Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is a bustling, four-season resort located in Garrett County, Maryland. Known for beautiful scenery and a wide range of recreation, the area is home to Maryland’s only ski resort, Wisp Resort. It is popular with buyers looking for a primary residence, second home, or investment property.
Taylor-Made’s home office is located in McHenry at the lake’s northern end. Our Maryland real estate agents are true experts in the area. They understand the nuances of the market and have helped thousands of buyers and sellers reach their goals.
Deep Creek Lake Facts
- Deep Creek Lake is manmade and was completed in 1925.
- The lake has 65 miles of shoreline and covers 3,900 acres.
- Maryland’s largest freshwater lake.
- The maximum depth is 72 feet.
- The lake itself is 2,455 above sea level.
- Deep Creek Lake is owned and managed by the state of Maryland.
- Of the 6,500+ homes in the Deep Creek Lake tax district, 1000+ are Transient Vacation Rental Units (TVRU).
- Neighboring towns include McHenry, Oakland, Accident, Grantsville, and Friendsville.
- Deep Creek Lake is only a few hours from metropolitan areas like Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Pittsburgh.
About Deep Creek Lake
Nearly 1.4 million visitors travel to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland each year. They are attracted by the endless recreational opportunities and picturesque scenery. Popular Deep Creek Lake activities include swimming, boating, fishing, wake surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Owning a lakefront or lake access property puts all of that at your fingertips. Public access to Deep Creek Lake can be enjoyed at Deep Creek Lake State Park. It encompasses 1,800+ acres and has one mile of shoreline. There are two beaches for swimming, 20 miles of hiking/biking trails, picnic pavilions, and a 6,000 square foot nature center. Plus, fishing is permitted from most docks and waterfront areas.
There are nine more state parks in the area surrounding Deep Creek Lake. Each has a unique landscape and activity offering. With so much public land, it is no surprise that nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts are drawn to Deep Creek Lake. Garrett County is also known for charming small towns like Oakland, Accident, Grantsville, and Friendsville. Their streets are lined with shops, eateries, museums, and more. The lifestyle in the lake area makes it a great place to call home permanently or on a part-time basis.
Deep Creek Lake Real Estate
Homes in this area are predominantly free-standing properties. You can find styles that include cozy cabins, luxury log homes, and contemporary lakefront chalets. There are also several condo and townhome communities in the area, some of which have amenities like indoor pools and tennis courts.
Location types vary based on their proximity to the lake and ski slopes. Lakefront real estate is defined as “parcels with a boundary adjacent to the State of Maryland waterfront property”. Split lakefront is essentially lakefront real estate but with a public road bisecting the site. The house is located across the road from the waterfront. Lake access real estate has deeded rights to use a common access strip to reach the buffer strip area. This type of property may also have dock privileges. Examples of popular communities with lakefront or lake access Deep Creek Lake homes for sale include Blakeslee, Waterfront Greens, Lake Pointe, Sky Valley, and Thousand Acres.
There are also a limited number of homes and townhomes with ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes at Wisp Resort. Those communities include Highline, Kendall Camp, Villages of the Wisp, Boulder Ridge, and North Camp.
Market Activity
Buyer demand varies throughout the year. Typically, spring kicks off the “selling season”. It continues through summer and into fall. It is not unusual to see increased seller activity based on vacation rental seasonality. Owners of vacation rentals may want to sell before the peak summer season begins or as it is winding down at the end of August.
Deep Creek Lake Home Values
Home values are influenced by a variety of factors, the home’s proximity to the lake being at the top of the list. In 2023, the average residential sale price at Deep Creek Lake was $970,00.
Second Home & Vacation Rental Ownership
Deep Creek Lake is especially popular with those seeking a second home where they can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. When you partner with a Taylor-Made real estate agent, they can guide you to the right location for your interests and budget.
Additionally, they can provide insight into the vacation rental market for those who are considering an investment property. In coordination with our sister company, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations, they will provide information on local regulations and licensing as well as suggest top amenities to attract guests.
In Conclusion
The Deep Creek Lake real estate market reflects the attractive characteristics of this region.. With a range of properties, incredible amenities, and a distinct seasonality that caters to different preferences, Deep Creek Lake stands as a sought-after destination for those looking for a permanent home base or a mountain escape.