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Odenton, MD

Frequently asked questions

Odenton, MD

Odenton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, located approximately 10–20 minutes from the state capital, Annapolis. The population was 37,132 at the 2010 census, up from 20,534 at the 2000 census. The town's population growth rate of 80.8% between 2000 and 2010 was the greatest of any town in western Anne Arundel County. Odenton is located west of Annapolis, south of Baltimore, and northeast of Washington, D.C..

In recent years, Odenton has become the fastest-growing city in the county with 2010 census numbers reporting 42% growth. This is because of its proximity to Fort George G. Meade, which contains NSA headquarters, US Cyber Command (established in 2009), and the Defense Information Systems Agency (moved to Fort Meade in 2011). Odenton's growth can also be attributed to it being centrally located between Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. The development has been fueled by the construction of the massive Piney Orchard development, progress in the ongoing development of Odenton Town Center, and construction of the NSA East Campus Integration Program scheduled for completion in 2028.

The town is named after former Governor of Maryland Oden Bowie. It is bordered by Gambrills to the east, Severn to the north, Fort Meade to the west, and Crofton to the south. It is located at the intersection of Maryland Routes 170 and 175 and is bordered by Route 32 to the north. The zip code is 21113. Odenton is located at 39°04′17″N 76°41′59″W (39.071276, −76.699756).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 14.8 square miles (38.3 km²), all of it land.

In 1840, the steam-powered Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad (A&ER) was built across a sparsely settled farming community that would later become Odenton. At the beginning of the Civil War, Union soldiers guarded this railroad line because it was the only link between the North and the nation's capital. Rail traffic through Baltimore had been disrupted by southern sympathizers, so supplies, mail and soldiers flowed through Annapolis and west Anne Arundel County to Washington.

The town of Odenton, nicknamed "The Town a Railroad Built" by Catherine L. O'Malley, was formed in 1868 with the construction of the Baltimore Potomac (B&P) Railroad connecting Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Where the B&P crossed the A&ER, a train station and telegraph office were constructed and named for Oden Bowie, president of the B&P and former governor of Maryland. Train service to the station began on July 2, 1872. The rail junction (today's MARC station) at Odenton Road, already a busy thoroughfare from Annapolis to Frederick, became the site of Odenton's first commercial center. The Watts and Murray general stores served railroad workers and farmers, and in 1871 a post office was established. A town grew near the junction, houses were built for railroad workers, a Methodist church was dedicated in 1891 and a grade school opened in 1892.

Small villages developed around these various railroad lines, but none amounted to more than a cluster of shops and homes around a train station and post office. The 1878 Maryland Directory listed the following towns: Conaway, Odenton, Patuxent, Sappington, and Woodwardville. Odenton was the largest, with a population of 100, a church, a school, and two stores. In nearby Woodwardville, where the B&P crossed the Little Patuxent River, A. G. Woodward was the postmaster and operated a general merchandise store in a village of 50 people. Two churches and a school served that community. Land was worth from $5 and $30 per acre, producing wheat, corn, and tobacco.

Odenton places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Odenton Health Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Odenton Fitness offers personalized training programs tailored to individual needs, promoting overall fitness and well-being. Health and wellness are core components of Odenton's community. Piney Orchard Nature Preserve preserve boasts hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching, promoting an active and nature-rich lifestyle. Transformations Fitness for Women focuses on creating a supportive environment for women to achieve their fitness goals. Whole Yoga & Pilates provides a serene space for yoga and pilates enthusiasts. CoreLife integrates fitness, nutrition, and medical support for a holistic wellness approach. Living Fit Club offers group fitness classes and personal training sessions.

The top sites in Odenton, MD: Odenton Heritage Society, GORC Park, Night Hawk Golf Center, Crofton Go Kart Raceway

ZIP code: 21113. Area code(s): 410, 443, 667. Elevation: 90 ft (48 m). Area: 11.80 square miles (30.56 km²). Population: 42,947 (2020)

FAQs

How did Odenton, MD get its name?

The town is named after former Governor of Maryland Oden Bowie. It is bordered by Gambrills to the east, Severn to the north, Fort Meade to the west, and Crofton to the south. It is located at the intersection of Maryland Routes 170 and 175 and is bordered by Route 32 to the north. The zip code is 21113.

What are the demographics of Odenton, MD?

As of the census of 2000, there were 20,534 people, 7,594 households, and 5,551 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,653.3 inhabitants per square mile (638.3/km²). There were 7,900 housing units at an average density of 636.1 per square mile (245.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 80.15% White, 12.76% African American, 0.37% Native American, 3.06% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from other races, and 2.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.77% of the population. As of 2010, the racial makeup of the CDP was 65.28% White, 23.02% African American, 0.4% Native American, 5.48% Asian/Pacific Islander American, 0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 4.1% Two or more races. 5.9% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

What is the crime rate in Odenton, MD?

The crime rate in Odenton 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 Odenton is 1 in 54. Based on FBI crime data, Odenton is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Maryland, Odenton has a crime rate that is higher than 71% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Anne Arundel County 

Neighborhood Scout

Odenton Heritage Society

GORC Park

Night Hawk Golf Center

Crofton Go Kart Raceway

Odenton Health Center

Odenton Fitness

Piney Orchard Nature Preserve

Transformations Fitness for Women

Whole Yoga & Pilates

CoreLife

Living Fit Club

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