Maryland Regions:

EASTERN SHORE

Chesapeake Living and Endless Possibility

From the banks of the Chesapeake to its stunning Atlantic shores, the Eastern Shore is a place of unique peace and potential offering sweeping water vistas and a clear vision for the future. On the Shore, tradition and innovation coexist with growing opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Institutions like Salisbury University and easy access to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and direct access to major East Coast markets via Routes 50 and 301 mean the Shore combines strategic location with an unmatched, Chesapeake inspired quality of life. Affordable living, deep community and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure mean the Eastern Shore isn’t just scenic—it’s strategic.

Map highlighting the Eastern Shore

Get to Know Eastern Shore Communities

Stretching from the quiet coves of the Chesapeake to the open waters of the Atlantic, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a region defined by beauty, community and opportunity. From thriving, cosmopolitan small towns through rural expanses and waterfront escapes, the Shore offers a quiet quality of life and exciting opportunities for tomorrow.

Caroline County

Caroline County, centrally located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is a major logistics hub, especially for the agriculture industry. Manufacturing facilities are strategically located throughout the county with industrial corridors positioned in the towns of Denton and Greensboro, a shovel-ready technology park in Ridgely and three industrial parks in Federalsburg. In Caroline County, enjoy rural landscapes and small town charm.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Cecil County

Situated in the I-95 corridor, midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, Cecil County puts major markets in reach. In addition to close proximity to two major international airports and three ports, CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads, Cecil County is an intermodal transportation dream. The county is also located in the Baltimore Foreign Trade Zone #74, providing economic incentives to companies importing or exporting international goods.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Dorchester County

This rural, water-abundant County of the Eastern Shore is a center of agricultural and aquaculture success. Many agribusinesses power a robust food processing sector. In the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Dorchester County’s 1,700 miles of shoreline make it a prime location for outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities. The county’s natural beauty makes it a great place to live, work and play. 

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Kent County

Kent County sits directly East of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, with Washington D.C. 50 miles to the southwest and Philadelphia 60 miles to the northeast. Key routes link Maryland to Delaware via Kent County, making it a prime location for warehouse and distribution operations and commercial transportation. With open-access fiber broadband availability, opportunities await for businesses such as data centers, call centers, cybersecurity firms, and education centers. The new Chestertown Business Campus, an 80-acre development, offers an innovative business-living campus.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Queen Anne’s County

Queen Anne’s County is an ideal choice for businesses seeking a prime, affordable location that offers an excellent quality of life, a well-educated workforce, and easy access to major metropolitan areas. The U.S. 50/301 corridor running through the county links it to major area interstates and provides access to international freight terminals and airports.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Somerset County

Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay, Somerset County is a waterfront oasis with more than 600 miles of shoreline. In Somerset county, find picturesque farmlands, charming villages, and a relaxed pace. With rich farmland and abundant access to water, it’s no surprise that the area is known for its major seafood processor and poultry producer. Home to University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a HBCU, a pipeline of talent is ready to serve the local business community.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Talbot County

Talbot County offers a prime environment for business expansion with the state’s lowest real estate property tax rate. Healthcare, financial services and aquaculture enterprises are booming in Talbot County, while the area maintains its reputation as a premier tourist destination. Easton, the County Seat offers quaint bookstores, contemporary fine dining and everything in between, earning it the title of “Maryland’s Most Charming Town” by Travel & Leisure. Easton’s airport is undergoing a significant Airfield Modernization Program that will enhance business connectivity and market access.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Wicomico County

Home to Perdue Farms, Wicomico County is the leading agricultural producing county in Maryland. Popular crops in the area include corn, soybeans, wheat and vegetables. Don’t be misled by its rural nature, Wicomico offers big amenities, like Maryland’s second largest airport, and close proximity to NASA’s Wallops Island Flight Facility and Spaceport. Halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, cultural, recreational and civic amenities add to the lure of Wicomico, offering citizens a lifestyle second to none.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Worcester County

Worcester, Maryland’s only county bordering the Atlantic Ocean, offers extensive shoreline, natural beauty and rich cultural history. It’s no surprise that the area attracts many hospitality and entertainment enterprises that engage with Ocean City’s eight million annual visitors. Worcester County has commercial and industrial zoned buildings and sites located in all areas of the county, ranging from two to 80 acres.

County Website
County Fact Sheet

Leading Industries on the Eastern Shore

Tourism

With one of the best airports in the nation and an East Coast location that’s drive-able for millions of consumers, tourism businesses look to Maryland and see opportunity.

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Advanced Manufacturing

Maryland’s dedicated apprenticeship programs, career and technical education programs, and leading universities mean a top-notch workforce is ready to assist Maryland.

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Agribusiness

From small family farms to modern aquaculture operations. From microbreweries to major bakeries. Agribusiness in Maryland is booming.

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Mindie Burgoyne

Mindie Burgoyne​

Business Development Representative, Maryland Department of Commerce

410-718-0094
Brigitte Peters

Brigitte Peters

Director of Rural Economic Strategy, Maryland Department of Commerce

443-890-4440

What’s Happening on the Eastern Shore