Expand, Relocate or Return to the Heart of the Chesapeake
Home to industrious, innovative and creative individuals, Dorchester County’s landscape defines not only where – but who we are. Shaped and surrounded by water, our community reflects the character and culture of all who live, work and are lured to this place of incomparable beauty. Discover an authentic Chesapeake lifestyle on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Dorchester County boasts attractive and affordable housing options from waterfront estates to rural developments and city condos, townhouses and apartments. Local amenities include shops, restaurants, parks, marinas, and public entertainment venues within walking or biking distance.
Cambridge – Dorchester’s County seat – is an authentic seaport community on the shores of the Choptank River. The city’s rich maritime heritage and working waterfront are on display along the shores where watermen, sail makers, ship chandlers and boat captains make their living among the museums, restaurants and attractions.
Authentic, Affordable & Accessible Eastern Shore Lifestyle
Live and Work in a Year-Round Destination
Surrounded and shaped by water, is it any wonder our county tag line is “water moves us.”
With more than 1,700 miles of shoreline, Dorchester County is a beautiful place to live, work and play. Inspired by our rich maritime history, abundant natural beauty and tranquil waterfront setting, millennials, entrepreneurs and retirees are discovering our authentic Eastern Shore community.
Heart of the Chesapeake, Convenient Location
Dorchester is ideally situated on the central Atlantic seaboard, allowing overnight truck access to one-third of the U.S. population.
New York, Philadelphia and Richmond are within a 200 mile radius. Our close proximity to Baltimore and Washington – less than 90 miles from each city – attracts large and small businesses and entrepreneurs due to cost advantages, business assets, and unrivaled quality of life.
World-Class Assets
From endurance athletes and waterfowl sportsmen to boating enthusiasts and history lovers, Dorchester’s unparalleled natural beauty and signature waterfront attracts people who want to live, work and play in the heart of Chesapeake country. A few of our incomparable destinations and recreational assets include:
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy birdwatching, cycling, hiking and paddling in the 28,000 Blackwater NWR, a major stop on the Atlantic flyway for migratory and one of USA Today’s top 10 for places to view wildlife.
Boaters Paradise
From events like the Cambridge Classic and fall Skipjack races to the dozens of public marinas and boating businesses, Dorchester is a boaters paradise.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Situated on the banks of the Choptank River, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is a 350-acre paradise for family vacations, weekend getaways, and business retreats.
IRONMAN Maryland
The only full distance IRONMAN on the East Coast brings thousands of endurance athletes and supporters to Cambridge each Fall.
Hunting & Birding
Exquisite natural resources and abundant waterfowl have made Dorchester a magnet for sportsmen and bird watchers alike.
Harriet Tubman
Opened in 2017, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek has quickly become one of Maryland’s most popular destinations.
Business Assets & Strengths
With more than 700 businesses employing 8,800 people, Dorchester has a strong and diversified mix of sectors in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Historically, manufacturing, food processing, fishing and agriculture were dominant industries. Today, tourism, business services and fulfillment operations have created new economic and employment opportunities. Coupled with a thriving entrepreneurial community, Dorchester is a county on the move.
As a federally designated HUBZone, a Dorchester location provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located here. The County has two Maryland State designated Enterprise Zones at the Dorchester Regional Technology and Hurlock Industrial parks.
Category leaders and headquarter companies include Amick Farms, Cambridge Engineered Solutions, GKD-USA, Protenergy, LWRC International and the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort.
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy. Entrepreneurs like JT Merryweather, Chris Brohawn, Adrian Green Holmes, and Adam Xenides have built businesses around their passions.
Learn about Dorchester’s business strengths and employers here:
RAR Brewing
Chris Brohawn and JT Merryweather, Co-Owners
Liv Again
Adrian Green Holmes, Co-Owner
Hoopers Island Expeditions
Adam Xenides, Owner / Operator
Explore our Towns & Communities
Vienna
Founded in 1706, this quaint town on the Nanticoke River thrived on trade, shipbuilding, and tobacco farming. With a current population of 275, Vienna is known for having miles of beautiful waterfront. Learn more.
Church Creek
Located six miles south of Cambridge, Church Creek is said to be the first established settlement in Dorchester County. Church Creek has a small population of 125 residents, but a large history regarding religion and education. Learn more.
East New Market
East New Market was active during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Originally named “New Market”, the town became a center of commercial crossroads for Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Learn more.