🏡 About Kent County
Kent County is Maryland's smallest county by population — approximately 19,000 residents on the upper Eastern Shore along the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay. Despite its tiny size, Kent County has an outsized cultural footprint anchored by Washington College in Chestertown, one of the nation's ten oldest colleges (founded 1782) and the only college named in honor of George Washington during his lifetime.
With only 3 mobile home parks, Kent County's affordable housing options are extremely limited. Amberly Trailer Park (25 lots) on Philosophers Terrace in Chestertown is the county's largest community, walking distance from Washington College's campus and Chestertown's exceptional waterfront downtown. Rock Hall, the county's other significant town, is known as the 'Pearl of the Chesapeake' — a world-class sailing destination with extensive marina facilities.
Kent County offers one of Maryland's most distinctive quality-of-life propositions — the combination of Washington College's cultural programming, Chestertown's historic waterfront, Rock Hall's sailing and fishing culture, and genuinely affordable housing creates a community experience found nowhere else in the state.
💰 Lot Rent
- Chestertown area: $350–$500/month
- Rock Hall area: $375–$550/month
- Rural Kent County: $300–$450/month
- Very limited inventory — only 3 parks county-wide
🚗 Commuting
- Bay Bridge/Annapolis via Route 213/50: 45 minutes
- Baltimore via Route 301/Bay Bridge/I-695: 1.5 hours
- Washington DC via Bay Bridge/US-50: 2 hours
- Wilmington, DE via Route 291/I-95: 1 hour
- Chester River access for boating
- No MARC service — car-dependent county
🏢 Major Employers
- Washington College: major employer and cultural anchor
- Kent County Public Schools
- Chester River Hospital Center (now UM Shore)
- Agriculture: grain farming and poultry
- Rock Hall marina and boating industry
- Tourism: Chestertown's heritage tourism
🏫 Schools & Amenities
Kent County Public Schools is a very small, community-focused district. Washington College provides college-level coursework and extraordinary cultural programming open to community members — lectures, performances, gallery shows, and athletic events. Shopping is limited in Kent County — Chestertown has a Safeway, local shops, and Washington College's facilities. For major shopping, residents travel to Easton (30 min) or the Bay Bridge area. UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown provides healthcare. The Chester River, Chesapeake Bay, and Sassafras River provide exceptional boating, fishing, and kayaking.
⚖️ Tenant Rights
Maryland law: 90 days notice for rent increases, 6 months before closure, right of first refusal if park sold. Free help: Maryland Legal Aid (800) 639-6137
📍 Key Areas
Chestertown (21620): Kent County's seat and cultural center, home to Washington College. Amberly Trailer Park at 123 Philosophers Terrace (25 lots, 410-778-3400) and Tettemer Trailer Park (3 lots, 410-778-2200) serve this historic waterfront town. Chestertown's High Street historic district, Chester River waterfront, and the Chestertown Farmers' Market are community treasures. The annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival in May celebrates the town's revolutionary heritage.
Rock Hall (21661): The 'Pearl of the Chesapeake' — a Chesapeake Bay sailing mecca with extensive marina facilities, seafood restaurants, and a strong boating community. Rock Hall Mobile Home Park provides affordable housing in this beloved waterfront community. Rock Hall hosts numerous sailing regattas and fishing tournaments throughout the year.
❓ FAQ
What is Washington College and how does it benefit Kent County residents?
Washington College is a highly regarded liberal arts college founded in 1782 — the first college chartered in the new United States and the only one named in honor of George Washington during his lifetime. The college's museum, performing arts center, athletics, and public lectures are open to community members and provide extraordinary cultural amenity for Kent County residents at no cost.
Is Chestertown a good place to live?
Chestertown consistently appears on 'best small towns' lists for good reason — it has a beautifully preserved historic waterfront, excellent independent restaurants, strong community identity, Washington College's cultural programming, and a growing arts scene. For residents who value authenticity, history, and small-town quality of life over big-city amenities, Chestertown is exceptional.
What makes Rock Hall special?
Rock Hall is one of the Chesapeake Bay's premier sailing destinations — boats from New England to the Carolinas stop here during their annual migrations. The town has excellent seafood restaurants, active fishing charter operations, and one of the Bay's most welcoming marina communities. Living in Rock Hall means having a front-row seat to the Bay's sailing culture.