Picture this: salty air, sailboats gliding by, and your favorite café a short walk from home. If you crave a low-key waterside lifestyle with easy access to downtown Annapolis, Eastport might be the perfect fit. You get the charm of a maritime neighborhood and the convenience of walkable streets, parks, and local dining. In this guide, you’ll learn what defines Eastport, how housing works here, and the key things to know before you buy or sell. Let’s dive in.
Where Eastport sits
Eastport is the peninsula just across Spa Creek from downtown Annapolis. It is framed by Spa Creek on the west and Back Creek on the east and south. Many homes sit within a short walk of City Dock, Main Street, and the State House area.
The setting shapes daily life. Compact, residential blocks lead to small commercial pockets, marinas, and waterfront views. You can often leave the car at home for errands, dinner, or a stroll along the water.
Walkable, waterfront living
Eastport’s rhythm revolves around the water. You will find marinas, boat services, and neighborhood restaurants woven into a pedestrian-friendly street grid. Sidewalks, bikeable roads, and bridges connect you to downtown without a long commute.
If you love history and local culture, the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park offers exhibits and programs that celebrate the area’s nautical roots. Parks and small shoreline access points invite paddling, boat-watching, and sunset walks.
Housing snapshot
Expect variety. Eastport mixes early and mid-20th-century cottages and bungalows with renovated homes, townhomes, small condos, and waterfront properties that may include private docks or seawalls. Lot sizes are modest, especially near the water, which supports the area’s walkable feel.
What drives value here:
- Waterfront and dock access. Direct water access and private slips command premiums.
- Proximity to downtown. Homes with an easy walking route to City Dock are especially sought after.
- Historic charm with modern updates. Thoughtful renovations, flood mitigation, and updated systems help homes sell faster.
- Limited inventory. A peninsula location means fewer listings than inland areas, which can keep competition strong for move-in-ready homes.
Recent sale prices change with the market. For a snapshot, review current data from local MLS and consumer portals like Redfin or Zillow and note the date of the report.
Boating culture and local flavor
Eastport is built for boaters. Marinas and yacht clubs anchor community life with racing, social events, and seasonal gatherings. Check the Eastport Yacht Club for regattas and event calendars that showcase the neighborhood’s sailing scene.
Dining and shops are laid-back and local. You will find neighborhood restaurants, takeout spots, and service businesses that are popular with residents and visitors arriving by foot or by boat. Weekends often feel like a small-town festival, especially when the docks are busy.
Getting around
Walking is often the fastest way to reach downtown Annapolis. Biking is common for short trips. Regional bus service exists, but most residents rely on walking and driving for daily needs. Main roads out of the city link you to greater Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
Practical things to know
Waterfront benefits come with added due diligence. Keep these items on your checklist:
- Flood risk and insurance. Parts of Eastport lie in FEMA flood zones, and maps change over time. Review current zones through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and explore long-term scenarios with the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer. Flood insurance and elevation certificates can affect financing and monthly costs.
- Bulkheads, docks, and permits. For shoreline work, permits may be required from the city, county, state, and sometimes federal agencies. Start with the Maryland Department of the Environment’s wetlands and waterways guidance and confirm local steps with the City of Annapolis.
- Inspections and surveys. If you are buying on the water, include inspections that evaluate bulkhead or seawall condition, dock stability, and any maintenance history or permits.
- Parking and access. Some blocks have limited off-street parking. If you own multiple vehicles or host frequent guests, confirm parking options before you write an offer.
- Schools and services. Public school assignments vary by address within the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County systems. City and county agencies provide municipal services; confirm service boundaries for any edge locations.
Is Eastport the right fit?
Choose Eastport if you value walkability, water access, and a community-oriented lifestyle. It suits boaters, casual paddlers, and anyone who enjoys living close to downtown amenities without giving up a neighborhood feel.
If you are selling, focus on improvements that matter here: updated kitchens and baths, well-documented flood mitigation, and a safe, inviting outdoor space for relaxing by the water. Waterfront sellers should provide recent dock and bulkhead inspections and highlight any permits or upgrades.
How we can help
Buying or selling in a peninsula market takes local insight and a steady plan. You will benefit from a concierge-level process that covers pricing, pre-inspections, flood and permitting checks, and negotiation strategy tailored to Eastport’s tempo. As a community-first advisor with deep Annapolis knowledge and investor-minded guidance, Romeo Santos III helps you connect lifestyle goals with smart real estate moves.
Ready to explore homes or get a pricing plan for your property? Reach out to Romeo Santos III to start a clear, step-by-step game plan.
FAQs
How close is Eastport to downtown Annapolis?
- Eastport sits just across Spa Creek from City Dock, with many blocks offering a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Is Eastport a good place for boat owners?
- Yes. Marinas, yacht clubs, and boat services are part of daily life, and the Eastport Yacht Club hosts events that anchor the local sailing scene.
Are Eastport properties in a flood zone?
- Some are. Check current maps through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and review long-term water level scenarios with the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer. Factor flood insurance into your budget.
What types of homes are in Eastport?
- You will find historic cottages and bungalows, renovated single-family homes, some townhomes and condos, and premium waterfront properties with docks.
What should buyers inspect for waterfront homes in Eastport?
- In addition to standard inspections, review bulkhead or seawall condition, dock stability, surveys, elevation certificates, and any permits tied to shoreline work.
Do I need permits for a new dock or renovation in Eastport?
- Likely yes. Start with the Maryland Department of the Environment’s guidance and confirm city requirements with Annapolis planning and permitting.
Where can I learn about Eastport’s maritime history?
- Visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park for exhibits and programs that highlight local boating heritage and the Chesapeake Bay environment.
