Ben oaks severna park

Overview of Ben Oaks, Severna Park, MD

Location: Ben Oaks is a suburban neighborhood in the 21146 ZIP code of Severna Park, nestled between Annapolis and Baltimore. It’s bordered by the Severn River to the south, offering water access, and is near major routes like Route 2, I-97, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, making commuting convenient.
Neighborhood Characteristics: Ben Oaks is primarily a residential area featuring medium to large single-family homes, with most built between 1970 and 1999, though some date back to 1940-1969. The homes range in size from about 2,142 to 5,850 square feet, with 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 5 bathrooms. Many properties are owner-occupied, with a low vacancy rate of 1.5%, indicating high demand and a tight housing market.
Community Amenities: One of the standout features is its water-privileged status, with direct access to the Severn River. Key amenities include:
- A 60+ slip marina for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
- A boat ramp, kayak launch, and finger pier for water activities.
- Scott’s Pond, a half-acre man-made freshwater pond fed by an artesian well, with a white sand beach, serving as a community gathering spot for summer events, swimming, and pier parties.
- Two tot lots, a community beach, playgrounds, ballfields, picnic areas, and a fire pit.
- Extensive waterfront green spaces and trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Demographics and Lifestyle: Residents tend to be wealthy, with incomes placing Ben Oaks among the top 15% of U.S. neighborhoods. The community is diverse, with common ancestries including Irish, German, and English. It’s family-oriented, with excellent public schools in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district, including Benfield Elementary and Severna Park High School, both highly rated. The neighborhood fosters a tight-knit, small-town feel despite its proximity to urban centers, with residents actively participating in community events like holiday gatherings and sports teams.

Housing Market

Homes for Sale and Rent: Recent listings show homes in Ben Oaks ranging from $325,000 to over $1.16 million, with an average homeowners association (HOA) fee of about $31 per month. Rental prices average around $3,160 monthly for homes with up to 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Popular recent sales include:
- 419 Ben Oaks Dr W: A 5-bed, 3-bath home sold for $729,900 in April 2020, featuring a renovated interior, screened porch, and water access.
- 414 Ben Oaks Dr E: A 5-bed, 3-bath, 3,282 sq ft rancher sold recently, fully renovated with a gourmet kitchen and basement rec room, priced around $800,000-$1 million.
Market Trends: The Severna Park housing market, including Ben Oaks, is very competitive. Homes typically receive multiple offers and sell in about 18-30 days, with median sale prices in nearby areas like Millersville reaching $775,000 last month (up 16.3% from the previous year). The median price per square foot is around $268, reflecting strong demand for waterfront and suburban properties.
No Apartments: There are no specific apartment complexes named “Ben Oaks Apartments” in Severna Park. The search results indicate that Ben Oaks is exclusively a neighborhood of single-family homes, not multi-family or apartment buildings. If you were looking for apartments, nearby areas like Downtown Annapolis or Glen Burnie offer options, but they’re not part of Ben Oaks.

Transportation and Accessibility

Commute: Most residents drive, as the area is considered car-dependent. However, it’s bike-friendly and has some walkable amenities. Commute times are relatively short, with 48.6% of residents spending 15-30 minutes to work, often heading to Annapolis, Baltimore, or D.C. Major transport hubs include Cromwell Station/Glen Burnie (7.7 miles away) and BWI Airport (11.4 miles, 18 minutes by car).
Schools and Shopping: Ben Oaks is within 12 minutes of Anne Arundel Community College and has 5 parks within 12.7 miles, including Kinder Farm Park and Fort Smallwood Park. There are 3 shopping centers within 3.3 miles, making daily errands manageable by car.

Community Vibe and Activities

Social Life: Residents love the community spirit, with events like pier parties, holiday celebrations, and a neighborhood swim team at Scott’s Pond. The pond is a central gathering place, described as “priceless” by locals, and the waterfront access enhances outdoor recreation.
Safety and Environment: Severna Park, including Ben Oaks, is known for its safety and cleanliness. Recent social media posts praise the tight-knit feel, low crime rates, and well-maintained properties, though standard suburban precautions (e.g., securing valuables) are advised.

Additional Notes

HOA and Fees: The Ben Oaks Civic Association manages community amenities, with annual HOA fees around $378, covering maintenance of common areas, piers, docks, and the pool. Slip fees apply separately for marina users.
Weather: February in Severna Park is mild, with highs around 45-50°F and lows in the 30s. Rain is common, but the indoor community spaces and nearby attractions (like museums in Annapolis) provide options for inclement weather.

If you’re looking to buy, rent, or visit Ben Oaks, contact local real estate experts like Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland or Compass for current listings and tours. Sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Homes.com offer up-to-date property details, photos, and market analyses. If you meant a different property or need apartments nearby, let me know, and I can adjust the search!

This information is based on consistent web data, ensuring accuracy and relevance for your query.