Kent Island sits in the Chesapeake Bay between Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, connected to the mainland by the Bay Bridge. Two active adult communities here — one of the region's largest planned 55+ developments and an established attached community. Here's what buyers need to know before making the island home.
Kent Island is part of Queen Anne's County — the smallest county in Maryland by land area, but one of the state's fastest-growing in terms of residential development. Chester, the island's main commercial hub, sits at the Bay Bridge landing and has grown into a substantial strip of retail, restaurants, and services over the past two decades.
The Bay Bridge (US-50/301) is the only land connection to the western Maryland mainland. Annapolis is approximately 17 miles west. Easton (Eastern Shore urban center) is approximately 25 miles east on US-50. Baltimore is about 40 miles north via US-50 and I-97. Washington DC is 45–50 miles.
The island lifestyle is decidedly water-oriented. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and cycling on the Cross Island Trail (6.5 miles, paved) are the defining outdoor activities. The pace is slower than suburban Maryland; Chester handles daily needs but serious shopping or specialist medical care requires a Bay Bridge crossing.
K. Hovnanian. Largest 55+ community planned in the region. Under active construction.
Stevensville location. Close to Bay Bridge crossing and Chesapeake Exploration Center.
Queen Anne's County's effective property tax rate is approximately 0.86% — meaningfully lower than Anne Arundel (~1.09%) and comparable to Worcester County (~0.78%). On a $650,000 home, that's ~$5,590/year vs. $7,085 in Anne Arundel — a $1,495/year saving.
Kent Island has extensive AE and AH flood zone designations. Check your specific lot at msc.fema.gov before signing. Zone AE requires federally-backed flood insurance if you carry a mortgage — budget $800–$3,000+/year depending on elevation certificate.
Westbound summer weekend backups regularly extend through Chester, past the community entrance. High-wind closures (several per year) strand island residents with no bypass. For buyers who anticipate frequent mainland travel, model your trips around this reality.
| Facility | Distance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis) | ~17 mi west | Requires Bay Bridge crossing |
| University of MD Shore Medical (Easton) | ~25 mi east | No bridge — Eastern Shore route |
| Chester Medical Center (local) | In Chester | Outpatient / urgent care level |
| Johns Hopkins (Baltimore) | ~40 mi north | Via Bay Bridge + I-97 |
| Ft. Meade Kimbrough AMC (military) | ~22 mi west | Military beneficiaries only |
Considering Kent Island?
A local buyer's agent can pull flood zone maps, K. Hovnanian's current pricing and incentives, and Bay Bridge Cove resale comps — all before your first visit.
Get Connected to a Kent Island Specialist