Waterfront Homes for Sale
Kent Island, MD
Bounded to the west by the Bay Bridge and to the east by the Kent Narrows Bridge, Kent Island comprises 30 square miles of land mass surrounded by water and is home to some of the most beautiful waterfront properties on the East Coast. It is the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay, located in Queen Anne County, and home to the unincorporated communities of Stevensville and Chester. Approximately 20,000 people call Kent Island home.
Kent Island is known for its scenic waterfront homes, which provide direct access to the Chesapeake Bay. These properties often feature docks, piers, and expansive water views. Kent Island has a rich history, with some homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These historic properties often feature unique architectural styles and are situated in areas like Stevensville, which is recognized for its historic district.
Waterfront parks, nature trails, fishing, and water sports are popular activities on the island. With easy access to US Highway 50/301, residents enjoy easy access to Annapolis, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Commuter bus service is offered to major cities.
Around Kent Island
Explore Kent Island
Brief History of Kent Island, MD
Brief History of
Kent Island, MD
The first permanent European settlement was established in 1631 by Virginia-based William Claiborne, who named the island after his home in Kent, England, making it the third oldest still-existing English settlement in America. By 1638, after disputes and a series of naval battles, the Calvert family claimed Kent Island as a part of Maryland on behalf of King Charles I.
Natural growth and new transportation routes increased the population of Kent Island in the nineteenth century. First, ferry routes, then steamboat and railroad transportation expanded settlements and trade.
In 1952 the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was built, linking Kent Island to the Western Shore and playing a significant role in further development of the island. It also made commuting from the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area possible and the proximity to Annapolis a true convenience. A second span of the bridge was built in 1973 to accommodate the increasing traffic from the Western Shore to the ocean-side resorts.
