Page 50 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

Quality of Life: HOUSING OPTIONS
Garrett County Real Estate
BOOMS AMID PANDEMIC
T he real estate market in Garrett County has showed its resiliency in one of the toughest environments in recent memory:
the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the pandemic first started, the local real estate market was basically shut down for a month, according to Jon Bell, owner of Railey Realty in McHenry.
In April and the beginning of May, the market slowed even further.
“It was a very scary time,” Bell said.
But, by the middle of May, everything changed and the real estate market started booming. People were flocking to Garrett County to look for a home, and those who already had homes in the area started spending more time here.
“I have seen a few people move here full- time,” Bell said. “My clients have been talking about working from home and living at Deep Creek full time for years, and the pandemic really sped up the process. A lot of my clients are now working from home most of the time. So, while they are, they stay at their lake house instead of their primary residence.”
Of course, Garrett County isn’t just for those seeking a second or vacation home. The
area has a wide array of housing options available that are affordable for families
or young professionals, such as beautifully restored Victorians, ramblers, ranchers and contemporary units. Condominiums are available for as low as $85,000.
Recently sold homes in Oakland have a median listing price of $229,000 and a
price per square foot of $164, according to Realtor.com. In McHenry, proximity to Deep Creek Lake means the median listing price of a home is $285,000. But in picturesque Grantsville, set amid beautiful mountain landscapes, the median listing price is a much more affordable $195,500.
In addition, for those looking to rent before they buy, there are houses, cottages, bungalows and cabins available with weekly, monthly, seasonal or yearly terms.
As for the influx of new buyers, lakefront home sales are up 63% over last year, with 116 sold so far this year, compared to 71
for the same time frame in 2019. This has certainly been the most impacted section of the market during the surge of buyer demand the past few months. Lakefront lot sales are up slightly over 2019, with 18 sold so far in 2020 compared to 14 in 2019. Lake- access home sales have also seen increases
over last year, with 89 sold so far this year, compared to 57 in 2019.
“People come here to spend time with
their families and escape the city life,” Bell said. “On an average day, I may talk to 100 people, but only see 10. That’s why people come to Deep Creek — to get away from
it all, to social distance. Deep Creek is an absolutely beautiful mountain and lake area, close to several major cities and an easy drive. Most of the homeowners and visitors can get here on just one tank of gas. Deep Creek is the perfect place to safely ride out the COVID storm.”
Indeed, the region has a pristine lake, gorgeous mountains and open space to enjoy the outdoors. There is a vibrant dining and shopping scene, along with burgeoning arts districts. Garrett County is simply an attractive place to live.
“The area is fun,” Bell said. “No matter if you are a boater, skier, like to ride jet skis, sail, hike, mountain bike or just have a campfire with the kids, Deep Creek is the place to
be. You can do everything here with very little to no interaction or contact with other people. Deep Creek is Maryland’s outdoor playground, with all the infrastructure needed to have a safe, relaxing stay.”
48 The Deep Creek Experience
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK