10 Things that Make Frederick a Technology Hub (and Why We’re Happy to Be Here)

You don’t have to choose between loving where you work OR where you live—you can have both! Rich in history and famous for its livability, Frederick, MD has become one of the most popular places to live, work, and play along the East Coast, thanks to its diversity of businesses, a vibrant city feel, an eclectic arts and entertainment scene, and access to nature that’s just not common to major metropolitan venues often occupied by tech companies.

Located in Central Maryland, Frederick is about an hour’s drive from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. It was once home to Francis Scott Key, who wrote the words to our national anthem, and it played a pivotal role in the Civil War. But now, Frederick is home to hard-working professionals and their families, and serves as a blossoming backdrop for technology companies and those driving their success.

Frederick is the second largest incorporated city in Maryland, after Baltimore, and its growth and popularity don’t seem to be slowing. In 2017, the city’s population broke 70,000. From 2010 to 2018, Frederick’s millennial population grew 18% and has attracted the attention of commercial developers as well as leaders in the business community. And, the city’s job growth is well over the state average, at 6.6% over the past five years.

Whether you’re a single person or looking for a place to settle down and raise a family, Frederick is an excellent choice. In 2017, it was named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com, thanks to its geographic location, business climate, excellent school system, culture and nightlife, craft beverage scene, and “a job market rich in biotech and technology.” In addition, it has a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation, a thriving sports culture, and a reinvented historic district–so, regardless of your interests or lifestyle, Frederick has something for you.

Blossoming Tech Hub

It’s not business as usual in this tech hot spot. The city of Frederick has quickly become the destination for technology companies over the past two decades, and the people of Frederick know it. Major tech and biotech companies like Astrazeneca, Lonza, Kyte Pharma, and Rooster Bio have planted roots here, and others have followed.

Frederick is a tech community that invests in you. It’s home to several organizations whose mission it is to provide resources to tech businesses in the area, making it easy to grow your professional network and become part of something larger. For example, The Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) and Tech Frederick are two organizations dedicated to cultivating the tech community. FITCI is a “business incubator and accelerator designed to cultivate entrepreneurship” while Tech Frederick exists to “identify, highlight, support, foster awareness of, advocate for, and develop Frederick’s growing high-tech community.” Tech Frederick’s annual Hackathon and Tech Games are exciting networking events that bring the local tech community together, leading to partnerships and innovation. You’ll find some fun, feel challenged, and become part of something bigger.

Location, Location, Location

They say location is everything, and that’s true when it comes to Frederick, too. It’s conveniently located almost equidistant from multiple major metropolitan areas, such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. And, you’re close to three major airports, Baltimore Washington International, Dulles International, and Reagan National Airport, so you can always easily get to where you want to go. Frederick truly is the crossroads to everything-allowing you to easily travel home to see your parents for the holidays, check out that fancy new cocktail bar in D.C., or hit up your favorite cheesesteak joint in Philly.

Or, take a vacation in your own backyard. Frederick is also close to many popular recreation and tourism attractions, like the Chesapeake Bay, Appalachian Mountains, and even the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As we like to say in Maryland, “we’re goin’ down the ocean, hon!”

City Vibes, Community Feel

Downtown Frederick is a walkable, bustling city with restaurants, shops, events, bars, live music, public art installations, theaters, and everything else you’d find in a big city. But, what makes Frederick City and County unique is its community feel. There are many organizations that bring the citizens of Frederick together to create a place that benefits the people and the businesses who reside here, like The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, Downtown Frederick Partnership, Frederick County Commission for Women, The Community Foundation of Frederick County and many others. There are countless opportunities to network, find resources and support for your business, and to collaborate with others in your area.

Lifelong Learning

Frederick is a city where you’ll want to rest your head but not your brain. It’s known for its outstanding public school system and excellent colleges in the area, such as Hood College and Mt. Saint Mary’s University, and a diverse community college. Educational institutions and professional associations give you the opportunity to not only thrive, but to also build a network of smart cookies. Regardless of age or interests, there are educational opportunities for the whole family. And, with Frederick’s convenient location, there are many major educational institutions within a stone’s throw, like University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University.

Frederick County is also home to many notable historic sites, including the Barbara Frietchie House and Monocacy National Battlefield, as well as museums and historical organizations such as The Civil War Medicine Museum and Heritage Frederick. Its history will always be ingrained in Frederick’s culture, as lives are lived in historical buildings throughout the county.

