montgomery County

Neighborhood Scout

Payscale

Clarksburg MD History

Little Bennett Regional Park

Arora Hills Local Park

Black Hill Regional Park

Clarksburg Village Center 

goPerformance & Fitness

Clarksburg Urgent Care 

Orangetheory Fitness Clarksburg

Ahimsa Wellness Yoga

Han Mi Martial Arts

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