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Essex, MD

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Essex, MD

Essex is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. Essex history dates back to 1909. The population was 40,505 in the 2020 census, up from 39,262 in the 2010 census.

Essex is located on a peninsula bodied by the middle river to the east and the back river to the west. Essex was originally ten blocks, running from Mace Avenue to Marlyn Avenue. It began in 1909 by the Taylor Land Company for the residents in Baltimore who wanted a place outside the city limits to perhaps grow a garden or to pursue some other rural activity. Land was cheap, and sales were enhanced by a promotional pamphlet.

Henry Guttenberger built the first general store in Essex in 1910 on the corner of Eastern Boulevard and Mace Avenue. Between 1911 and 1912, the Taylor Land Company donated the lots for Essex Methodist and St. John's Lutheran churches. They also donated the land where the volunteer fire department built their station. The permanent fire station opened in 1921.

With the ever-growing population came the need to build schools. The elementary school opened in 1925 with 400 students. Essex Community College, now CCBC-Essex, was founded in 1957. Classes were first held at Kenwood High School, with fifty part-time and nine full-time students. In 1961, the college moved to Dorsey Avenue, and in 1968 moved to its present location, in Rossville. This site was owned by the Mace family, and the family burial plot is maintained and protected by the college.

A fire in August 1957 destroyed an entire block of businesses on Eastern Boulevard, and the town's business district never fully recovered from that catastrophe. The ten-alarm blaze caused a half million dollars in damages, in the time it took to repair the buildings new shopping centers were built changing the buying habits of consumers.

Essex is located at 39°18′28″N 76°27′6″W (39.307737, −76.451710). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.9 square miles (30.8 km²), of which 9.3 square miles (24.0 km²) is land and 2.6 square miles (6.8 km²), or 22.16%, is water.

The town is on mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, transitioning to marshland at the tip of the peninsula close to the Chesapeake Bay. Essex has a small island on the Chesapeake Bay named Hart Miller Island. The island is only accessible by boat, and the closest boat launch is located in Rocky Point. The island boasts an observation tower, beaches, and hiking trails. A made made landfill linking two Chesapeake islands consisting of Hart and Miller island.

Health and wellness are paramount in Essex, with several facilities and programs dedicated to residents' well-being. The CCBC Essex Gymnasium is a hub for fitness and community activities, providing a variety of exercise classes, sports, and wellness programs. MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Essex-Stembridge Recreation Office provides excellent fitness classes and outdoor activities to promote an active lifestyle. For those seeking aquatic activities, Essex Pool is perfect for swimming and water aerobics. Yoga Mouth Studio offers a serene environment for yoga and meditation classes. For a holistic approach, Mindful Massage Therapy provides various massage techniques to enhance relaxation and well-being. Nourish Family Nutrition offers expert dietary advice and meal planning to improve overall health. Essex Running Club organizes community runs and training sessions to foster a supportive running community.

The top sites in Essex, MD: Rocky Point Park and Beach, Heritage Society of Essex & Middle River, Baltimore County Cox's Point Park

Area code: 410. ZIP code: 21221. Area: 11.9 square miles (30.8 km²). Elevation: 39 ft (12 m). Population: 40,211 (2021)

FAQs

What are the demographics of Essex, MD?

Essex, MD is home to a population of 40.7k people, from which 96.8% are citizens. As of 2021, 8.11% of Essex, MD residents were born outside of the country (3.3k people). In 2021, there were 1.97 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (23.5k people) in Essex, MD than any other race or ethnicity. The 5 largest ethnic groups in Essex, MD are White (Non-Hispanic) (57.8%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (29.4%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (4.42%), White (Hispanic) (2.22%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (1.71%).

What county is Essex, MD?

Essex is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. Essex history dates back to 1909. The population was 40,505 in the 2020 census, up from 39,262 in the 2010 census. Essex is located on a peninsula bodied by the middle river to the east and the back river to the west.

Is Essex, MD a good place to live?

Essex is in Baltimore County. Living in Essex offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Essex there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families live in Essex and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Essex are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

Baltimore County

Niche

Data USA

Rocky Point Park and Beach

Heritage Society of Essex & Middle River

Baltimore County Cox's Point Park

CCBC Essex Gymnasium

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

Essex-Stembridge Recreation Office

Essex Pool

Yoga Mouth Studio

Mindful Massage Therapy

Nourish Family Nutrition

Essex Running Club

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