Median Age
37 Years
Largest Age Group
30-39 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
28%
Over 65
14%
Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,560
Population
4,866
Renter Mix
40% Rent
Tucked into the upper Chesapeake Bay along the North East River, this small Cecil County town is rich with history and outdoor character. Originally settled in 1658, North East sits roughly halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, making it a practical base for commuters who want a slower pace without sacrificing access to two major metropolitan areas. The town's colonial roots show up in landmarks like the 1833 Turkey Point Lighthouse and the Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Daily life here revolves around a walkable Main Street lined with local shops and eateries, plus easy access to Elk Neck State Forest's 2,200 acres of trails, campgrounds, and waterfront. The atmosphere leans relaxed and outdoorsy, shaped as much by the river and bay as by the tree-lined neighborhood streets. Housing options range from historic single-family homes and townhomes to newer apartment communities that offer a low-maintenance lifestyle without straying far from the water. With a modest total footprint of around three square miles, North East keeps things genuinely close-knit. Renters who want natural beauty, genuine small-town character, and reasonable proximity to big-city employment corridors will find this Cecil County gem worth a serious look.
A beautiful fall day in North East.
Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge was built around 1860.
Pick pumpkins and enjoy apple cider doughnuts at Milburn Orchards near North East.
Median Household Income
$70,178
Average: $81,492
Education
900
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
2,513
Workers Employed
Median Age
37 Years
Largest Age Group
30-39 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
28%
Over 65
14%
Housing Distribution
North East has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in North East, MD is $1,066 for a studio, $1,546 for one bedroom, $1,794 for two bedrooms, and $2,235 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in North East has increased by 1.0% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly North East, MD is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
Limited Public Transit
Transit
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades PK-5
468 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
468 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
592 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
592 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
791 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
791 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,106 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,106 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,069 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,069 Students
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.