If you live in or around Catonsville, you’ve seen the bumper sticker—”Life is Great in 21228!” But what is it about Catonsville that makes the residents here truly love their city?

HISTORY

Catonsville, as we know it today, was settled along this route by Richard Caton, under the authority of his father-in-law Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Originally a natural resting point along the Frederick Turnpike, inns and shops were established in Catonsville to meet travelers needs. Eventually, an electric streetcar line linked Catonsville to Baltimore City. To learn more about Catonsville’s rich history, check out The Catonsville Chamber’s website.

FOOD

Catonsville Gourmet, Regions, Chef Paolinos, Duesenberg’s, Taneytown Deli and Atwaters are just a few of the great eateries along Main Street Catonsville.

MUSIC

In 2002, the Maryland legislature issued a proclamation declaring Catonsville “Music City, Maryland”, because of the concentration of musical retail stores, venues and educational facilities in the area. Some music related establishments on Main Street Catonsville include: Bill’s music, Appalachian Bluegrass, and Trax On Wax.

EVENTS

In Catonsville, the activities calendar is always topped up.

Frederick Road Fridays

Frederick Road Fridays is a family-friendly summer concert series beginning June 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m located at The Mews on Mellor. Frederick Road Fridays is hosted by the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with local nonprofit groups. Each week, a different nonprofit organization volunteers to help run the event and receives a share of the proceeds from beer and wine sales. Last summer, the series raised over $8000 for local charities!

Weekly Sunday Farmers Market

Every Sunday, from May 4th – November 23rd, Catonsville’s Farmers’ Market is open for business.

In addition to fresh produce and flowers, there are also some amazing local vendors such as The Baltimore Waffle Co, Brooks Salsa, The Breadery, and more! Check out a full list of current vendors here!

July 4th

Independence Day may bring Americans together all over the country but for Catonsville, July 4th activities are especially steeped in tradition and meaning. The July 4th celebration in Catonsville was originally started in 1947. Marie O’Dea, the then-editor of the community newspaper, organized the event as a way to provide a “safe and sane” holiday for Catonsville residents. It was founded on the belief that deaths and injuries on the highways could be reduced if the community could stay home and take part in a full day of activities.

One July 4th tradition that is unique to Catonsville is that residents place chairs to save a great spot to watch the parade. The chairs start appearing about a week before July 4th and by July 3rd, thousands are set up between the 1000 to 1600 block of Frederick Road. This fun tradition builds excitement for the many events ahead.

For Catonsville, July 4th is a day jam-packed with activities, starting at 8:30 am with a bike ride to Ft. McHenry, an annual Grand Parade at 3 pm and the day finishes with one of the best fireworks displays I’ve ever seen at 9:15 pm.

The July 4th activities are yet another way for Catonsville to come together, continue traditions and further strengthen the community.

SCHOOLS

Not only do our public K-12 schools receive high ratings, our local University is always receiving accolades. The U.S. News and World Report also has rated UMBC number one up-and-coming college for six years in a row. UMBC was also ranked #6 on U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges Guide’s list of schools with the “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” along with such universities as William and Mary, Berkeley, Princeton, and Brown.

STAYING ACTIVE

Patapsco State Park

With 14,000 acres of state park nearby, there’s no shortage of trails to hike and bike.

The HUB & C’Ville Bikes

Recently, the bike shop The Hub & C’ville Bikes came to Main Street, furthering the sense that Catonsville is a physically active community, as well as helping to promote Maryland’s vision for a sustainable future!

Goals Baltimore

Previously a 7-Up bottling plant turned construction company warehouse, the owners’ children were using the extra space to practice lacrosse. When word got out, others asked if they could rent the space for similar activities. Thus, Goals Baltimore officially opened its doors on Jan 2nd, 2014. As the only indoor sports center in the Catonsville area, Goals is sure to be an asset to the community. In its short existence, Goals is already bringing the community together. “I grew up in Catonsville and I’m seeing people I haven’t seen since childhood,” said director of Goals, Aleesha Davidson.

COMMUNITY

Businesses

Each year the Catonsville Chamber recognizes small businesses and the contributions they make to the community with the business awards. Last year’s awards winners were:

The Hub/ C’ville Bikes for Entrepreneurial Spirit

EmbroidMD for Community Enthusiast

Automotive Collision Technologies, inc. for Innovation

Umami Global Bistro for Revitalization

Through these awards, the community recognizes those who continue to help shape Catonsville’s bright future.

Building Connections

Taking steps to better connect UMBC to the shops and activities on Main Street, Catonsville is currently working with Rails to Trails to pave the short line trail, creating a connection from Maiden Choice lane to Paradise. This connection will allow UMBC students to take part in everything Main Street has to offer, as well as creating a more walkable and bikeable community. Learn more about Catonsville Rails to Trails here.

So, What Makes Life Great in 21228?

From its rich history to wonderful shops, events, schools and community activities, the reasons to love Catonsville are only growing. Through the years, this close-knit community has continued toward a common goal, to make Catonsville a better place for the next generation. That’s why life is great in 21228!

Share this article with a fellow resident of Catonsville and let us know why you think life is great in 21228 in the comments below!