You can also explore many important historical sites in neighboring counties and states, including Antietam National Battlefield in Washington County and Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania.

Frederick is for Foodies

If variety is the spice of life, then Frederick is one perfectly seasoned dish. Whether you want light fare, late-night bar food, daringly spicy ethnic options, or a hearty shepherd’s pie, there’s a restaurant here for you.

Take a walk through the streets of downtown Frederick and you’ll find a wide variety of award-winning restaurants, cafés, and eateries, like Monocacy Crossing, The Tasting Room, Lazy Fish, Firestone’s Culinary Tavern, Sabor De Cuba, The Wine Kitchen, and Sumittra. You’ll even come across a few restaurants owned and operated by Bryan Voltaggio, celebrity chef and Top Chef finalist, including Volt and Family Meal.

Explore the rest of the county and you’ll find that each town has its hidden gem of an eatery: Watson’s Carry-Out in Jefferson, Liberty Road Seafood and Steak in Libertytown, The Main Cup in Middletown, and Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Thurmont.

Happy Hour Just Got a Lot Better

Along with all the fantastic restaurants, Frederick has plenty of opportunities to enjoy a great craft beverage. The city was even listed as one of Thrillist’s “7 Small Beer Cities That Deserve National Attention.” The county is home to nearly two dozen craft breweries, including the most notable, Flying Dog. Unwind with colleagues after a successful day by enjoying a cold craft beer while soaking in the sights of Carroll Creek. Or, grab a cold one and get competitive with new friends over a classic game of corn hole.

If beer isn’t your thing, find a seat in one of our distilleries’ tasting rooms downtown, including McClintock Distilling, Tenth Ward Distilling Company, and Dragon Distillery, and sample some local spirits. If you happen to prefer a glass of wine or two (or more), you’ll find many wineries and vineyards tucked in the hills throughout Frederick County, like Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars, Elk Run Vineyards and Winery, and Distillery Lane Ciderworks. There are even more vineyards and wineries to explore in the surrounding area in northern Virginia and neighboring Washington County. Sip wine on the grass-swept farms and take in the mountain views with friends, family, or colleagues.

The Great Outdoors

Regardless of where you live, it’s important to take time to unplug in a place of peace and solitude. Whether you prefer a park or a peak, you’ll find that there’s fun to be had in the great outdoors in Frederick County. With the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal in proximity, there are many miles of hiking and biking. And, of course, the Potomac River is the perfect place for boating, kayaking, fishing, tubing and everything in between. Find your inner adventurer as you explore the state and national parks in Frederick County, too, including Cunningham Falls State Park, Greenbrier State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park. There’s so much room to roam.

Bustling Nightlife and a Creative Culture

Don’t be fooled by Frederick’s reputation for history; a vibrant scene of its own historic proportions awaits! The city’s walkability allows you to visit theaters, restaurants, art galleries, live music, and bars, all within a few blocks of one another. It’s the perfect backdrop for a night out with friends or coworkers, spending quality time with family, or even a romantic date. It certainly won’t be hard to find a reason to celebrate.

In 2019, Frederick was named one of The Top 40 Most Vibrant Arts Communities in America by Artslandia. Within a block, you’ll find three theaters, including the Weinberg Center for the Arts,  The Maryland Ensemble Theater, and New Spire Arts. Take a stroll down Market Street and you’ll find many galleries featuring art of all mediums, like NOMA Gallery and The Delaplaine Arts Center. And, during the warmer weather months, you can often hear live music in Baker Park for the Summer Concert Series or along Carroll Creek at Alive at 5. Carroll Creek also serves as the setting for annual celebrations and festivals, including Frederick Pride, craft fairs, art festivals, beer gardens, and more.

Affordability

Frederick’s cost of living gets you a lot of bang for your buck. The current median home cost in Frederick is $283,800, while the median home cost in cities like Austin, TX ($369,000) and Washington, D.C. ($556,700) is far higher. Your dollar can take you farther in Frederick, and as the city’s popularity grows, so will your future home value.

Top-Notch Healthcare

One underrated feature of Frederick is access to top-notch healthcare providers. There are plenty of physicians, doctors, and specialists to choose from here in town, or you can take a short ride down the road to Baltimore or Washington for an even wider variety at Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland.

With its great location, blossoming tech industry, and artsy vibes, Frederick is quickly becoming a notable city along the east coast. Visit our careers page and discover what opportunities are waiting for you in Frederick, Maryland.