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Ocean Pines, MD

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Ocean Pines, MD

Ocean Pines is a census-designated place (CDP) in Worcester County, Maryland, United States. The population was 11,710 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area. It shares the same ZIP code as Berlin.

The community began as a small resort in 1968 and today is the largest residential community in Worcester County. It hosts the largest concentration of retirees on the Eastern Shore. During the summer months, Ocean Pines' population swells by more than 50 percent.

Before the late 1960s, Ocean Pines was a small community, composed primarily of retirees. On May 16, 1968, the Eastern Shore Times newspaper reported the rumor that a multi-million dollar land development project was being considered by the Boise Cascade Corporation in the "Hog Skull" area just north of Berlin. The company began development of the first phase of Ocean Pines on July 12, 1968, and continued at a rapid pace throughout the 1970s. Boise Cascade utilized unique marketing strategies to sell lots "in the middle of nowhere", including Hawaiian luaus, a private clubhouse and pool on the beach of Ocean City, and transportation to Ocean Pines by a double-decker bus and an engine-operated paddlewheel boat named the "Amy Ross". During the 1980s and 1990s, it was normal for 400 new homes to be constructed in the area annually. At the end of 1996, there were 7,381 platted lots and 5,269 dwelling units in the CDP.

In 1969, the Maryland State Highway Administration completed construction on Maryland Route 90, which ran through Ocean Pines and provided access to Ocean City. Cable television first came to Ocean Pines in 1979 with Triad CATV. Simmons Cable TV took over the agreement with the Ocean Pines Association after acquiring Triad in 1987. Simmons was sold to American Cable TV Investors 5 Ltd. in 1992 and was later acquired by Mediacom in 1997. Mediacom was the only cable and internet service provider in the CDP until 2019 when the Association ratified a 10-year agreement with Comcast.

In 1984, Gerald S. Klein bought $55 million in property for development using Merritt Commercial Savings and Loan assets including a $2 million Maryland Marine wastewater plant. Maple Lawn and Burleigh developer partner Stuart Greenbaum purchased 800 additional acres for subdivision. In 1985, Worcester County commissioners condemned the Maryland Marine Systems Merritt Commercial Savings and Loan-owned sewer system embroiled in the Jeffery Levitt Scandal in order to remove a development moratorium. The system had failed to implement $1.3 million in required maintenance to prevent sewer overflow into the streets creating the moratorium.

In 1994, Balfour Holdings purchased $6–8 million in property. In 1995, Balfour representatives presented the Ocean Pines Association with a plan for a library, post office, church, recreational complex, school, and shopping areas. In October, Balfour and the Ocean Pines Association entered into a turnover agreement for the land. In 2018, Ocean Pines celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Ocean Pines is located at 38°23′1″N 75°9′10″W (38.383692, −75.152755). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.4 square miles (24 km²), of which 6.7 square miles (17 km²) is land and 2.7 square miles (7.0 km²) (29.0%) is water.

Health and wellness are integral to life in Ocean Pines, making it an appealing destination for those who prioritize an active and balanced lifestyle. The Ocean Pines Association Community Center serves as a hub for various fitness classes, community events, and wellness programs, ensuring residents have access to a variety of activities that promote well-being. Access to healthcare facilities is readily available, with Atlantic General Hospital serving the community's medical needs.  Tidal Health Adult Fitness in Ocean Pines provides various fitness programs tailored for adults, focusing on overall health and wellness. For fitness enthusiasts, Titan Fitness provides comprehensive gym facilities and fitness programs in nearby Berlin, MD. Coastal Fitness is another excellent option, offering a wide range of equipment and classes to keep you active. If you prefer a more relaxed environment, Ocean Elements Salt Spa offers therapeutic salt rooms and floatation therapy to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. For personalized physical therapy and performance training, Empower U PT & Performance is a top choice. Brightview Health provides comprehensive health services, ensuring that you receive the care you need

Top sites in Ocean Pines, MD are Northside Park, Bainbridge Park, and Jolly Roger Amusement Park

Population: 12,028 (2023). ZIP code: 21813. Area code(s): 410, 443. Elevation: 10 ft (3.05 m). Area: 9.4 square miles (24 km²).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Ocean Pines, MD?

Ocean Pines, MD is home to a population of 12.3k people, from which 97.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 4.66% of Ocean Pines, MD residents were born outside of the country (574 people). In 2022, there were 25.6 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (10.9k people) in Ocean Pines, MD than any other race or ethnicity. There were 425 Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 324 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

What is the history of Ocean Pines, MD?

Before the late 1960s, Ocean Pines was a small community, composed primarily of retirees. On May 16, 1968, the Eastern Shore Times newspaper reported the rumor that a multi-million dollar land development project was being considered by the Boise Cascade Corporation in the "Hog Skull" area just north of Berlin. The company began development of the first phase of Ocean Pines on July 12, 1968, and continued at a rapid pace throughout the 1970s. 

Is Ocean Pines, MD a good place to live?

Ocean Pines is a town in Maryland with a population of 12,312. Ocean Pines is in Worcester County. Living in Ocean Pines offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Ocean Pines and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Ocean Pines are highly rated.

Sources

Wikipedia 

Ocean Pines Association

Niche

Northside Park

Bainbridge Park

Jolly Roger Amusement Park

Ocean Pines Association Community Center

Atlantic General Hospital

Tidal Health Adult Fitness

Titan Fitness

Coastal Fitness

Ocean Elements Salt Spa

Empower U PT & Performance

Brightview Health
 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.