Median home cost: $435,000
Population: 32,717
Families: (Ages 0-17): 21%
10+ Community parks
8 Marinas
Top Schools: Chesapeake High School, Eagle Cover School, Northeast High School, Pasadena Elementary School, Riviera Beach Elementary School
Founded in the mid-1700s, Pasadena’s name was inspired by former inhabitants of California who settled nearby, and its historically agricultural footprint later grew into a suburban oasis populated with parks, local beaches and waterfront favorites like fishing, kayaking and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay.
Life’s a Beach
Spending a day at the beach feels even better when it’s close to home. Pasadena has two public beaches. Fort Smallwood Park is a swimming beach with a 380-foot fishing pier, accessible playground, walking trails, beaches and a pond.
And though it doesn’t offer public swimming, Downs Park is one of Maryland’s only dog beaches, with waterfront trails, a fishing pier and playground. Catch its Bayside Summer Concert Series on Sundays with free park entry after 5 p.m.
Maryland Pride & History
Explore local history with Hancock’s Resolution, a preserved 17th-century historic farm open from April through October that has hosted family-friendly activities like spring and fall festivals, a Fourth of July celebration and a Mother’s Day tea. Families can then celebrate their state pride at the Made in Maryland Festival. Catch live jousting, as well as artisans, crafters, local breweries and wineries, live music and children’s activities at Pasadena’s bayfront venue Kurtz Beach Aug. 16.
More to Explore: The Daily Scoop, with 32 daily ice cream flavors and customizable ice cream cakes, Twain’s Tavern (named after Mark Twain), whose “Whippersnappers” menu features an “I Don’t Know” option and “super crabs” at Kent Island Crab Co.
Family-Friendly Eats
- 1978 New York Pizzeria
- Cookie’s Kitchen
- Double T Diner
- Johnny’s Family Restaurant
- Two Rivers Steak & Fish House
More for Families
- Lake Shore Athletic Complex
- Lakeshore Plaza
- Lake Waterford Park
- Mountain Road Library
- Pasadena Paintball Park (Curtis Bay)
- Patapsco River
Local Pediatricians
- Cynthia Schaeffer, M.D. and more (Pediatric Place)
- Monta Conrad, M.D. and more (Annapolis Pediatrics – Pasadena)
- Garth A. Ashbeck, M.D. and more (Maryland Primary Care Physicians)
